The Pistol Permit office is instrumental in the record keeping of all Pistol Permit activity and files for the County. All pistol permit related transactions go through this office, with an original application being housed in the County Clerk’s Office. New York State also receives a copy of the application, as well as one being kept in the Pistol Permit Office. Pistol Permits for Chautauqua County residents are under terms and regulations of NYS laws.
Once an applicant completes an application, pistol safety course & background investigation, final approval /denial of a permit is the decision of Supreme Court Judge Cass or County Court Judge Foley.

Pistol Permit
Please note that our process has changed!
All fingerprinting will be completed by IdentoGO - Applicants will no longer be fingerprinted at the Pistol Permit office.
Chautauqua Co. Sheriff’s Office
Pistol Permit Division
3 North Erie Street
P.O. Box 128
Mayville NY 14757
Give us a call and we will be happy to help you! 716.753.4374
Office Hours:
Mon – Thurs
8:30am – Noon
1pm – 4pm

Pistol Permit Tools
Wondering what to expect?
Obtain a permit application packet by doing one of the following:
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Download the permit application and print it out
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Pick one up at the Pistol Permit office
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Request a packet be mailed by sending a self-addressed, STAMPED business-sized envelope (large enough to fit
8 ½” x 11” paper unfolded)
Take a pistol safe handling class
Make an appointment with IdentoGO and get fingerprinted - $101.75 fee & mandated NYS/FBI background check (to be paid directly to Identogo)
Complete entire application packet & follow the instructions carefully. Wait at least 48 hours after fingerprinting and then come in to be photographed & review your application with the Pistol Permit Clerk. The applicant will pay the final licensing fee - $30 County License fee payable to Chautauqua County Finance Director (cash, check or money order accepted)
Once the application is received, the background process begins. This involves an inquiry by local law enforcement, NYS & the FBI. At the conclusion of the investigation, the application is forwarded to the Licensing Judges for consideration
Once a permit is approved by a Licensing Judge, the Pistol Permit Office will mail the completed permit to the new permit holder. The permit holder may purchase a handgun and/or co-register one with another permit holder after this is received
You must be 21 years of age & be a resident of Chautauqua County
to apply for a permit.
Applicants with an arrest within 5 years will be denied!
877-472-6915
eMail the Pistol Permit Clerk
PISTOL INSTRUCTION CLASS:
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You must have instruction in the safe handling of pistols
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Firearms Instructor must be certified & County approved
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Certificate must be turned in with the application
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Certificate expires after one (1) year