Pistol Permits

If you have a restricted permit please fillout the Request for Removal of Restrictionsform below and return it to our office. Our office will contact you when the updated permit is available for pick-up. There isa $5.00 fee, cash ONLY, to print a new card.

Request for Removal of Restrictions(PDF, 122KB)

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. Please read the attached directions and fill out the form below. We recommend that you save the form to your desktop and attach it to your email. Please send to:pistolpermits@tompkins-co.org.Payment of $15.00, cash, is due upon pick-up.

Conversion Directions(PDF, 126KB)

Plastic Card Conversion Form(PDF, 166KB)

Pistol / Semi-Automatic Rifle License Application(PDF, 2MB)

Character Reference Form(PDF, 138KB)

You CANNOT apply for a new permit if: 

• You have ever been previously convicted of a felony or serious offense, as defined by the New York State Penal Law 265.00(17). 
  • 265.00 (Scroll to Subsection 17)
  • Non-NYS Convictions that may prohibit firearms possession or obtaining firearms permits(PDF, 124KB)

Processed Monday-Friday between 8:30 AM-4:00 PM at the Civil/Records Office window. Coupons will be given at the time of service. The following documentation is required: 

• 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 ONLY
• State Issued Driver's License 

Upgrade Form(PDF, 351KB)

If you wish to co-register a firearm, you must bring the following items to the Sheriff's Office:

• Co-Registration of Firearms(PDF, 199KB)
• Your entire pistol permit (including firearm cards)
• Payment of $3.00 - cash ONLY
• State Issued Driver's License

When filling out the form, please leave the Witness signature line blank, this will be filled out at the Sheriff's Office; however, if you have this document notarized, they will sign on the Witness signature line. As a co-registrant you are responsible to make sure that you report any disposals of the firearm; same as if you are the primary owner of the firearm. Both parties will need to come to the Sheriff's Office together with the co-registration form or have the form notarized. The person adding the firearms to their permit must bring the form to the Sheriff's Office for an amendment.

NYS Firearms License Request for Public Records Exemption(PDF, 73KB)

Pistol permit holders may elect to keep their firearm ownership private by filling out the New York State Firearms License Request for Public Records Exemption form. Anyone who completes the form would be exempt from having his or her information released under FOIL. The form must be turned in or mailed to the Sheriff's Office or the Tompkins County Clerk's Office.