Small Arms Firing Range Designation

If you want to run a small arms firing range in New York City, you need a Small Arms Firing Range Permit. The New York City Police Department gives out these permits.

A small arms firing range is a place where you can shoot rifles and pistols at targets. These targets can be:

• Trap
• Skeet
• Paper

You cannot use .50 caliber or larger ammunition at these ranges.

• You need to pass a background check. This includes fingerprinting.
• You need a Fire Department permit if you store more than 200 rounds of ammunition.
• The application fee is $75.00. The fingerprint fee for new applicants is $88.25 per person.

Accepted payment methods:

• Certified check made payable to the New York City Police Department
• Money order made payable to the New York City Police Department
• Postal money order made out to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

• You must keep a list of names and addresses of everyone who uses the range. This list should show the date and time each person used the range.
• You must follow all federal laws and regulations.
• You must follow all Fire Department regulations about storing and having ammunition and powder.
• Only people with a valid handgun license can use a pistol or revolver at the range.
• You must have records, books and a membership list ready for the Police Department to check when the range is open.
• Breaking any of these regulations can lead to losing your range designation.

• Complete the Application for Small Arms Range: Get this at the police precinct where your business will be. Contact the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to find the nearest precinct to your firing range.
• After you submit all application materials, all owners and partners must be fingerprinted at the same precinct.
• The NYPD will notify you by mail if your application is accepted or rejected.
• If approved, you will receive your license by mail.