If carrying, New York is a state that it’s best to drive through without stopping. Keep moving through the state (reference the McClure-Volkmer Act to only stop for gas and emergencies) towards your final destination state. Your destination state must have acceptable laws for your stay. We make some generalities with our color map here for ease of use so you should always look up the current details of the laws. Handgun laws are where it usually varies the most. This is a controversial issue but which ever side you are on, it is better to have informed people out there. You can also download an easy to print version with all states and details.
New York Gun Law Travel Guide Basics
Ownership: restricted
Consistency of laws: local laws differ
Self-defense: NO castle doctrine
Open carry: prohibited
Concealed carry: licenses on judgment, no other states permits accepted
Vehicle carry handguns: prohibited without a NY permit
Vehicle carry long guns: unloaded in trunk or outside storage
Official source information
New York Statutes
New York Legislature
New York State Home Page
Do you have any experiences in New York that you care to share with other travelers?
I live upstate NY, and planning to go on a hunt in texas with a long gun. I will be going to JFK NY airport . What do I need to do?
Thank you,
Thank you for the excellent question. I think I will do more research on this and expand these guides to includes this aspect. First, check out this TSA page about traveling with special items and firearms.
Because NY is more a special case around the city and airports, I would also call and try to speak with someone at that airport and the airline just to make sure you know the process. Even with it cased, you still have to be able to drive in with it and carry it into the airport to get to the check in counter. And that alone will probably scare some people these days.
Adam