NJ FIREARMS FAQ’S
1. How do you obtain a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and/or a Permit to Purchase a Handgun?
Applications are completed through your local police department or the New Jersey State Police station which covers the area you reside in. Out of State residents may only apply for a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card through the New Jersey State Police
2. How do you purchase (long guns) rifles and/or shotguns, including bb, pellet, and black powder rifles?
It is the responsibility of the seller of the rifles and/or shotguns, including bb, pellet, and black powder rifles to ascertain that the buyer has a valid Firearms Purchaser Identification Card plus one additional form of photo identification and completes a Certificate of Eligibility for each firearm. All firearms transactions must be completed at a State licensed retail firearms dealer with the exemption of transactions between a) members of an immediate family b) law enforcement officers c) collectors in possession of a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. (See N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3 for further information)
3. How do you purchase handguns, including bb, pellet, and black powder handguns?
A Permit to Purchase a Handgun must be completed for each handgun transferred in this state. It is the responsibility of the seller of the handgun to ascertain that the buyer has a valid Permit to Purchase a Handgun and one additional form of identification. The permit must be completed by the seller and buyer. It is the responsibility of the seller to forward the copies to the appropriate authority. Instructions are printed on the permit. All firearms transactions must be completed at a State licensed retail firearms dealer with the exemption of transactions between a) members of an immediate family b) law enforcement officers c) collectors in possession of a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. (See N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3 for further information)
4. How do you transport firearms (non-conceal carry)?
Any time firearms are transported in the state of New Jersey they must be carried unloaded and contained in a closed and fastened case (gunbox) or secured in the trunk of the vehicle which the firearms is being transported in. If there is no separate trunk and passenger area the firearm and ammunition must be in a locked container (not the automobile’s glove box or console) and kept farthest from the driver.
Ammunition must be transported in a separate locked container in the trunk of the vehicle which it is being transported in. Ammunition magazines may remain loaded during transportation and shall be carried separate from the firearm.
Any person who is pulled over or involved with a motor vehicle situation where law enforcement is involved are required to inform the law enforcement officer that they are transporting firearms and provide their FID along with their other documentation.
5. How do I apply for a permit to carry a handgun?
If you reside in New Jersey, you must apply with municipal police department where you reside. If the municipality where you reside is serviced by the New Jersey State Police, you must apply at the station which covers your municipality. Out of state residents must apply to the New Jersey State Police station nearest to their geographic location. All armored car employees, regardless of residential location, must apply with the New Jersey State Police, at the nearest New Jersey State Police station
6. If I inherit a firearm what must I do?
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3j, a firearm purchaser identification card and/or a handgun purchase permit shall not be required for the passing of a firearm upon the death of an owner to his/her heir. The firearm must be legal to possess in New Jersey and the person receiving the firearm shall not be prohibited by N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3c before receiving the firearm. If the heir does not qualify to acquire and possess the firearm, then ownership may be retained for a period not to exceed 180 days provided the firearm is transferred to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality or the superintendent during such period.
7. I have moved to New Jersey from another state. May I continue to possess my firearm(s)?
Effective February 1, 2023, new residents to the state of New Jersey must register their handguns within 60 days of moving to the state and establishing residency.
Signed into law on July 5, 2022, A1179/S1204, requires new residents to obtain a NJ Firearms Identification Card and register their handguns, even if the firearm(s) were legally acquired in another state. Non-compliance carries a civil penalty of $250 for the first offense and a disorderly persons offense for a second or subsequent offense.
8. Can I purchase a firearm directly from someone in another State?
No. It is a violation of Federal law for a resident of one state to receive a firearm of any kind from the resident of another state. In order for this transaction to be legal, it must go through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) in the State that the purchaser/receiver resides in. In New Jersey that means a firearm must be transported or shipped directly to the State licensed retail firearms dealer.
9. What is a “Large capacity ammunition magazine”?
A box, drum, tube or other container which is capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition to be fed continuously and directly therefrom into a semi-automatic firearm. Qualified retired law enforcement officers that have registered a handgun(s) with the New Jersey State Police as part of the Retired Police Officers permit to carry program may possess a magazine with a capacity of up to 15 rounds of ammunition for that specific registered handgun(s). Active duty law enforcement officers may possess magazines with a capacity of up to 17 rounds for personal firearms and over 17 rounds for any department issued firearm.
10. What type of firearms are considered assault weapons in New Jersey?
A complete list of banned firearms can be found in N.J.S. 2C:39-1.w as well as N.J.A.C. 13:54-1.2. If a firearm is not specifically listed by name then it may be considered to be substantially identical.
11. I was given a pistol years ago from a family member or friend and I do not know if it was transferred properly. How do I get the firearm in my name legally?
To legally take possession of that firearm you must take it to a licensed retail firearm dealer in New Jersey and request that the firearm be transferred back to you after all proper State and Federal paperwork is completed and a National Instant Criminal Background Check has been completed by the dealer. For a pistol you must first obtain a Pistol Purchase Permit.
12. I am in the military stationed in New Jersey however my residence/ driver’s license is from another state, can I purchase a firearm in New Jersey?
Yes. If you are Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA/HR218) compliant you may carry a concealed firearm in New Jersey. Please carry your law enforcement credentials and understand that you are restricted to 17 rounds of ammunition per magazine. If you are in New Jersey for official purposes and on duty with your department issued firearm, then there is no restriction. Hollow point ammunition is allowed for active duty Law Enforcement officers, whether on or off duty.
13. Can I travel through New Jersey with my firearms?
Yes. With no unreasonable deviations from your travels you may drive through New Jersey with any type firearm or ammunition. If New Jersey is the State of destination, then the firearms must be legal in this State.
For Additional Questions and access to Firearms Related Information in the State of New Jersey, please visit the NJSP Website directly by clicking on the button below.