New York City Gun Laws for Visitors: Carry, Transport and Penalties (2026)
Short answerPartly. Guns are legal in New York City only with an NYPD license or permit, and visitors cannot carry on an out-of-state permit. Possessing a firearm without a license is a crime under Penal Law § 265.01, and carrying in Times Square or the subway is a felony.
Last verified: November 6, 2026 against Penal Law Article 265, Penal Law § 400.00, the New York City Administrative Code and NYPD License Division guidance
New York City gun laws for visitors are some of the strictest in the country, and a gun that is legal at home can lead to an arrest within minutes of landing. People searching this usually want to know three things: whether guns are legal in the five boroughs, whether a concealed carry permit from another state works, and how to travel through the city without breaking the law.
This page covers state and city rules for handguns, rifles and shotguns, plus the knife rule that surprises many tourists. It is general information, not legal advice. For the statewide picture, see our New York gun laws overview.
Key facts
- Handguns: need an NYPD License Division license, and a license from another New York county is not valid in the city without a special permit from the police commissioner.
- Rifles and shotguns: need an NYPD permit in the five boroughs.
- Out-of-state permits: not a defense to a New York City charge.
- Sensitive locations: Times Square, the subway, parks, bars and many other places are off limits even with a license (class E felony).
- Knives: carrying a blade of four inches or more in public is barred by
Administrative Code § 10-133.
Are guns legal in New York City?
Yes, for people who hold the right license. Owning a gun is not banned, but the city adds its own layer on top of state law. The NYPD License Division issues handgun licenses, and the city requires a separate permit for any rifle or shotgun under the Administrative Code.
Without that authority, possessing a firearm is criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree under Penal Law § 265.01. So the short answer to whether it is illegal to own a gun in New York City is no, but only if you are licensed and the gun is not a banned type.
Can you legally carry a gun in New York City?
Only with an NYPD carry license, and even then not everywhere. Since the Concealed Carry Improvement Act took effect on September 1, 2022, applicants face an interview, character references, a list of social media accounts, and training of 16 hours in a classroom and 2 hours of live fire. The NYPD lists an application fee of $340.00 and a fingerprint fee of $89.75, and applicants are generally 21 or older.
The NYPD sets the type of license, such as a premises license for a home or business or a concealed carry license, and a premises license does not let you carry in public.
Does an out-of-state concealed carry permit work in NYC?
No. New York does not recognize concealed carry permits from other states, and the city does not either. A visitor who carries on a Florida, Texas or Pennsylvania permit can be charged under Penal Law § 265.01 or, if the gun is loaded, Penal Law § 265.03, a class C felony.
New York City note: a pistol license from another part of New York State is also not valid in the five boroughs without a special permit from the police commissioner. Passing through on a continuous trip with the gun locked away is a narrow exception under Penal Law § 400.00(6).
Can you travel through New York City with a gun?
Sometimes, if you are only passing through. Federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 926A, protects a person moving a gun between two places where it is legal, but only if the gun is unloaded, locked in a container the driver cannot reach, with ammunition stored separately. The protection depends on a continuous trip, so stopping overnight in a New York City hotel can put you outside it.
- Keep the gun unloaded and in a locked case, out of sight and away from the passenger area.
- Store ammunition in a separate locked container.
- Do not stop in the city except for fuel, food or traffic.
- Do not carry the gun on your person, even briefly.
State Police guidance says an unattended gun in a vehicle must be unloaded and locked in a hidden storage depository. When in doubt, route around the five boroughs.
Where are guns banned in New York City?
Even a licensed carrier cannot take a gun into a sensitive location. Penal Law § 265.01-e lists places such as government buildings, schools, health care facilities, houses of worship, public parks and playgrounds, public transit including the subway, bars and restaurants licensed to serve alcohol, theaters, stadiums, museums and Times Square. Knowingly possessing a gun there is a class E felony.
Courts have kept much of this list in place. In September 2025 a federal appeals court kept New York’s restrictions in place, including the Times Square and subway bans, and on May 18, 2026 the Second Circuit in Christian v. James upheld the public parks ban while leaving the private property rule blocked for stores and other places open to the public.
What are the rules for rifles and shotguns in New York City?
The city is stricter than the rest of the state. Outside New York City, many non-semiautomatic rifles and shotguns need no state license, but in the five boroughs you need an NYPD permit for any rifle or shotgun. Our page on what guns are legal in NY without a permit explains that statewide gap.
Assault weapons, magazines that hold more than ten rounds and firearm silencers are banned statewide, and possessing them is a class D felony under Penal Law § 265.02.
New York City knife and weapon rules
Visitors who leave the gun at home can still be charged over a blade. Carrying a knife with a blade of four inches or more in public is barred by Administrative Code § 10-133, and state law also bans switchblades and certain other knives. Details are in our New York knife laws guide. Tasers and stun guns also have their own rules, covered in our Taser law page.
Penalties for gun violations in New York City
| Offense | Level | Typical example |
|---|---|---|
Criminal possession of a weapon, 4th degree (§ 265.01) | Class A misdemeanor | Unlicensed handgun |
Gun in a sensitive location (§ 265.01-e) | Class E felony | Carrying in Times Square or the subway |
Criminal possession, 3rd degree (§ 265.02) | Class D felony | Assault weapon or magazine over ten rounds |
Criminal possession, 2nd degree (§ 265.03) | Class C felony | Loaded firearm outside home or business |
Under Penal Law § 70.15, a class A misdemeanor carries up to 364 days in jail. Under Penal Law § 70.00, the maximum term is 4 years for a class E felony, 7 years for class D and 15 years for class C, though many first offenders receive less.
Timeline of New York City gun law
- January 15, 2013: the SAFE Act is signed, adding assault weapon and magazine limits.
- June 23, 2022: NYSRPA v. Bruen strikes the proper cause rule for carry licenses.
- September 1, 2022: the Concealed Carry Improvement Act takes effect, creating the sensitive locations list.
- May 18, 2026: Christian v. James upholds the public parks ban.
Myths and facts
- Myth: A permit from my home state covers me in New York City. Fact: New York does not honor other states’ permits.
- Myth: A tourist who admits to having a gun will just get a warning. Fact: Being a visitor is not a defense, and an arrest is possible.
- Myth: A pocket knife is always fine. Fact: A blade of four inches or more is barred in public in the city.
What should you do if you are stopped or charged?
Stay calm, keep your hands visible and tell the officer where the gun is only if asked. Do not answer questions about where you got it or why you brought it before you speak with a New York-licensed criminal defense attorney. Keep your permit, travel records and receipts. For lawful force in a crisis, see our New York self defense laws.
Frequently asked questions
Are guns banned in New York City?
No. Licensed adults can own guns in the five boroughs. But the NYPD must approve a handgun license or a rifle and shotgun permit, assault weapons and large magazines are banned, and many places are off limits to carry.
Can tourists bring a gun to New York City?
Not to keep or carry. A tourist has no New York license, so possessing a gun in the city is a crime. Federal law allows a continuous trip through with the gun unloaded and locked away, but stopping in the city can end that protection.
Is concealed carry legal in New York City?
Yes, but only for people with an NYPD carry license, and never in sensitive locations such as Times Square, the subway, parks and bars. Out-of-state permits do not count.
Is it illegal to own a gun in New York City?
Not if you hold the right NYPD license or permit and the gun is not a banned type. Possession without that authority is a class A misdemeanor or higher under Penal Law Article 265.
What is the penalty for an unlicensed gun in New York City?
At least a class A misdemeanor, with up to 364 days in jail. A loaded gun outside your home or business is a class C felony under Penal Law § 265.03, with up to 15 years in prison.
What changed on this page
- November 6, 2026: first publication, checked against Penal Law §§ 265.01, 265.01-e, 265.02, 265.03, 400.00 and the NYPD License Division. Spotted a mistake? See our corrections page and editorial policy.
If this affects you
For a license or permit in the five boroughs, contact the NYPD License Division. For a charge or a seized gun, talk to a New York-licensed criminal defense attorney. The New York State Bar Association lawyer referral service can help you find one. For more topics, browse guns, knives and self-defense laws.
