Some New York Pistol Permits Need Renewed By January 31

There's always two sides to every story and so it is with a New York law that's requiring pistol owners to re-certify their permits. Even if you already have done-so, you may need do it all over again before January 31.

The law requires permit holders to "re-certify" every 5 years. That means if you were issued a Pistol /Revolver License before January 15, 2013, you have until the end of the month to be compliant. If the license was issued after 2013, re-certification is required 5 years after the issuing date. It doesn't cost anything and can even be done online. Paper forms are also available at any State Police station.

The idea behind the legislation is to make sure everyone who is legally licensed still meets all the requirements. Details on your inventory of pistols and revolvers will be required as well as drivers license or ID number and phone number. Get more details on certification at New York State Police's website.

Obviously it's an attempt to keep guns out of the wrong hands, will it? Or is it just more New York bureaucracy?