Erie County, NY Pistol Permit Application Process
- Thread starter porcupine73
- Start date
Wintermoon
New member
Based on posts in this very thread, the information the employee told you is incorrect. There have been numerous people who have gotten their restriction lifted in under 5 years.
My plan is to apply to have my restrictions removed after a year. If I am denied, I will reapply every year thereafter.
Perseus301
New member
I find this very very hard to believe.
I am from West Seneca and have been waiting a disturbingly long time. 16 months.
Completed Application submitted January 2010.
References were all contacted in February of this year.
Had interview with the WSPD Chief in March.
... and I am still waiting.
Called the permit office a few times during that period for an ETA, but they never really provided one. "It's in the process."
Clean unblemished record, a four year degree behind me, and experience that one would think would aid in attaining a permit, but again... still waiting.
FTWNY
New member
I would call again and ask what has been holding this up, in the process is not a detailed answer. Usually they will let you know where in the process it is. If they tell you it is still with West Seneca PD then you know that you have to contact them and ask them why they still have it (ask nicely and ask them if they need more info from you). If it is on the judges desk then you will just have to wait for him to sign. The permit office has gotten to be very efficient and fast, these usually get held up somewhere else, or even "misplaced" when at one of the local PDs. If you need to, go to the Pistol Permit office and ask for Will Fowler, he runs the office.
Good Luck!
Perseus301
New member
I am not to anxious to call again. I called last month asking about the permit and was told that "it's in the same place it was last time you called". The call abruptly ended as they hung up. I don't think my calls are bothersome in any way. I called a month before that, and a month after the interview at WSPD. I believe its still in line to be signed by a judge at this point... but its easily been months since this was indicated to me.
When I asked after the one-on-one interview, West Seneca stated that they only had the application for three weeks; that they do not actually "talk" with the county. They further told me that the hold up is on the county end as they receive, process, and send out all application within three weeks. Was told that I should have the permit in my hands within one and a half to two months, tops. Obviously this did not happen.
I have been told by members of the Law Enforcement community and others that my application is one of the longest lasting that they've heard of. I was told by another, "I had my application finalized and the permit within my hands in three weeks. You should definitely have yours by now. You should contact them."
I sent one email to the county during this process. I received a response about two months after I sent it, that one, was not helpful, and two, was meant to be condescending and demeaning. Going down in person is useless. Walk in, ask for an update, provide ID and walk out, because as you know, "It's in the process." Calling and asking gets nowhere and really at this point, I don't know if I want to communicate at all with these people. Its as if every-time you call, they deliberately put you application at the end of "a pile". I guess its better to sit down and twiddle ones thumbs instead.
There's politics behind all this. I just do not understand it.
When I asked after the one-on-one interview, West Seneca stated that they only had the application for three weeks; that they do not actually "talk" with the county. They further told me that the hold up is on the county end as they receive, process, and send out all application within three weeks. Was told that I should have the permit in my hands within one and a half to two months, tops. Obviously this did not happen.
I have been told by members of the Law Enforcement community and others that my application is one of the longest lasting that they've heard of. I was told by another, "I had my application finalized and the permit within my hands in three weeks. You should definitely have yours by now. You should contact them."
I sent one email to the county during this process. I received a response about two months after I sent it, that one, was not helpful, and two, was meant to be condescending and demeaning. Going down in person is useless. Walk in, ask for an update, provide ID and walk out, because as you know, "It's in the process." Calling and asking gets nowhere and really at this point, I don't know if I want to communicate at all with these people. Its as if every-time you call, they deliberately put you application at the end of "a pile". I guess its better to sit down and twiddle ones thumbs instead.
There's politics behind all this. I just do not understand it.
absolut1377
New member
I was thinking the same thing. Besides the obvious application form what else do you plan on sending in? Not exactly sure what should be including in the upgrade prep process.
titaniumman
Member
After you get fingerprinted, what comes next, I am helping a friend thru the process, but it has been a while since I got mine. Do you just mail the packet in with the prints. Or do you deliver the packet somewhere downtown
FTWNY
New member
Erie county pistol permit process
You take the required Handgun Safety course (we offer this for Erie and Niagara Counties)
Fill out your application along with having you 4 references sign. You will then sign and get your app notarized. At this point you must submit your application in person. You cannot mail it in, You will submit it in person to the pistol permit office located at:
Erie County Clerk's Office
Pistol Permit Department
92 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
They will review your application for possible mistakes (this is done right in front of you)
If everything looks fine, they will give you a sheet of paper with about a dozen locations listed for you to go get electronically fingerprinted. You will choose a location that works best for you and call the phone number on the top to schedule your fingerprinting. Once your prints have been taken, all you need to do is go home and wait for the investigating officer to call you for your interview.
You can see our site for more details or a class schedule.
www.ftwny.com
You take the required Handgun Safety course (we offer this for Erie and Niagara Counties)
Fill out your application along with having you 4 references sign. You will then sign and get your app notarized. At this point you must submit your application in person. You cannot mail it in, You will submit it in person to the pistol permit office located at:
Erie County Clerk's Office
Pistol Permit Department
92 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
They will review your application for possible mistakes (this is done right in front of you)
If everything looks fine, they will give you a sheet of paper with about a dozen locations listed for you to go get electronically fingerprinted. You will choose a location that works best for you and call the phone number on the top to schedule your fingerprinting. Once your prints have been taken, all you need to do is go home and wait for the investigating officer to call you for your interview.
You can see our site for more details or a class schedule.
www.ftwny.com
titaniumman
Member
I went for my prints while I was downtown, I believe that I went directly to the BPD headquarters and was printed by a short man who was almost BLIND...Anyone who went to this place knows what I an talking about. Is going here no longer an option? It was really easy to do it all at once!
trophyhunter
New member
Reasons I used to Request an Upgrade and was granted Unresticted Status
Good Day all,
I have been a little out of commission lately and need to apolojize to some members for not getting back to them. Concerning Up-Grade Process.
I'm not an expert in this field but, What I'am about to post about requesting an Up-Grade request worked for me after having my permit for 2 years and also, my neighbor who only had his permit for 6 months.
When Addressing Judge Boller, I used very respectful words and, Humbling Pharses. at no time did I seem to be demanding or, talking like it was my right under the 2nd. Amendment. Before I sent in my Up-Grade Request I obtained my Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms and also, My Florida Concealed Weapon Permit I made Copies of both to submit to Judge Boller.Along with being an Member of USCCA
United States Concealed Carry Association for Responcible Armed Citizens also made copy of membership card.to send in with Up-Grade Request.
I began Under the reasons for Up-Grade Request.by respectfully requesting an Upgrade for the following reasons:
#1-I explained to Judge Boller why I appiled for my PA & FL CCW'S I told Judge Boller the truth about all statements. My Cousin Gene owns Property in PA and I, was going to be hunting this year in PA Also, That I would be making several trips to Florida Due to the fact my Uncle lives there and, his heath is not the greatest and, he has no other family except myself. Who ever is requesting upgrade will have to add their own statements to work for you.Now, I explained to Judge Boller that in order for myself to travel to and, from PA while in Possesion of my weapon I would need to completely obey all of New Yorks States Gun Laws. and given the fact that I only had Target & Hunting Permit it would seriously put me at an dis-advantage while driving in and, out of New York. Restricted permits does not give you the right to be Traveling at 3-4 am while on the New York states Thruways ,There are No Legal Shooting Ranges that are open 24 hours along the thruway or any, route of travel and, also if in the event I was pulled over Each LEO Department handles things differently and could leave myself open for trouble my main reason for requesting upgrade was to be completely compliant with New York State Gun Laws. I didnt want the Judge to think I just wanted to Carry my weapon anytime. In hopes he would see the bigger picture that I was making an honest effort to Comply with the law. I also used similar reason for Traveling to and, from Florida prior to sending upgrade request in I found out Judge Boller is an big Supporter and I, think an member of (scope) Shooters Commitee on Political Education so once again I made a copy of my membership card to include that as well.After I completed everything that was needed I ended the request by saying
(Judge M.William Boller I greatly appreciate you taking the time to respectfully consider my Up-Grade request I Realize that This is an Great Responcibility That I'am Respectfully Requesting I adivsed Judge Boller that with each passing day I gain more knowledge and respect for New York States Gun Laws and what it means to be an Responcible Armed Citizen we used the same format formy neighbor but different wording . It seems like allot to go through but, the reward is great due to the fact that Our Pistol Permits are for Life.I went to the Pistol Permit Office and turned in my request on Monday Jan 10,2011 and, recieved the Approval letter on Tuesday Jan18,2011 from there I headed directly topermit office and, recieved my new Unrestricted permit.I hope this Information helps some of you or all of you. Once again I greatly Apolojize for the Delay in responding to those of you who PM me. I Hope this will redeemed myself to those of youAnd ,if any of you need more Info feel free to PM me and I, will do my best to help.I Also forgot to Mention that I sent in My EPL Membership for the NRA (EPL) Easy Pay Life Member...
Good Day all,
I have been a little out of commission lately and need to apolojize to some members for not getting back to them. Concerning Up-Grade Process.
I'm not an expert in this field but, What I'am about to post about requesting an Up-Grade request worked for me after having my permit for 2 years and also, my neighbor who only had his permit for 6 months.
When Addressing Judge Boller, I used very respectful words and, Humbling Pharses. at no time did I seem to be demanding or, talking like it was my right under the 2nd. Amendment. Before I sent in my Up-Grade Request I obtained my Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms and also, My Florida Concealed Weapon Permit I made Copies of both to submit to Judge Boller.Along with being an Member of USCCA
United States Concealed Carry Association for Responcible Armed Citizens also made copy of membership card.to send in with Up-Grade Request.
I began Under the reasons for Up-Grade Request.by respectfully requesting an Upgrade for the following reasons:
#1-I explained to Judge Boller why I appiled for my PA & FL CCW'S I told Judge Boller the truth about all statements. My Cousin Gene owns Property in PA and I, was going to be hunting this year in PA Also, That I would be making several trips to Florida Due to the fact my Uncle lives there and, his heath is not the greatest and, he has no other family except myself. Who ever is requesting upgrade will have to add their own statements to work for you.Now, I explained to Judge Boller that in order for myself to travel to and, from PA while in Possesion of my weapon I would need to completely obey all of New Yorks States Gun Laws. and given the fact that I only had Target & Hunting Permit it would seriously put me at an dis-advantage while driving in and, out of New York. Restricted permits does not give you the right to be Traveling at 3-4 am while on the New York states Thruways ,There are No Legal Shooting Ranges that are open 24 hours along the thruway or any, route of travel and, also if in the event I was pulled over Each LEO Department handles things differently and could leave myself open for trouble my main reason for requesting upgrade was to be completely compliant with New York State Gun Laws. I didnt want the Judge to think I just wanted to Carry my weapon anytime. In hopes he would see the bigger picture that I was making an honest effort to Comply with the law. I also used similar reason for Traveling to and, from Florida prior to sending upgrade request in I found out Judge Boller is an big Supporter and I, think an member of (scope) Shooters Commitee on Political Education so once again I made a copy of my membership card to include that as well.After I completed everything that was needed I ended the request by saying
(Judge M.William Boller I greatly appreciate you taking the time to respectfully consider my Up-Grade request I Realize that This is an Great Responcibility That I'am Respectfully Requesting I adivsed Judge Boller that with each passing day I gain more knowledge and respect for New York States Gun Laws and what it means to be an Responcible Armed Citizen we used the same format formy neighbor but different wording . It seems like allot to go through but, the reward is great due to the fact that Our Pistol Permits are for Life.I went to the Pistol Permit Office and turned in my request on Monday Jan 10,2011 and, recieved the Approval letter on Tuesday Jan18,2011 from there I headed directly topermit office and, recieved my new Unrestricted permit.I hope this Information helps some of you or all of you. Once again I greatly Apolojize for the Delay in responding to those of you who PM me. I Hope this will redeemed myself to those of youAnd ,if any of you need more Info feel free to PM me and I, will do my best to help.I Also forgot to Mention that I sent in My EPL Membership for the NRA (EPL) Easy Pay Life Member...
FTWNY
New member
Erie county pistol permit process
I believe Erie County has been doing live scan prints for about 2 years now. I am not sure of exactly how long it has been, but they no longer do ink prints.
Utah & Florida CCW permit classes, NY residents can carry concealed in up to 34 states!
NY pistol permit classes for Erie and Niagara Counties as well.
see the site for schedule and full details http://www.ftwny.com
I believe Erie County has been doing live scan prints for about 2 years now. I am not sure of exactly how long it has been, but they no longer do ink prints.
Utah & Florida CCW permit classes, NY residents can carry concealed in up to 34 states!
NY pistol permit classes for Erie and Niagara Counties as well.
see the site for schedule and full details http://www.ftwny.com
Wintermoon
New member
I hope you used better spelling and grammar when you wrote to the judge! lol
trophyhunter
New member
Sorry, I'm using my phone that has the Swype features and I'm not used to it
blazemyowntrails
New member
Tomorrow is my one year anniversary of being granted my target/ hunting permit. I wanted to apply soon to see if I could get the restrictions lifted and I started writing my letter. I cited many reasons, but it sounds like "self defense" just isn't good enough, but let me know what you guys think. I put out there all of the following:
-I've undergone a defensive tactics course, NYS 47 hr firearms certification, ass. degree in criminal justice- all of which dove into use of force issues in depth
-Good moral standing and responsibility demonstrated throughout my work in the security industry, being armed for my duties for most of the last year (I was granted the permit in june and started working armed after my 47 hr in november)
-One of my co workers being shot not too long ago at a Family Dollar less than three miles from my house
-11 years empty hand self defense training in various martial arts that placed emphasis on nonviolent conflict resolution and minimal force necessary to stop an attack
Obviously I expounded on all of these points but you get the bare bones idea. I believe that the right to protect myself and my family should be extended from simply being "on the clock." If anybody has any tips for me, or has been through the process and knows what else I can say that can help with my "reasonable grounds," the help would be appreciated.
-I've undergone a defensive tactics course, NYS 47 hr firearms certification, ass. degree in criminal justice- all of which dove into use of force issues in depth
-Good moral standing and responsibility demonstrated throughout my work in the security industry, being armed for my duties for most of the last year (I was granted the permit in june and started working armed after my 47 hr in november)
-One of my co workers being shot not too long ago at a Family Dollar less than three miles from my house
-11 years empty hand self defense training in various martial arts that placed emphasis on nonviolent conflict resolution and minimal force necessary to stop an attack
Obviously I expounded on all of these points but you get the bare bones idea. I believe that the right to protect myself and my family should be extended from simply being "on the clock." If anybody has any tips for me, or has been through the process and knows what else I can say that can help with my "reasonable grounds," the help would be appreciated.
Perseus301
New member
That was fast.
Well. Here is an update for me.
I finally received my congratulations letter. Thankfully the process was just over 18 1/2 months. Here I was, thinking that it was going to take a full two years. What a funny thought.
Sometime this week I will go purchase a pistol and then head down to the Pistol Permit Office and hopefully pickup my physical permit.
God willing, within two weeks I'll be capable of picking up my pistol.
So for potential applicants, it can take you as long as 19 months for a Erie County Pistol Permit to be processed.
Well. Here is an update for me.
I finally received my congratulations letter. Thankfully the process was just over 18 1/2 months. Here I was, thinking that it was going to take a full two years. What a funny thought.
Sometime this week I will go purchase a pistol and then head down to the Pistol Permit Office and hopefully pickup my physical permit.
God willing, within two weeks I'll be capable of picking up my pistol.
So for potential applicants, it can take you as long as 19 months for a Erie County Pistol Permit to be processed.
Kenmore, NY Process
Just to update on how my timeline is currently going in Kenmore:
4/20/11 - Submit Application
4/21/11 - fingerprints
8/12/11 - phone call from local police dept
8/15/11 - interview with KPD investigator
From here:
My references have to fill out a 2 page reference form for the Kenmore police department. Once all 4 send that back in, they will turn the paperwork back into Erie county within 7 days.
Detective said that it could be anywhere from 2-4 months after that. Hopefully I should have mine by the beginning of regular hunting season!!
Just to update on how my timeline is currently going in Kenmore:
4/20/11 - Submit Application
4/21/11 - fingerprints
8/12/11 - phone call from local police dept
8/15/11 - interview with KPD investigator
From here:
My references have to fill out a 2 page reference form for the Kenmore police department. Once all 4 send that back in, they will turn the paperwork back into Erie county within 7 days.
Detective said that it could be anywhere from 2-4 months after that. Hopefully I should have mine by the beginning of regular hunting season!!
blazemyowntrails
New member
Update: Permit issued 6/21/10. Submitted application to have restrictions removed on 7/13/11. Got my approval letter 8/31. Woohooo!
