How to buy a handgun in New Jersey

So you want to buy a firearm in New Jersey? This could seem like a very intimidating thing if you’re not aware of the process. While we’re not attorneys, we will try to guide you on how to do this. We’re going to cover two different things that you need to know in New Jersey. One, in order to buy a handgun in New Jersey, you must first obtain a pistol purchaser’s permit. Two, in order to buy a long gun (shotgun or rifle), you must first obtain a firearms identification card.

The process for obtaining either of those documents for the first time is nearly identical. A firearm’s identification card is valid from the day it is issued to you until you move or otherwise become disqualified. A pistol purchaser’s permit is valid for 90 days, with the possibility of having it extended an additional 90 days upon request, and at the discretion of your issuing authority.

While someone does not NEED a firearms identification card in order to possess or purchase a handgun, it’s recommended to get one anyhow. In the state of New Jersey, one must be in possession of a license to carry, firearms identification card, or pistol purchaser’s permit in order to buy handgun ammunition. Having the firearms identification card will make it so that you can buy ammunition.

The steps someone needs to take to apply for these documents are as follows:

First determine who your issuing authority is. For most residents, that would be the Chief of Police in your town or municipality. Should you live in a jurisdiction that does not have a police department, you would apply to the State Police Barracks that is in your area.

Once you have determined who you will be applying to for your documents, make contact with them and let them know you’re applying for a firearms identification card and or pistol purchaser’s permit. You’re going to need to get some information from them which you will use when filling your application out, what is called the Originating Agency Identifier (ORI) Number. The application process is done all online now. Your issuing authority will also instruct you on how to pay them the appropriate fees for processing your document(s).

To access the online application, as well as read the State Police’s instructions, follow this link:

https://www.njportal.com/njsp/FARS

For people applying for their first firearm related document, they must be fingerprinted. An appointment for fingerprinting can be done following this link:

https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/2F164B

There are a number of things to keep in mind when applying for a firearms identification card and or pistol purchaser’s permit:

1. Due to New Jersey’s law, an individual may only purchase one pistol per month. In all practicality, that would mean getting more than six permits would be a waste. However, there is a special form that can be filled out allowing an individual the opportunity to buy more than one handgun per month. Local issuing authorities should not be telling applicants how many permits they may apply for.
2. You are going to have to list references. Make sure you notify your reference in advance that you are going to be using them and double check with them that it’s okay to do so. Also stress to them the importance of reporting back promptly…your application will get held up if they do not respond.
3. Even though marijuana use has been decriminalized in the state of New Jersey, a recreational or medical user of such substance federally bars you from firearm possession. If you have questions about your eligibility you should consult a competent attorney.
4. Be honest on your application. Failure to report truthfully on it can leave you subject to application denial and potentially criminal charges.
5. You can use the same application to apply for both a firearms identification card and pistol purchaser’s permit(s).
6. There are no “training requirements” at this time in the state to exercise this right. Some jurisdictions have tried to say applicants need training or have to provide the department with additional documentation such as a birth certificate.

Once your application has been submitted, you should be notified when your documentation is ready. New Jersey has swapped over to electronic forms of these documents. This means you’ll be able to download a copy of your firearms identification card. In the event that you’ve acquired pistol purchaser’s permit, they will be saved in New Jersey’s electronic system. By law, the issuing authority has 30 days to issue or deny a completed application. That does not mean they won’t take longer than that.

Welcome to the Second Amendment community! We hope this information was useful to you and wish you the best of luck as you proceed onward in freedom!