Frequently Asked Questions

No. Active police officers accepting secondary employment are not required to register or complete training. Individuals

previously employed as police officers are considered civilians and must register and complete all training. When employed by

a contractual entity, they must complete an Employee Statement, but they do not need to be fingerprinted. However, if an

active police officer is hired by a contractual entity as an investigator, or if they are filing a PI/BEA/WGP application with the

Department of State, they must be fingerprinted

A renewal is mailed to the guard 90 days prior to the expiration date. Guards must renew their registration by the expiration

date of their current registration or they cannot work as a security guard. If their registration has not been renewed within 6

months after the expiration date of their current registration, they must re-apply and re-qualify.

“ABSOLUTELY YES”… Employment Screening Services and Background Checks are vital to maintaining workforce integrity

and security. Experience has shown that the worst among us often time hold positions of authority and trust in our community.

Before you subject your friends, business associates, or loved ones to a potentially harmful personality, get all the facts!

In order to apply for a pistol permit in Erie County, you must be 21 years of age and be a resident of Erie County. You are

not required to buy or own a gun at the time of application.

You may pick up the application packet at the Erie County Pistol Permit Department, or you can receive one by mail by

sending a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope to:

Note: Application forms to be submitted for filing must be obtained at the Pistol Permit Department. FOR APPLICATION

PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY, a Draft/Work Copy Only can be downloaded by clicking here. This draft copy is not

considered an official application form.

Please read and follow the instructions on the application carefully to avoid any unnecessary delays in the process.

Applicants must come to our office in person when submitting the completed application. When you come in to apply, we

will collect a processing fee of $20 up front, saving a trip later on. This fee can be paid in cash, check or money order

made payable to Erie County Clerk.

Part of the application process includes various background checks by New York State and the FBI, and an interview by

the applicant’s local police. Once all necessary background checks are completed, the application is then submitted for

consideration by one of the Licensing Judges.

Once a permit is approved by a Licensing Judge, the applicant must purchase a handgun and/or co-register one with

another permit holder. The applicant must appear in person for the initial sign-up for the approved permit.