Open Carry in New York
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
New York generally prohibits open carry; concealed carry requires a permit with "proper cause."
How New York treats Open Carry
New York law effectively bans open carry of handguns in public. Residents seeking to carry a concealed handgun must obtain a license and demonstrate "proper cause" to a licensing officer, a standard New York courts interpret restrictively. Long guns may be transported unloaded and in a case, but not carried openly for self-defense. Violations can result in felony charges.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in New York.