Can felons own guns in New York?

Asked by: Prof. Lindsey Schulist  |  Last update: September 30, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (35 votes)

New York prohibits the purchase or acquisition of a handgun, rifle or shotgun by people who know that they are prohibited from possessing a firearm because they have been convicted of, or have had a warrant of arrest issued for, a felony or serious offense.

Can a felon get his gun rights back in New York?

In New York, there are two primary certificates that can restore your gun rights: Certificate of Relief from Disabilities: Suitable for individuals with one felony conviction. It removes the statutory bar to owning firearms and is often easier to obtain than a Certificate of Good Conduct.

Can you get a gun permit with a felony in NY?

You will be disqualified for a firearms permit if you have a NYS felony or "serious offense" conviction as defined below. It is advised you disclose your convictions from any jurisdiction as accurately as possible. Convictions from out- of-state may require additional evaluation.

What disqualifies you from owning a gun in NY?

The “Red Flag” Law, also known as the extreme risk protection order (ERPO) law, prevents individuals who show signs of being a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing any kind of gun. It also requires such individuals to surrender any guns they own or possess.

What states allow felons to own 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.

Fact Check Team: Felons allowed to have guns? Only if...

45 related questions found

Is it illegal for a felon to own a gun?

California Penal Code 29800 PC imposes a lifetime ban on gun ownership or control by convicted felons. It applies to anyone convicted of a felony in any state or country.

What is the best state for felons?

50-State Comparison: Limits on Use of Criminal Record in Employment, Licensing & Housing
  • Utah. ...
  • Vermont. ...
  • Virgin Islands. ...
  • Virginia. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • West Virginia. ...
  • Wisconsin. ...
  • Wyoming. Wyoming has no laws restricting consideration of criminal record in employment, including limits on application-stage employer inquiries.

Can a felon hunt in New York state?

Can I get a hunting license and carry guns if I get a Certificate of Relief? The New York State Penal Law section 265.20 states a person must be in possession of a Certificate of Good Conduct to legally possess a firearm if they have been convicted of a felony or serious offense.

Why would I be denied a pistol permit in NYS?

Firearm Prohibitions in New York

Under federal law, people are generally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms if they have been convicted of a felony or some domestic violence misdemeanors, or if they are subject to certain court orders related to domestic violence or a serious mental condition.

Who can own a gun in New York?

Possession of handguns, rifles, or shotguns in New York City requires a license or a permit issued by the NYPD License Division. The City issues licenses to own a handgun and permits for rifles and shotguns. You can apply online or in person. You must be 21 years of age.

What is the Clean Slate Act in NY?

This law will automatically seal certain criminal records after a required waiting period – three years after conviction or release from jail for a misdemeanor and eight years after conviction or release from prison for a felony – provided they have maintained a clean record and are no longer on probation or parole.

Can a convicted felon get a passport?

Who can and cannot get a passport? According to USA Today, most felons can get a passport without a problem. This is assuming a person is not currently awaiting trial, on probation or parole or otherwise banned from leaving the country.

How much is a gun permit in NY?

Review LICENSE APPLICATION FEES. The application fee for a handgun license and for renewal is $340 (three hundred and forty dollars). The application fee for a Rifle/Shotgun permit is $140 (one hundred and forty dollars). The fingerprint fee is $88.25 (eighty eight dollars and twenty five cents).

What felonies cannot be expunged in NY?

Sex offenses, violent felonies, and serious felonies are not eligible for sealing. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEAL A CONVICTION? This is the first time that New York has had a sealing law like this, so the courts cannot provide an estimate yet. WHO CAN SEE THE CONVICTION AFTER ITS BEEN SEALED?

How much does it cost to restore your gun rights?

Gun rights restoration services start as low as $750, depending on the state in which your record occurred. We understand that cost is an important factor in choosing an attorney and we strive to keep our prices fair to our clients.

What can felons not do in NY?

When you are convicted of a New York state felony you lose many of the rights and privileges of being an American citizen:
  • You may no longer vote (this is called “felony disenfranchisement”)
  • Exclusion of future purchase of firearms.
  • You may no longer sit on a jury.
  • You are excluded from welfare.

What state is the hardest to get a pistol permit?

Report Highlights:
  • Hawaii is the #1 worst state for gun owners due to strict purchasing and carry laws, as well as defying the Supreme Court on the individual's right to carry.
  • California is the #2 worst state for gun owners due to its permit-to-purchase and reciprocity laws.

What disqualifies you from getting a pistol permit in New York State?

Disqualifying Factors for a Pistol or Semi-automatic Rifle Permit. You have been convicted of any misdemeanor offense in any jurisdiction or in the former penal law that includes all of the essential elements of a felony offense as defined in the current penal law.

When can a felon own a gun 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.

Can a felon be around a gun at all?

Under federal law, felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Some states return a felon's civil rights to own a gun after serving their sentence or a waiting period. If you live with a felon, you have to make sure gun access is limited so they don't have constructive possession.

Can a felon be a bounty hunter in NY?

Before you pursue a career as a bounty hunter in New York, you must be at least 25 years old and have no felony convictions. You must have at least 3 years of experience working as a: Police officer* Investigator in a state, county or federal agency**

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

What is the best job a felon can get?

12 highest-paying jobs for felons
  1. Digital marketer. ...
  2. Freelance copywriter. ...
  3. Freelance designer. ...
  4. Painter. ...
  5. Maintenance worker. ...
  6. CNC machinist. ...
  7. Car sales executive. ...
  8. Entrepreneur.

What is the number one felony?

By far, one of the most common felonies in the United States is drug crimes. Whether this is possession or trafficking, any time you are discovered with illegal, controlled substances, you will likely face a felony.