NYC gun license reciprocity, honestly
Two questions people conflate — whether New York honors your out-of-state permit, and whether a New York license works elsewhere. They have different answers.
New York does not recognize carry permits from other states. To carry a handgun in New York, you generally need a valid New York license — an out-of-state permit does not authorize carry here. In the other direction, whether a New York license is honored somewhere else is decided by thatstate's law, not New York's, so the only reliable answer is to check the specific state you're traveling to.
Coming into New York
This is the part people most often get wrong. New York is not a reciprocity state: it does not accept another state's permit as authority to carry within New York. The rule below is set by New York, and here is the source:
New York does not recognize handgun-carry permits issued by other states, and a person generally must hold a valid New York license to carry a handgun in New York.
Set by NY Penal Law §265.20; §400.00 · source · we last checked 2026-08-02
Leaving New York
Whether another state honors your New York license is that state's decision. Some do, many don't, and the answer shifts as laws and court rulings change. We deliberately don't publish a state-by-state list here — a stale list is worse than none. Confirm the current rules for your destination with that state's official source before you travel with a firearm.
Reciprocity questions tied to your specific plans or record are legal questions. For those, talk to a licensed attorney, and use our official sources page to reach the primary references.
Does New York honor an out-of-state concealed carry permit?+
No. New York does not recognize handgun-carry permits issued by other states. To carry a handgun in New York, a person generally must hold a valid New York license — a permit from another state does not authorize carry here.
I'm moving to NYC with a permit from another state. Can I carry?+
Not on the other state's permit. New York doesn't recognize it. If you become a New York resident, you'd apply for a New York license through the NYPD License Division like any other applicant. Until you're licensed here, don't rely on your old permit to carry in New York.
Will my NYC license let me carry in other states?+
That's decided by each destination state's own law, not by New York — some states recognize a New York license and many do not, and it can change. Before you travel with a firearm, confirm the current rules for the specific state you're going to.
How do I keep up with reciprocity changes?+
Reciprocity rules change as states and courts act. The safest habit is to re-check the destination state's official guidance before each trip rather than relying on a list that may be out of date.
Becoming a New Yorker and want to be licensed here? Start with a quick check.
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