Pistol Permits

Pistol Permit Changes

FAQs released by New York State - Click here.
Recertification information - Click here.
Summary of changes - Click here.
Form to be added to the 18 hour safety course instructor list - Click here.

What Safety Course is Required?

Restriction removal - in the Summary of changes document there is information regarding the removal of restrictions currently on a Pistol Permit. A permit holder should check their permit, or contact the County Clerk's Office to verify who their Licensing Officer is. Below are the forms for each Licensing Officer which is to be completed and either sent or brought to our office. With photo identification our office is able to notarize the permit holder's signature.

Pistol Permit Amendments

The Cortland County Clerk's Office is open to the public and appointments are not necessary.  Amendments by mail are available for those that are unable to come to the office.  Click here for the instructions, a sample amendment and a blank amendment to complete and send in by mail.

Recertification 

  • Visit the New York State website to get up-to-date information on recertification requirements and things that have recently changed. 

State Requirement

In New York State, a license is needed to possess a handgun at home, at a place of business, and to carry the handgun concealed.


Granting Licenses

The Cortland County Clerk's Office issues and receives all applications and amendments for pistol permits. Judge David C. Alexander and Judge Julie A. Campbell are the licensing officers of handguns, and licensing is completely within their discretion. 

A license may be granted if the applicant:

  • 21 years of age or older (age requirement does not apply to those honorably discharged from the military).
  • Must reside, be principally employed or have a principal place of business as a merchant or storekeeper in Cortland County.
  • Is of good moral character and has not been convicted of a "serious" offense (incl. violations and misdemeanors as set forth in section 265 Subd. 17, PL.)
  • States if and when treatment received for a mental illness.
  • Has "no good cause" existing for denial of the license.
  • Has completed the required 18 hour safety course as outlined by New York State.

An investigation will be conducted of all statements required in the application. In the case of a denial, the licensing officer must give concise and specific reasons for the denial.
  

Applications 

Available at the Cortland County Clerk's Office for $10.  To apply in Cortland County, an application packet must be purchased.  There are various applications and forms individuals have been able to find online.  These are not sufficient for the Cortland County application process.


Fingerprinting

  Schedule an Appointment:  Fingerprinting Service website or by calling their toll free call center at 1-877-472-6915. Service Code: 151HXZ

  • Fee is approximately $100 
  • Two forms of identification at the fingerprinting location.  At least one of these must have a photo.
  • Completed application must be submitted to the Cortland County Clerk's office within 30 days of being fingerprinted.

Permit Photo

Pistol permit photos for new applications may be taken at the County Clerk’s Office for a fee of $10.

Safety Course

Contact the Cortland County Clerk's office for information on this requirement. 

What Safety Course is Required? 

Safety Course Instructor List

Click here to complete the form to be added to the list of instructors providing the new 18 hour safety course as outlined by New York State.

Pistol Permit

Must include make, model, caliber and serial number of each handgun.

$3 for each amendment to permit and $5 to print updated card

$5 for a duplicate card. 

Permit Transfer

Request a transfer with the County where the permit currently is active.

Questions

Call the Cortland County Clerk's Office at 607-753-5379.

Useful Documents

  1. Co-registration Multiple Handguns
  2. Co-registration Single Handgun
  3. Pistol Permit Opt Out FOIL Form