Retired law enforcement carry & LEOSA
How the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act fits alongside New York's licensing — the general framework, sourced to the statute.
The federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) lets a qualified retired law enforcement officerwho meets its conditions carry a concealed firearm — subject to the statute's limits and to state laws on where carry is prohibited. LEOSA is federal and separatefrom a New York license. Whether a particular person qualifies, and how LEOSA interacts with New York's rules, are legal questions for an attorney.
The federal framework
LEOSA is set by Congress, not by us. Here is the statute and what it broadly provides for qualified retired officers:
Under the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (18 U.S.C. §926C), a qualified retired law enforcement officer who meets the statute’s conditions — including at least 10 years of service (or separation due to a service-connected disability), separation in good standing, and current annual firearms qualification — may carry a concealed firearm, subject to the statute’s limits and to state laws on where carry is prohibited.
Set by 18 U.S.C. §926C (LEOSA) · source · we last checked 2026-08-02
This is general information, not legal advice. Retired-officer eligibility and the interplay with New York's sensitive-location rules turn on specifics, so speak with a licensed attorney for your situation.
Can a retired police officer carry a concealed firearm under LEOSA?+
Under the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (18 U.S.C. §926C), a “qualified retired law enforcement officer” who meets the statute's conditions may carry a concealed firearm nationwide, subject to the statute's limits and to state laws about where carry is prohibited. Whether a specific person qualifies is a legal question.
What are the main LEOSA requirements for a retired officer?+
The statute's conditions include an aggregate of at least 10 years of law-enforcement service (or separation due to a service-connected disability), separation in good standing, current annual firearms qualification, and carrying the required photo identification. The exact requirements are set by federal law, not by us.
Is LEOSA the same as a NYC gun license?+
No. LEOSA is a federal authority that exists separately from New York's licensing. A retired officer may still choose to hold a New York license, and how the NYPD License Division treats retired-law-enforcement applicants is a separate question from LEOSA itself.
Does LEOSA override New York's sensitive-location rules?+
LEOSA has limits and does not erase every state or local restriction on where a firearm may be carried. Because the interaction between federal LEOSA authority and New York's rules can be nuanced, a retired officer with specific questions should confirm them with a licensed attorney.
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