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Amending a Pistol Permit - APPOINTMENT OR MAIL-IN ONLY
Transferring a Firearm from a Dealer
When a firearm is obtained from a dealer, you must mail in the following items:
- Filled out amendment form
- Instructions on how to fill out the form for adding or removing a firearm
- Original or copy of the bill of sale on dealer’s letterhead listing the seller’s name, address, phone number, Federal Firearms License (FFL) number, New York State Dealer License number, and description of the firearm.
- A copy of your entire pistol permit (including firearm cards)
- Payment of $3 - cash or check made out to Monroe County Clerk
- Your phone number so we can contact you with any questions
If you are mailing in or dropping off your transaction: Upon review and acceptance of these documents, a clerk will mail back an updated permit and a coupon. PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST 14 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THIS PROCESS TO OCCUR. Do not contact us about the status until it has been at least 14 business days as your call or email will not be returned.
If you have a plastic permit you are required to dispose of your old permit upon receipt of your new permit. This does not apply to paper permits, you must keep your old permit with your new permit.
Transferring a Firearm from an Immediate Family Member
When a firearm is obtained from an immediate family member, you must mail in the following items:
- Filled out amendment form
- Completed Private Transfer to Immediate Family Members form
- A copy of your entire pistol permit (including firearm cards)
- Payment of $3 - cash or check made out to Monroe County Clerk
- Your phone number so we can contact you with any questions
If you are mailing in or dropping off your transaction: Upon review and acceptance of these documents, a clerk will mail back an updated permit. PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST 14 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THIS PROCESS TO OCCUR. Do not contact us about the status until it has been at least 14 business days as your call or email will not be returned.
If you have a plastic permit you are required to dispose of your old permit upon receipt of your new permit. This does not apply to paper permits, you must keep your old permit with your new permit.
Co-Registering a Firearm
If you wish to co-register a firearm, you must mail in the following items:
- Filled out amendment form
- Instructions on how to fill out an amendment form for co-registering a firearm
- Completed Co-Registration Consent Form
- A copy of your entire pistol permit (including firearm cards)
- Payment of $3 - cash or check made out to Monroe County Clerk
- Your phone number so we can contact you with any questions
If you are mailing in or dropping off your transaction: Upon review and acceptance of these documents, a clerk will mail back an updated permit. PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST 14 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THIS PROCESS TO OCCUR. Do not contact us about the status until it has been at least 14 business days as your call or email will not be returned.
If you have a plastic permit you are required to dispose of your old permit upon receipt of your new permit. This does not apply to paper permits, you must keep your old permit with your new permit.
Address Change
If you wish to change your address, which New York State requires to be completed within 10 days of the change, you must fill out the amendment form and send it along with the following items to this office by mail.
- Filled out amendment form
- Instructions on how to fill out the amendment form for an address change
- A copy of your entire pistol permit (including firearm cards)
- Payment of $5 - cash or check made out to Monroe County Clerk
- Your phone number so we can contact you with any questions
If you are mailing in or dropping off your transaction: Upon review and acceptance of these documents, a clerk will mail back an updated permit. PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST 14 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THIS PROCESS TO OCCUR. Do not contact us about the status until it has been at least 14 business days as your call or email will not be returned.
If you have a plastic permit you are required to dispose of your old permit upon receipt of your new permit. This does not apply to paper permits, you must keep your old permit with your new permit.
Adding a Firearm from a Deceased Individual
Please contact your local law enforcement office and ask for the firearms officer.
Applying for a Pistol Permit - APPOINTMENT ONLY
You may apply for a pistol permit if you have been a resident of Monroe County for at least six months at the time of application. Under New York State Law, you must be 21 years of age to be issued a pistol permit and to purchase a pistol. You are not required to buy or own a firearm at the time of application and your permit will not expire even if you never place a firearm on it.
Choose the appropriate form based on where you live and print a double-sided application. New York State requires the application form to be double-sided. Complete packets are also available outside of our office - 39 West Main Street, Room 101, 102, and 105, Rochester 14614.
In order to avoid unnecessary delays in the processing of your application, please read and follow all instructions in the packet carefully and be sure to complete all forms before your appointment. Applicants must appear in-person to turn in their application. The cost to apply for a pistol permit is specified in the application packet.
REMINDER: PRINT A DOUBLE-SIDED APPLICATION.
- Pistol Permit Application for City of Rochester Residents
- Pistol Permit Application for Suburban Residents
**FINGERPRINTING IS ONLY ACCEPTED FROM RPD OR SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND CANNOT BE DONE BY INDENTOGO OR ANY OTHER COMPANY**
City of Rochester Applicants: The City of Rochester will accept pistol permit applications by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. To schedule your appointment, please call 585-428-6702. Please note that the application must be completely filled out when you bring it to your appointment.
Suburban Applicants: The Monroe County Sheriff's Department is processing fingerprints by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. To schedule your appointment, please call 585-753-4175. Please note you must bring your receipt with you to your appointment.
If you have lived in Monroe County for fewer than 3 years, you must still provide the 4 Monroe County character references who have known you for as long as you have lived here, PLUS 3 additional references who live in the state or county where you previously lived. Print out 3 copies of this Proof of Character Form for your additional references. Their signatures must be notarized.
Plastic Card Conversion - APPOINTMENT ONLY
Since November 23, 2015, all new pistol permit applicants are issued plastic cards. Current pistol permit holders may convert to a new plastic permit by submitting the Conversion Form linked below. Once we process your form, we will contact you to come in for your plastic card. While you are waiting to receive your new plastic card please know that you may continue to make amendments to your paper permit.
We will contact you to book an appointment once we have processed your request.
Name Change - MAIL-IN ONLY
A change of name requires the permit holder to submit proof of the new name in the form of a marriage certificate or a court ordered name change, along with a copy of the updated driver’s license. Either postal mail or email (to MCPistols@MonroeCounty.gov) those copies along with the New Amended Permit form to:
Monroe County Clerk's Office
Attn: Pistol Permit Unit
39 W. Main St., Ste. 101
Rochester, NY 14614
We will contact you to book an appointment once the change has been approved by a Judge.
Transferring a Pistol Permit - MAIL-IN ONLY
To transfer your pistol permit out of Monroe County, first contact the new county for any restrictions they may have. The Transfer Out Form located below should be completed and then returned to our office either in person or by mail to Monroe County Clerk’s Office, 39 West Main Street, Room 101, Rochester, NY 14614. A $5 check made payable to the Monroe County Clerk must be included with your Transfer Request form. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the process of our transfer. You may then contact the new County on how to proceed.
To transfer your pistol permit into Monroe County, please check with your current county for any forms or other information needed to start the process with them.
Lost, Stolen or Replacement Pistol Permit - MAIL-IN ONLY
If you permit was lost, stolen or is too worn to read, please submit for a New Amended Permit using the form below. Return the form by postal mail or email. Once we receive the form, we will process the information and contact you when it is time to visit our office to print the replacement. All replacement permits are plastic. The total cost is $12, which includes new photos (if you previously had a plastic card, the cost is $5). If your permit is lost or stolen you cannot carry your firearms until a new license is issued.
Our mailing address is:
Monroe County Clerk's Office
Attn: Pistol Permit Unit
39 W Main Street, Room 101
Rochester, New York 14614
We will contact you to book an appointment once we have processed your request.
Pistol Permit Recertification
The recertification process will be conducted by the New York State Police but, in order to help Monroe County Pistol Permit holders, information is available at the County Clerk's Office. Here is the site to recertify: https://firearms.troopers.ny.gov/pprecert/welcome.faces
The State Police have launched a web site where Pistol Permit Licensees can be recertified either online or by downloaded paper form. According to NYS Law, the deadline for recertifying is January 31, 2018 for all licenses issued prior to January 15, 2013. For those issued after January 15, 2013, the recertification deadline will be 5 years from the Original Date of Issue.
The filer will need to list on the recertification form all handguns that are in their possession. The State Police will contact the filer to resolve any discrepancies between the recertification application and their existing records.
The State Police will NOT be issuing a card stating a permit holder is recertified. The filer will be able to check the status of their recertification on the State Police website. There will be no requirement that the filer carry proof of recertification. If submitted by mail it is recommended that the application be sent by certified mail so that there will be proof of mailing.
Any additional questions about Recertification should be directed to the New York State Police at 1-855-529-4867.
New York State SAFE Act Information
Opt-out forms should be returned to the County in which your permit was issued. We cannot accept forms for other Counties. Your Firearms License # is the Carry number on your permit.
The Governor’s Office has established a website to answer questions about the New York SAFE Act. Click below for more info.
On the website you will find interactive information that helps determine if your firearm classifies as an assault weapon. You are also able to register your assault weapon(s) directly online. Assault weapon registration forms can also be obtained by visiting a NYS Trooper station. Click here for locations and phone numbers.
If you have additional questions, the New York State Police have established a hotline 1-855-LAW-GUNS (1-855-529-4867).
Additional Questions?
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call the Pistol Permit Unit at 585-753-1642 or email MCPistols@MonroeCounty.gov.