Can a convicted felon own a gun after 10 years in NY?

Asked by: Kirstin Mosciski  |  Last update: July 2, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (27 votes)

No, a convicted felon cannot automatically own a gun in New York after 10 years. Federal law permanently bans felons from possessing firearms, and New York state law specifically prohibits individuals with felony or "serious offense" convictions from obtaining a gun license. Restoration requires obtaining a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or Certificate of Good Conduct.

Can a felon get gun rights back in New York?

The state offers two different types of certificates that can restore gun rights in some cases. Those seeking to regain their firearm rights must apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct from the New York State Board of Parole or a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities is granted by the court.

Does a certificate of relief restore gun rights in NY?

For a person that has a prior felony but was sentenced to a term in State Prison, they will need to obtain a Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). DOCCS is very bad about restoring gun rights and rarely does so.

Can a felon get a gun permit in NYS?

Federal law and New York State law both prohibit an individual with a felony on their record from getting a permit to possess a firearm. Also, people in New York who are convicted of domestic violence crimes are prohibited from getting firearms.

What are the new gun laws in NY 2026?

New York’s gun laws remain among the strictest in the nation, centered around the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA). You must have a license to possess a handgun, and all gun sales require background checks. Additionally, sweeping legislation from 2025 and 2026 targets illegal manufacturing and rapid-fire modifications.

Restoring Firearm Rights After Felony or Domestic Violence Convictions

22 related questions found

Are they trying to restore felons' gun rights?

Justice Department restarts program to restore gun rights The Department of Justice is quietly restarting a decades-dormant program to restore gun rights to felons. One of them was an alleged fake elector in 2020.

How long does it take for a felony to come off your record in NY?

In New York, a felony conviction stays on your record permanently, but under the Clean Slate Act (effective late 2024), most felonies are automatically sealed eight years after sentencing or release from prison, provided you have no pending charges and are off parole/probation. Some serious felonies (e.g., Class A, violent offenses) are ineligible for automatic sealing.

What states allow felons firearms?

All states except Vermont generally restrict firearm access after a person has been convicted of a felony, mirroring federal law in this area, which generally prohibits firearm access after an individual has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.

How can I remove a felony from my record in New York?

People who have a maximum of two criminal convictions on their record - only one of which is a felony - may apply to seal certain New York conviction(s). To be eligible, at least 10 years must have passed since your conviction or, if you served time, your most recent release from jail or prison.

How much is it to restore gun rights?

We most likely are able to take your gun rights restoration case as well, and we will tell you how much that will cost in the analysis. Gun rights restoration services start as low as $750, depending on the state in which your record occurred.

When did felons lose gun rights?

1938. The Federal Firearms Act (FFA) of 1938 required gun manufacturers, importers, and dealers to obtain a federal firearms license. It also defined a group of people, including convicted felons, who could not purchase guns, and mandated that gun sellers keep customer records.

Can a convicted felon hunt in New York State?

Generally, felons are prohibited from possessing firearms under New York state law.

What does "Mexican carry" mean?

"Mexican carry" is a slang term for the practice of carrying a handgun tucked directly into your waistband or pocket without a holster.

Is NY trying to ban glocks?

There has been recent legislative discussion in New York regarding specific firearm models and their susceptibility to illegal modifications. Lawmakers have introduced proposals aimed at pistols that can be easily converted into automatic weapons using aftermarket parts.

What is the most gun-friendly state?

New Hampshire is frequently ranked as the most gun-friendly state in the U.S. due to its "constitutional carry" laws (no permit required to carry), lack of state sales tax, and minimal restrictions on firearm ownership. Other top contenders often cited for having the most permissive laws include Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, and West Virginia.

What guns are legal in NY without a permit?

Outside of New York City, you can purchase non-semiautomatic rifles (bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action) and shotguns without a permit, provided they meet NYS SAFE Act requirements (barrel length ≥16is greater than or equal to 16≥16 inches for rifles, ≥18is greater than or equal to 18≥18 for shotguns). As of 2026, a license is required to purchase semiautomatic rifles, handguns, or any firearm in NYC.

Which state is the most felon friendly?

These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons

  • Massachusetts.
  • Montana.
  • Nevada.
  • New Hampshire.
  • New Mexico.
  • New York.
  • Texas.
  • Washington.

Do pardoned felons get their rights back?

The rights to run for office, serve on a jury, or possess a handgun can only be restored by a pardon. Restoration process also applies to those with federal and out-of-state convictions.

What is the clean slate program in NY?

New York State's Clean Slate Act takes effect November 16, 2024. It provides the Unified Court System up to three years from that date (until November 16, 2027) to set up the required processes to automatically seal eligible conviction records.

How long do felons stay on your record?

In California, a felony conviction typically stays on your record indefinitely unless you take action to have it removed. This means that without intervention, your felony conviction could potentially impact your life for years to come.

What can felons not do?

What Does Having a Felony Prevent You from Doing?

  • Voting and Other Civic Participation. ...
  • Owning or Possessing Firearms. ...
  • Finding Good Employment. ...
  • Accessing Housing. ...
  • Getting Licensed. ...
  • Receiving Federal Benefits. ...
  • Traveling Abroad. ...
  • Will a Felony Conviction Stay on My Record Forever in California?