New York FFL Transfer Guide: Laws, Fees & Finding a Local FFL

If you’ve ever tried to buy a firearm online and have it shipped to your address in New York, you’ve already learned what longtime gun owners in the Empire State know: the rules here are some of the strictest in the country. Every firearm — handgun, rifle, or shotgun — has to be transferred through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder, and on top of federal law, New York layers on its own permit, registration, and background-check requirements. This guide walks you through exactly how to complete an FFL transfer in New York, what it’ll cost, how long it takes, and where to find a local FFL dealer near you.

How FFL Transfers Work in New York

An FFL transfer is the process of legally moving a firearm from an out-of-state seller (an online retailer, auction site like GunBroker, or private party) to a buyer in New York. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(3)) prohibits the interstate shipment of a firearm directly to a non-licensed individual. Instead, the gun is shipped to a local FFL holder in New York, who runs the required background checks and paperwork before releasing it to the buyer.

What makes New York different from most states is the layer of state-level requirements added on top:

• Handguns: You must already have a New York State pistol permit (issued at the county level) before any handgun can be transferred to you. The pistol permit must be amended to add the new firearm before you can take possession.
• Rifles and shotguns: Since the passage of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) and related reforms, all long-gun purchases now require a State Police background check through the NICS portal — not a direct federal NICS check. Expect additional processing time.
• “Assault weapons” and large-capacity magazines: Banned for civilian sale under the NY SAFE Act. Many AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles cannot be transferred to NY residents regardless of FFL status.

FFL Transfer Fees in New York

FFL transfer fees in New York run higher than the national average because of the extra paperwork dealers handle. Expect:

• Long guns (rifles/shotguns): $35–$75 per transfer
• Handguns: $50–$125 (handguns require pistol permit amendment, which adds dealer time)
• NYC five boroughs: Add another $25–$50 — NYC has additional permit and registration requirements administered by the NYPD License Division

Many dealers also charge a small fee for the New York State background check submission ($10–$15), which is in addition to the transfer fee itself.

Step-by-Step: Completing an FFL Transfer in New York

1. Choose Your Firearm and Seller

Before you buy, confirm two things: (1) the firearm is legal in New York (no SAFE Act-banned features), and (2) the seller will ship to your state. Many online retailers maintain a do-not-ship list for New York — particularly for “assault weapons,” standard-capacity magazines, and certain ammunition.

2. Find a Local FFL Dealer

Pick an FFL dealer near you before you complete the purchase. Use our Find a Dealer directory to locate licensed FFLs in cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and across all 62 counties. Call ahead — confirm they accept transfers, ask about fees, and verify they handle the type of firearm you’re buying.

3. Provide the Seller With Your FFL’s Info

The seller will need a copy of your chosen FFL’s license. Most FFLs will email it directly to the seller when you provide the dealer’s name and contact info, or many already have it on file with the major online retailers.

4. Wait for the Firearm to Arrive

Shipping typically takes 3–7 business days. Your FFL will call or email when it arrives. Do not go to the dealer until they confirm receipt — it saves a wasted trip.

5. Amend Your Pistol Permit (Handguns Only)

If you’re transferring a handgun, you must take the purchase coupon from your FFL to your local pistol permit office (typically the county clerk or sheriff’s office, except in NYC where the NYPD handles it). The permit must be amended to list the specific make, model, and serial number. This step adds 1–6 weeks in many counties — plan ahead.

6. Complete the Transfer

Bring your driver’s license (with a NY address), your amended pistol permit (handguns), and payment for the transfer fee. You’ll fill out ATF Form 4473 and the New York State firearm transaction record. The dealer submits the background check through the NICS Verification Network. Wait times vary — typically 20 minutes to several hours, sometimes longer if delayed.

New York Gun Laws You Need to Know

• Pistol permit required for any handgun purchase or possession — issued at the county level, can take 4 months to over a year depending on county
• SAFE Act (2013): Bans semi-auto rifles with one or more “military features” (pistol grip, telescoping stock, flash suppressor, etc.), and limits magazines to 10 rounds
• Universal background checks: All firearm transfers, including private sales, must go through an FFL
• Waiting period: Up to 30 days for long guns if the NICS check is delayed (effective 2022)
• Red Flag law: New York’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law allows firearms to be temporarily removed from individuals deemed a danger
• Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA): Imposes “sensitive location” restrictions, training requirements, and social media disclosure for concealed-carry permit applicants

Finding an FFL Dealer in New York

New York has FFL holders in every major city and most counties. The dealer landscape varies — some are full-service gun shops, others are home-based “kitchen-table” FFLs that handle transfers as a side business with lower fees. Both are perfectly legal and legitimate.

Major metro areas with strong FFL coverage include New York City (with its additional NYPD requirements), Long Island, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Yonkers, and the Hudson Valley. Browse our directory below to find licensed FFLs near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a gun shipped directly to my home in New York?

No. Federal law requires all interstate firearm transfers to go through an FFL holder. The only exception is a curio-and-relic firearm shipped to a licensed C&R collector.

How long does an FFL transfer take in New York?

For long guns, plan on 1–2 weeks total: 3–7 days for shipping, then same-day pickup if the NICS check clears. For handguns, add 2–6 weeks for the pistol permit amendment process.

Can I buy an AR-15 in New York?

Only “featureless” or compliant configurations are legal. Standard AR-15s with pistol grips, telescoping stocks, or flash suppressors are banned under the SAFE Act. Some manufacturers make NY-compliant models specifically for this market.

Do I need a permit to buy a rifle or shotgun in New York?

No permit is required for long-gun purchases statewide, but you must pass a New York State background check (replacing the federal NICS check as of 2023). NYC requires a separate rifle/shotgun permit administered by the NYPD.

What if my background check is delayed?

New York allows the state up to 30 days to complete a delayed background check on long guns. The dealer cannot release the firearm until the check is approved or 30 days pass without a denial.

Can I transfer a firearm I inherited from a family member out of state?

Inherited firearms still must move through an FFL if they cross state lines. The receiving FFL will document the transfer and complete the required background check. For handguns, the firearm must be added to your New York pistol permit.

Find Your New York FFL Dealer

Ready to complete your transfer? Browse our directory of licensed FFL dealers across New York State. Filter by city or zip to find a dealer near you, compare transfer fees, and check business hours before you commit to a purchase.

→ Find a Licensed FFL Dealer in New York