Possible extension? State Senator Griffo suggests Gov. Cuomo extend recertification deadline for licensed pistol holders

New York- Any legal pistol license holder who had their permit issued before the SAFE Act (January 15, 2013) has until the end of this month, Wednesday, January 31 to recertify.

Whether or not you’re aware of this: if you do not recertify, you will lose not just your pistol(s), you will lose all of your long guns too (I.E. rifles, shotguns, etc.). According to a release from State Senator Joe Griffo’s Office, there are nearly 26,000 licensed permit holders in Oneida County and nearly 5,000 licensed permit holders for Lewis County.

As of January 10, data indicates only 5,000 have recertified in Oneida County and only 1,866 for Lewis County.

Senator Griffo wrote a letter to the Governor last week, expressing his opposition to the recertification deadline. “There have been several media reports indicating that regions across the state are seeing a low compliance rate due to confusion about the recertification process and backlogs at county clerk offices across the state,” Griffo wrote.

“I believe that, due to these delays and confusion, citizens seeking to recertify their pistol licenses should be given an extension to do so. Granting an extension will help county clerks effectively deal with the recertification process. This will help alleviate any confusion and concern that a person may have and will ensure that law-abiding gun owners don’t face the risk of being considered a criminal”.