Sheriff reminds residents of pistol permit recertification

FINGER LAKES--Sheriffs from around the Finger Lakes recently reminded pistol permit holders of a recertification deadline coming up at the end of this month.
If you obtained a pistol permit before Jan. 15, 2013, Wednesday, Jan. 31 is the last day a permit holder can submit a recertification. For those who obtained a pistol permit after Jan. 15, 2013, you must recertify by the five-year anniversary date from when you originally obtained your permit.
This recertification requirement is one of the aspects of the New York SAFE (Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement) Act. While permit holders may receive a letter reminding them to complete the requirement, some will not, and the responsibility falls on the permit holder.
The SAFE Act was originally passed in New York, January 2013. In addition to the recertification requirement, the act also further defined what was considered an assault weapon, limited magazines, sought to control ammunition and put in place other rules limiting who can legally possess a firearm. The magazine limit has since been amended. A background check for ammunition sales has not been implemented.
In a press release, Sheriff Ron Spike said "Many permit holders are annoyed about this law, and are skeptical of its ultimate intent, but the importance of complying with the law and recertifying is 'administrative.' Under the law, it states that your failure to recertify will result in the automatic revocation of your pistol permit and your right to possess [those] firearms."
According to Yates County Clerk Lois Hall, "it appears that only approximately 44 percent of those who have permits in Yates County have recertified electronically or by mail-in at this time."
Recertification can be done online or in the mail. The SAFE Act website offers further information and the link to recertify at https://safeact.ny.gov/. The direct link to the state police website is https://firearms.troopers.ny.gov/pprecert/ to recertify or check your status. According to the state, "Information such as name, address, date of birth, New York state driver license or non-driver identification number, and an inventory of your licensed pistols and revolvers will be required. Most of the information needed for recertification can be found on your county-issued pistol/revolver license. You will need to have a New York state driver license or non-driver identification card in order to process your recertification. Out of state residents who do not possess either a New York state driver license or non-driver identification card must use the paper form to recertify and must attach a copy of their driver's license or non-driver identification from their state of issuance."
Further SAFE Act questions are answered at 855-529-4867 or the Sheriff's Office can be reached at 315-536-4438.