Kearns announces expansion of pistol permit satellite offices, application drop-off location

County clerk provides additional opportunities for pistol permitholders and for those looking to submit permit applications

Submitted by the Erie County Clerk’s Office

Residents seeking to upgrade and/or make changes to their current pistol permit can now do so a bit more easily at new satellite office location in Depew, as well as a new application drop-off site for new permit applicant, according to Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns.

Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 12, residents looking to submit their new pistol permit application can do so at the clerk’s outreach center located in the Southgate Plaza at 1086-B Union Road in West Seneca, directly next door to the Erie County Auto Bureau. Applicants can drop off their completed pistol permit application forms, obtain their required photograph, as well as pick up any needed permit forms that may be needed in the future. No other pistol permit transaction will be provided at this location. The hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Kearns also revealed that a second pistol permit satellite office will open Monday, Nov. 18, inside the Erie County Auto Bureau located at 2122 George Urban Blvd., Depew.

At this locale, pistol permitholders who have plastic permit cards will be able to take advantage of the following services: add/remove firearms, update personal information, pick up new or upgrade applications; and assistance with general pistol permit questions.

No cash, checks or money orders will be accepted at any of the three sites. Fees will be payable by credit card only. In addition, no appointments will be required at any location.

“Our pistol satellite office in Elma is extremely popular, so much so we are there two days a week,” Kearns said. “It made sense that we expand our locations for current pistol permitholder and those looking to simply submit their permit applications that are both convenient and accessible for our customers.”

The pistol permit office located in Old County Hall, at 92 Franklin St., Buffalo, remains open and is a full-service location. Permitholders moving from a paper permit to a plastic card permit must do so at the downtown office. Only plastic card permitholders can utilize the satellite locations in Depew and Elma.

The “original” satellite office located inside Elma Town Hall, at 1600 Bowen Road, also remains open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays

“Driving downtown is not easy or the most convenient location for many, and securing parking can be difficult on any given day. Many of our customers tell us they are paying more in parking fees than to amend their pistol permits, and spend more time trying to find a parking spot than at the pistol permit office," Kearns said.

For additional information, contact the pistol permit department at 716-858-6600 (option No. 3), or for online assistance go to http//clerkhelp.erie.gov.