How to Acquire a Gun License in New Jersey

This article was co-authored by Francisco Pham. Francisco Pham is a Firearms Instructor and the owner of Apex Pistol Training based in Maryland. Francisco has over 16 years of professional experience in competition shooting and firearms training. He is a highly skilled NRA-recommended firearm instructor and is an expert on firearm safety, usage, and maintenance.

There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

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To own a gun in New Jersey (NJ), you must complete paperwork and submit a background check. If you intend to buy a rifle or a shotgun, the process is similar no matter where you apply. If you intend to purchase and/or carry a handgun, however, you will need some additional paperwork.

Obtaining a Permit to Purchase Firearms

• A government issued ID, such as a passport or driver's license.
• A list of 2-3 references, who will fill out a questionnaire testifying that you have sound mental health and judgment.
• Cash or Check, usually $60, for fingerprinting.
• You can find an online version of the form here.

• This form will suffice for any type of gun you wish to purchase.
• You will still need to apply to carry a handgun separately, but you can buy one for private use with this form.

• No one likes a surprise call from the police, so give people a heads up.

• Make a copy of this as well, as 2 forms must be submitted.

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Photocopy your driver's license and Social Security card. You'll need to bring the originals in with you as well, but you do not want to leave them there with the police. Once you've got this together, you're ready to finish you application.

• Bring an extra $2.00 for each handgun permit that you intend to get.
• Contact your local police department about the methods of payment that they accept. Check who you need to write any checks to. Finally, confirm that these fees are correct, as they may have changed by the time you apply for a gun license.

Agree to fingerprinting at the station. In New Jersey, you must be fingerprinted if this is your first time applying for a gun license. If you've applied before, you may be able to skip fingerprinting; nevertheless, you must consent to be fingerprinted each time you get a pistol purchasing permit. [5] X Research source

• If you haven’t heard about the status of your application in 30 days, call the police station you filed with. They’re legally required to give you a response within 30 days.

Obtaining a Handgun Permit

• New Jersey is one of the most difficult states to acquire a conceal carry pistol permit in the US. [6] X Research source

• While you have them, ask specifically what forms and payment you'll need to bring with you. While most of them are identical, different police departments may have slightly different procedures. It is best to ask in advance.

• You should purchase the handgun you intend to carry with these forms ahead of time. You will need to provide the serial number, make, and model of your handgun on your application. [7] X Research source

• You need 3 reputable character witnesses, who have known you for at least 3 years and are willing to testify that you have "sound moral character."
• You need "justifiable evidence" that you need to carry a handgun for your own personal safety. This is either because of living conditions or your line of work.
• You need evidence (courses, training, demonstrable knowledge) that you know how to own and operate a pistol safely. [8] X Research source

• You can find the permit online here.

• Evidence of courses taken at a firing range, through an NRA-certified instructor, or self-defense classes taken through a local police unit.
• Scores from a qualified Handgun Qualification Test, administered by the New Jersey Police Force.
• Completion of any other test or course certified by the Police Training Commission. [9] X Research source

• Working in security or transport of valuable goods that have the potential to be stolen.
• Urgent necessity for personal protection, as shown by life-threatening incidents. [11] X Research source

• Be older than 18.
• Have known you for three years or more.
• Willing to talk to the police in the case of an inquiry. [12] X Research source

• You can also have passport photos taken at your local post office. [13] X Research source

Provide the serial number and a description of each handgun that you intend to carry. On the application, you'll need to write down the exact information of the gun you plan to carry.

Create copies of your driver's license, any past New Jersey permits to carry handguns, your Firearms ID card, and your Social Security card with your application. Make sure you have copies of everything that are clear and legible. Include copies of your justifiable need statement and evidence of handgun literacy as well, and keep a copy of everything in your records.

Submit a $50 check or money order made payable to the "Treasurer - State of New Jersey" with your application. This is the fee required to process your account. You will likely need more money if you still need to be fingerprinted.

Turn in your paperwork at your local police station. You will be fingerprinted if you are not doing this in concert with your Firearms Purchaser ID card application, which means an additional $60 fingerprinting charge. [14] X Research source

Expert Q&A

Francisco Pham is a Firearms Instructor and the owner of Apex Pistol Training based in Maryland. Francisco has over 16 years of professional experience in competition shooting and firearms training. He is a highly skilled NRA-recommended firearm instructor and is an expert on firearm safety, usage, and maintenance.

To acquire a concealed carry license in New Jersey, you must first meet the eligibility criteria set by the state's laws, including being at least 21 years old, a legal resident of the United States, and not disqualified from possessing firearms under state or federal law. Next, complete a firearms training course approved by the New Jersey State Police, which typically covers firearm safety, legal responsibilities, and marksmanship. Obtain an application form from your local police department or online, fill it out accurately, and submit it along with any required documentation, such as proof of residency and completion of the firearms training course. Undergo a background check conducted by the New Jersey State Police, which includes a criminal history check and mental health records review. If approved, you'll receive your concealed carry license from the issuing authority, typically the local police chief or county sheriff's office. Ensure you understand and abide by all regulations and restrictions outlined in the license, and be aware of where carrying concealed firearms is permitted and prohibited in New Jersey.

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