Pistol License Recertification Website Now Available

ONEONTA, 01/04/17 –  Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref – Oneonta) today alerted pistol license holders that the New York State Police have launched a new website which includes instructions regarding license recertification.

“The pistol license recertification is one of the many superfluous provisions included in the NY-SAFE Act,” said Senator Seward.  “This requirement does nothing to keep people safe or deter gun violence.  It is simply another impediment that law-abiding gun owners are forced to comply with.”

According to the law passed in 2013, anyone holding a pistol license prior to the passage of the NY-SAFE Act has until January 31, 2018 to recertify his license.  The New York State Police had been tasked with creating the recertification procedure and just recently launched a website - https://troopers.ny.gov/Firearms - that includes the recertification form.   License holders can fill out the form online or print a paper version and return it by mail.

“I voted against the NY-SAFE Act when it was first proposed and have called for full repeal of this over-reaching, flawed policy ever since it was rushed into law.  I also sponsored legislation, which passed the senate, to erase some of the most burdensome provisions of the law.  I will continue to support measures to end the NY-SAFE Act and work to block any other attempts to further erode Second Amendment rights,” added Seward.

A link to the online pistol recertification form is available on Senator Seward’s website at www.seward.nysenate.gov and his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/senatorjimseward.   Paper versions of the form can also be picked up at Senator Seward’s district offices: 41 South Main Street, Oneonta; 235 North Prospect Street, Herkimer; 4030 West Road, Cortland.

“While I strongly disagree with the need for this recertification, I know that, as always, judicious firearm owners will follow the law.  With that being said, I want to do everything I can to make the process as easy as possible,” concluded Seward.

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