Fill out several forms, pay a $300 fee, wait 6 months, get interviewed a couple times, at which point they invariably deny your application.
Yes pistols must be registered there...and they won't let you register it.
But it's well worth it, given that there haven't been any gun-related crimes of violence in NY since the 1920s..... </sarcasm
here in NY we're a "discretionary State" meaning you can get a CCW permit if you've never been in any trouble, but NYS is a real bastard about it... you have to go through a lot of time and $$ to get the permit (all told it's about $100). In addition, you will have to wait 6-8 months to find out if you're going to be able to CCW.
You are allowed to carry just about everywhere in NYS EXCEPT FOR NEW YORK CITY.
NEW YORK STATE PISTOL PERMITS ARE NOT VALID IN THE 5 BOROUGHS OF NEW YORK CITY
NYC issues their own pistol permits, but good luck getting one if you are not a law enforcement officer or you are not able to bribe the New York City Police Department.
I live in Rochester and am currently trying to get my pistol permit application finished so I can get fingerprinted and submit it.
Now you know why I dream of moving to Vermont, where a 21 year old with no felony convictions can walk into a gun shop with a drivers liscense or State ID, purchase a handgun, put it in your pocket or waistband, and walk out. LEGALLY.