Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith is reminding Putnam County handgun license holders that a state-imposed deadline to recertify many licenses is approaching.

Holders of handgun licenses issued prior to January 15, 2013 must recertify their licenses with the New York State Police by January 31, 2018. Covered licensees who fail to recertify by that date could be subject to having their licenses suspended or revoked without further notice.

The State Police offers an on-line recertification process for all handgun licenses issued in New York State (with the exception of those issued by New York City and by Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties).

Licensees can download forms and complete the recertification process online at https://troopers.ny.gov/firearms.