Form allows gun owners to "opt out"

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Many gun owners are lining up to “opt out.” All it takes is a simple form, and it’s available online starting Tuesday at area DMVs.

“Why should we be persecuted, law abiding citizens for the few who are involved in criminal activities,” said a gun owner.

Another gun owner said, “It's a private matter. It shouldn't be public knowledge.”

Many gun owners say owning a gun is a private matter. Now that the “opt out” form is available, many say they plan on taking the option.

Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs said, “It's got basically four options you can choose, you have to choose one on why you want it to be private, fill in the rest of the information, get it to us and we'll secure the files, and you can have the peace of mind that the information will never be public.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo recently passed new tighter gun laws, but pistol permit holders still have the option to "opt-out" and keep their information private.

The state form to fill out is online and will be now be available at all auto bureaus beginning Tuesday . Anyone who decides to do this, should get the paperwork submitted to the their County Clerk's office within 60 days.

Gun owners we talked to think the opt-out provision is very important.

Pistol Owner Walter Weglar said, “I don't want my name listed so that someone who really wants a gun can come over to my house and break in and take one.”