The NYPD has failed to process thousands of handgun and rifle license applications within the six months required by state law, often without providing the mandated written notice of delay.

Residential firearm applications rose 80 percent in 2023 to 13,369, nearly triple the 2019 figure, while concealed-carry requests in January and February 2024 surpassed the combined volume of 2019 through 2021. Officials have not disclosed how many applications they approved after the 2022 Bruen decision holding New York carry rules too restrictive.

Applicants pay a 340-dollar nonrefundable processing fee, an 88.75-dollar fingerprint fee and a safety course of 400 dollars or more. State law attaches no penalty when officers miss the deadline.