Is a pistol permit issued by a licensing officer in an upstate county valid in New York City?
No. A pistol permit issued by an upstate county is valid in any other county in New York State except New York City. In order for an upstate licensee to lawfully carry a handgun in New York City, he/she must first make application with the New York City Police Department to have their permit “validated.” An investigation will be conducted to determine the authenticity of the license, after which a “needs assessment” will be conducted to determine whether the applicant has sufficiently demonstrated a “need” to possess a handgun under the circumstances provided. The simple desire to possess a handgun while in New York City, without some other extenuating circumstances, will not serve to present a “need” suitable to receive authorization. In cases where “need” is sufficiently demonstrated, permission will be given, usually for a specific period of time, after which the process would start over again.
