Show All Answers

1. Where do I get the forms for the application?

There are three forms that you will
initially need to have completed when you report to be fingerprinted.  These forms must be neatly completed in black
ink only.

 

The first form is the Pistol Permit Pedigree Sheet (PPS-01),
the second is the Arrest / Charge
Affidavit (PPS-02), and the third is the Authorization for Release of
Personal Information (PPS-24).  You
may download and print the forms by clicking on the links on the Sheriff’s
Office Pistol Permit web page.  Please
read the forms completely and carefully prior to filling them out.  The Arrest
/ Charge Affidavit and the Authorization
for Release of Personal Information must be notarized.

2. Do I have to disclose an arrest or a charge that has been sealed?

Yes.  As stated on the Arrest / Charge Affidavit,
you must provide information about any and all arrests / charges including;
tickets for Vehicle and Traffic Law arrests above the level of infraction.  This would include Vehicle and Traffic Law
misdemeanors or felonies which include Driving with a Suspended License
(Aggravated Unlicensed Operation), Driving with a Suspended Registration, and
Reckless Driving, among others; any Youthful Offender arrest; any arrest sealed
in your favor, any arrest dismissed upon your first appearance; any arrest
dismissed via ACD, and any arrest voided by the arresting agency or District
Attorney’s Office, even if your lawyer at the time of the case advised you that
you did not have to tell anyone about your arrest.

            You may have been arrested even if
you were never photographed or fingerprinted. 
You may have received a UTT (Traffic Ticket), a paper summons, or an
Appearance Ticket and were                 not taken into custody.

3. Will I receive a reminder in regards to my appointment?

No. 
It is your responsibility to record your appointment date and time and
keep it in a safe place that you will be able to reference.

4. Do my references have to live in Orange County?

Yes.  You will need to provide four references and
all of them must live in Orange County. 
In addition, the references must not be related to you or to each other
(neither by blood nor marriage), they must not live with you or each other, and
they must not be employed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

5. I just moved to Orange County and I don't know anyone here, how do I get references that live in Orange County?

You must provide four references,
all of which reside in Orange County. 
There is no minimum amount of time that the reference needs to have
known you.

6. One of my references used blue ink when completing the Character Reference Questionnaire. What should I do?

The Character Reference
Questionnaire clearly states on it that it is to be completed in black ink
only.  It is recommended that you make an
extra copy of the form prior to providing the form to your reference.  If the reference completes the form in blue
ink, you may provide him or her with a new blank form for them to complete in
black ink.  If you require additional
forms, you may obtain them from our office.

7. What bills can I use to verify residency?

Proof of residence is verified by
providing utility bills that list your name and service address.  Utility bills include those for gas,
electric, water, land line telephone, and cable / satellite television
service.  If the utility bills for your
residence are in someone else’s name, you may provide 2 of the bills AND a
notarized letter from the billed party indicating that you reside at the
location.

8. How long is my Handgun Safety Course good for?

Your Safety Course Certificate
should be issued no more than 6 months prior to the start of your
application.  A list of recommended
Safety Course Instructors is available on the Orange County Sheriff’s Office
website.  The Orange County Sheriff’s
Office also conveniently offers a Safety Course, information and registration
is available on line.

9. I took a Handgun Safety Course from an Instructor that does not appear on the list of recommended Safety Course Instructors, is it still acceptable?

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office
is familiar with and supportive of the training being provided by the
recommended Instructors.  Training
regimens being utilized by other Instructors may vary widely resulting in
applicants not receiving the same training. 
Therefore, if you provide a Safety Course Certificate from an Instructor
that does not appear on the recommended list, your application file will be
forwarded to the issuing authority without a recommendation (barring any other
information that would otherwise lead to a recommendation of disapproval).

 

10. How do I sign up for the Orange County Sheriff's Office Handgun Safety Course?

On the Orange County Sheriff’s
Office website, select “Civilian Handgun Training” which will bring you to an
Account Log In screen.  If you do not
have an account, you may create one. 
Information is available in regards to courses offered (including
Handgun Safety Course) and you may register on line for a course once you have
created an account.

11. Do I need to make an appointment to return my paperwork?

No. 
When you get fingerprinted, you will be provided with a checklist of
documents you will need to return with. 
At the bottom of the checklist, is a list of days and hours during which
you may return your paperwork.

 

12. How long does the application process take?

The entire application process
normally takes approximately 3 to 6 months to complete.

13. I found a handgun in my deceased relative's home and I want to add it to my permit application. How do I do this?

Within 15 days of the death of the licensee’s death, the executor or administrator of the licensee’s estate must surrender the handgun to a licensed dealer (FFL) or a local police department to be held for safekeeping.  You will need to provide us with a receipt from the dealer or police department indicating that they have possession of the handgun along with documentation indicating that you have property rights to the handgun (i.e., Bill of sale, letter from executor, etc.).  You may then list the handgun information on the rear of your application.

14. I applied for an amendment to my permit and haven't received a response.

Amendments to current, valid pistol
permits are processed through the Orange County Clerk’s Office Pistol Permit
Unit.  The Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Pistol Permit Unit is responsible for completing initial applicant background
investigations.  Amendments to existing
pistol permits must be followed up on with the Orange County Clerk’s Office
Pistol Permit Unit.

15. I have a NYS Pistol Permit which was issued in another county. Can I transfer my existing permit to Orange County?

Yes.  You will need to contact the Pistol Permit
Unit in the county of issuance and have them forward your permit file to the
Orange County Clerk’s Office Pistol Permit Unit, located at 4 Glenmere Cove
Rd., Goshen NY 10924.  Once the Orange
County Clerk’s Office Pistol Permit Unit is in receipt of your file, you will
be guided by their instructions.