Q&A for How to Acquire a Gun License in New Jersey

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.

With the NJ state police.

No, you do not. However, the use of a crossbow for hunting in New Jersey requires an archery license, which is issued annually.

If you have a F.P.I.D. card, then no for long guns (rifles, shotguns), but each handgun requires an individual permit.

Only if you plan on conceal carry of a handgun. Transportation of long guns and handguns (not carried on your person) have a different set of rules including how to store them in your vehicle as well as acceptable reasons for transporting (gun range, gunsmith, organized events, etc). F.P.I.D. card and handgun permits should be with you when transporting.

Having a gun license and being in the military are two different things. You need a gun license in order to buy a gun, regardless of being military or not.

No. In order to own a rifle or any other long gun, such as a shotgun, you just need to apply for a firearm ID. With this ID, you will be able to purchase a long gun. You only need a permit to purchase handguns.

You need a Firearms Identification Card for shotguns, rifles and bb/pellet guns.

Firearms which have been legally acquired in another state and are legal to possess in New Jersey may be brought to New Jersey by the owner when residency is established. The owner may register the firearm(s) by completing a Voluntary Form of Firearms Registration, however, the owner is not obligated to do so.

There is no required waiting period. You can even apply for multiple permits at once. However, you can only purchase one handgun every 30 days. You can purchase as many long guns as you wish without any waiting periods.

It depends on the township, however, the average is around 6 months. After 30 days it helps to call the police agency to ask if your permit/permits are ready. They are legally bound to only allow 30 days to pass, however this is widely unenforced by the state and townships may take as long as they want.

Yes, the ID is used statewide. No need to get another FID, but you do need to obtain a purchase permit to purchase another firearm.

Yes. Anybody who is not a relative can act as a reference, since family are most likely to lie on behalf of the applicant.

Yes, it is difficult. In my experience, it is next to impossible to clear the "justifiable need" hurdle.

You need a pistol permit as it is a pistol; however, approved rifles and shotguns do not need a FID to inherit. If you would like to inherit a pistol, you must apply for a pistol permit at your local or state police.

An airsoft gun is not a firearm, and you don't need any kind of permit for it. Just go in a store and buy one if you want, or order online.

Yes, since New Jersey considers BB guns and air guns real firearms. So, you need a permit to possess, carry or transport them, just like a regular pistol.

Yes, as antique firearms are considered firearms in New Jersey. You need an FID to possess, transport or carry.

No. There is a need for regulation and law within the 2nd amendment. However, using law and fear to make it nearly impossible to exercise a right is wrong. One may own a handgun and rifles in NJ; leaving your house with it is another story.

They may. It depends upon your documented issues. If you have been confined for a mental health disorder in the past, you will be denied in New Jersey.

You would go to your local police department and get a copy. They should have it in their records.

No, there is no polygraph testing required for NJ FID nor Pistol Purchase Permits.

Yes, as long as the gun was obtained legally and does not violate any laws.

The State of NJ Firearms Purchaser Identification Card does not expire. Pistol purchase permits expire in 90 days after issuing, but they can be extended for 90 days if done before the expiration.

No, you do not need a reason. No one at the police station or on paper will ask you. However, you should know for yourself why you would want to own a handgun.

You must possess and show a NJ FID to purchase any long gun. You must have an issued NJ Pistol Purchase permit for each handgun that you want to purchase and can only purchase one handgun in any 30 day period.

No, but you need to be a legal resident alien with the proper I.D. to prove it (green card).

You'll need to fill out the Application for Firearms Purchaser Identification Card STS-33 and check the Change of Address box. Call your new local police department and confirm what paperwork you need.

No, felons cannot have guns in NJ.

You don't need to do anything if the gun is NJ legal. You do not need NJ's Firearm purchaser ID to possess firearms in NJ. However, if your weapon is NJ illegal, there will be no way you can legally own it anymore.