New Jersey Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in New Jersey, here are some things about the permit process you should know:
New Jersey is a shall-issue state. Concealed-weapons permits are issued at the local level by municipal police departments or the New Jersey State Police. Applicants must first obtain the approval of their local police chief, then must present his or her application to a superior court judge. A New Jersey concealed-carry permit applicant must be 21 years of age.
Is there a waiting period to buy a handgun in New Jersey?
There is no specific waiting period to buy a firearm in New Jersey. However, a Firearms Purchaser Identification (FPID) card and a Permit To Purchase a Handgun are required for each handgun purchase. The permit is valid for 90 days. Only one handgun can be purchased within a 30-day period.
Do handguns need to be registered in New Jersey?
Yes. The New Jersey State Police Firearms Investigation Unit maintains a record of all handgun transfers. There is no registration for long guns.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in New Jersey?
Yes. A Firearms Purchaser Identification (FPID) card and a Permit To Purchase a Handgun are required for each handgun purchase, and the permit is valid for 90 days. Only one handgun can be purchased within a 30-day period.
Who is eligible to obtain a Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH) in New Jersey?
Any New Jersey state resident who is at least 21 years of age can apply for a Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH).
Is firearms training a requirement in New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH)?
Yes. An applicant must complete a firearms-safety course in New Jersey.
What are the requirements to obtain a Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH) in New Jersey?
Applicants for a New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH) must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Complete firearms-safety training course
- Supply four non-family references
- Meet federal law requirements
- Supply information on handguns to be carried
What are the steps to obtain a Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH) in New Jersey?
- Compete a handgun-safety course, if required.
- Download an application and Consent For Mental Health form from the New Jersey State Police website gov/njsp.
- Have the application notarized
- Obtain four references from persons you have known for a minimum of three years and who are not family members
- Submit the application, four passport-style photographs, firearms-training certificate, Consent For Mental Health form, and fee to your local state police station. You will be fingerprinted when you submit the application. A permit is issued within 60 days if the application is approved.
How much does a New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH) cost?
A New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH) costs $200.
Does New Jersey recognize pistol permits from other states?
No. New Jersey does not honor permits from any other states.
Is New Jersey a Constitutional Carry state?
No. New Jersey is not a Constitutional Carry state.
Is New Jersey an Open Carry state?
No. New Jersey is not an Open Carry state.
Is New Jersey a Stand Your Ground state?
No. New Jersey is not a Stand Your Ground state. State law imposes a duty to retreat. Yes.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey has banned the possession of certain listed firearms or “substantially identical” firearms which the state has deemed to be assault firearms.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in New Jersey?
No. The maximum magazine capacity is 10 rounds in New Jersey.
Does New Jersey have gun-storage laws?
No. New Jersey does not have a gun-storage law.
Is New Jersey a Red Flag state?
Yes. New Jersey has a red-flag law that allows a family or household member of a person, or law enforcement, to file a petition for an extreme risk protection order, prohibiting a person from having custody or control of, owning, possessing, purchasing or receiving a firearm.
