NYC Special Carry Application Timeline — Approved on October 1, 2025, but My Wife Still Pending

I wanted to share my NYC Special Carry permit timeline and experience in case it helps others going through the process. My wife and I applied and completed everything together, but as of today only I have been approved.

On March 11, 2025 we both submitted our NYC Special Carry applications online and included all the required information for pistols we already own.

On June 11, 2025 we both completed the interview and fingerprinting. June 11th was the fastest date they had for us to get our interview and fingerprints done. At the interview the investigator asked me to re-upload documents I had already submitted with the March 11 application, which I did the same day. My wife was not asked to upload anything further. For what it is worth, my past is much more colorful than my wife’s - she has never had a parking ticket. Me, well…I’ve lived life. lol.

On September 11, 2025 I sent an email to the Licensing Division noting that my application was at the six-month mark and requested the investigator’s contact information and a clear timeline for a decision. I kept my tone respectful but firm and used a template I found on Reddit.

On September 12, 2025 I received a brief reply saying an investigator had been assigned and that investigators will reach out via the email or phone. No other information was provided. It was a boiler plate response.

I sent additional follow-up emails on September 12, 18, and 30 reiterating that my application had exceeded the six-month window and again asking for the investigator’s name and a timeline. In those messages I noted that if the matter did not move forward I will engage legal counsel and pursue an Article 78 proceeding. I reached out to an attorney on September 11th and we have been playing phone tag.

On October 1, 2025 I checked the NYPD portal and it showed my application was approved. 6 months and 3 weeks after my wife and I applied.

While I am glad my application is approved, my wife’s status remains listed as under investigation even though her timeline is identical to mine. She has received no updates or requests since her fingerprinting and interview. I do not plan to email the Licensing Division on her behalf. She is much more patient than I am and I want to see how long her permit takes so we can gauge whether being persistent makes a difference. I am betting it does.

A couple of questions for anyone with experience in this process:

1-Now that I am approved, how long does it typically take to receive the physical permit in the mail?

2-Once I receive the permit, I plan to add two pistols I recently purchased. How long does it usually take to get an updated permit showing those added firearms?

Thanks in advance for any insight or advice.