What disqualifies you from a NYC gun license
The general legal criteria the NYPD weighs — stated plainly, sourced to the statute. What none of this can do is tell you how your own record will be treated.
New York law sets out who may be licensed. Broadly, an applicant must be of good moral character, must not have been convicted of a felony or a “serious offense,” must not be an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and must not have been involuntarily committed to a mental-health facility, among other criteria. These are general standards — whether any specific history disqualifies a given person is a legal question, and we don't answer it. A licensed attorney does.
This is general information, not legal advice. Explaining a rule is one thing; advising on your specific arrest or conviction is the practice of law. If your history raises any question, speak with a New York-licensed attorney before you file.
The criteria New York sets
Each of these is set by New York State law, not by us. We link the primary source for every one:
A handgun-license applicant must be of good moral character — the essential character, temperament, and judgment necessary to be entrusted with a firearm.
Set by NY Penal Law §400.00(1)(b) · source · we last checked 2026-08-02
An applicant must not have been convicted anywhere of a felony or a “serious offense” as defined by New York law, and must not be the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant.
Set by NY Penal Law §400.00(1)(c) · source · we last checked 2026-08-02
An applicant must not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, any controlled substance.
Set by NY Penal Law §400.00(1)(e) · source · we last checked 2026-08-02
An applicant must not have been involuntarily committed to a mental-health facility, and must disclose any history of mental illness on the application.
Set by NY Penal Law §400.00(1)(i)–(j) · source · we last checked 2026-08-02
For an unrestricted carry license, an applicant must not have been convicted within the preceding five years of certain offenses, including specified assault, misdemeanor driving-while-intoxicated, or menacing offenses.
Set by NY Penal Law §400.00(1)(n) · source · we last checked 2026-08-02
Sealed and dismissed arrests are still disclosed on a New York firearms application.
Set by CPL Article 160 · source · we last checked 2026-07-14
What disqualifies you from getting a gun license in NYC?+
New York sets the standards: an applicant must be of good moral character, must not have been convicted of a felony or a “serious offense,” must not be an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and must not have been involuntarily committed to a mental-health facility, among other criteria. Whether any specific history affects a given application is a legal question for an attorney.
Can I get a NYC gun license with a misdemeanor or an old arrest?+
It depends on the specifics, and that's exactly the kind of question we can't answer for you — doing so would be legal advice. New York disclosure rules are strict: even sealed and dismissed arrests are disclosed on a firearms application. If you have any conviction or arrest history, talk to a licensed attorney before you file.
Do I have to disclose a sealed or dismissed arrest?+
Yes. Sealed and dismissed arrests are still disclosed on a New York firearms application. We are candor-maximizing, never disclosure-minimizing — no part of this process should ever suggest leaving something out.
Is there anything extra for a carry license specifically?+
Yes. For an unrestricted carry license, an applicant must not have been convicted within the preceding five years of certain offenses, including specified assault, misdemeanor DWI, or menacing offenses. The exact application of that rule to a specific record is a legal question for an attorney.
Questions about your own record belong with an attorney — not a form. Not sure where you stand overall?