New Pistol Permit Application Process

Applicant Requirements

1. You must be at least 21 years of age and a resident of Erie County.
2. You must fill out the County PPA-4R (Rev 9/22) application
3. You must fill out the State PPB-3 (Rev 8/22) application.  (No Photo Copies)   
• State PPB-3 Application MUST be notarized by a Notary Public or Commissioner of Deeds under "Jurat" on the back.
• One (1) black and white or color photograph (2”x2”) 
• You must have 4 character references sign your application
• Valid email address so you can receive updates throughout the process
4. You must take a Handgun Safety Course from a Duly Authorized Instructor.
5. Review the FBI Privacy Statement Act
6. Provide a copy of your NYS driver's license or Non-Drivers ID. 
7. Provide a copy of your Social Security Card or W-2 that lists your Social Security Number.
8. Provide a copy of your fingerprint receipt
9. Provide a check or money order for $20 made out to "Erie County Clerk" for the application processing fee.
10. Provide a certificate of disposition for ALL arrests including SEALED cases and DWI (except traffic infractions)
11. Provide documents required for a Business Protection Permit.
12. Provide proof of citizenship and/or immigration document(s) IF BORN OUTSIDE OF U.S.
13. You must be fingerprinted prior to submitting your pistol permit application. 
• Fingerprinting should be done no more than 30 days before submission
• Book a fingerprint appointment at https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/151Z1G
• or Call 1-877-472-6915 (Service Code 151Z1G)

 Applications MUST now be submitted in person with the Erie County Pistol Permit Office

Rules for Character Reference

1. No References can be a relative of the applicant or a boyfriend/girlfriend
2. Amherst residents must have at least 2 references that live in Amherst, the other 2 may live anywhere in Erie County
3. EAST AURORA residents must have at least 2 references that live in East Aurora, the other 2 may live anywhere in Erie County
4. Residents who live in any other towns, villages, or cities, may use anyone in Erie County as a reference

The Erie County Pistol Permit Department CANNOT make exceptions to the above requirements; those must be made by an authorized person at the specific police department.   

The Application Process after Submission

The Application Process will follow these basic 6 steps which will represent the email alerts you will get if you provided a valid email address on your application.  

1. The application is recorded by the Erie County Clerk's Office and then is waiting for the designated Police agency to pick it up.  (Waiting for Police Pickup)
2. The application gets picked up by the designated Police agency for investigation (With the Police)
3. The application finishes the Police investigation and is returned to the Erie County Clerk's Office, pending pickup by the Licensing Officer (Waiting for Judge Pickup)
4. The application gets picked up by the Licensing Officer and is under review.  (With the Judge)
5. The application gets returned to the Erie County Clerk's Office by the Licensing Officer for processing.  (With the Clerk's Office)
6. The application letter gets created and mailed to you.  (Application Completed)