Getting a gun license in New Jersey could be more complicated than in other states. New Jersey has steeper gun laws and has enacted several over the past few decades to curb gun violence and crime. So how do you get a gun license in New Jersey?
Eligibility Criteria | Get Gun Permit Online | Offline Application Process | Gun License Fees
Knowing how gun laws operate in your state can be confusing as they can change yearly. Don’t sweat it!
You can learn the ins and outs of getting a gun permit by taking extra time out of your schedule. So read on and learn about getting a gun license in New Jersey.
Contents
NJ Gun License Eligibility Criteria
Here is the list of all requirements you should meet before applying for a gun license in New Jersey.
Age Requirements
You must be at least 21 years old. This age requirement applies to both residents and non-residents applying for a gun license in New Jersey.
Residency Requirements
NJ Residents must provide proof of residency to obtain a gun license. This can include documents such as your driver’s license, utility bills, or voter registration card.
Non-Residents must meet specific conditions such as being a member of a shooting club in the state or participating in a firearms competition.
Clean Criminal Background
Gun license in New Jersey is contingent upon having a clean criminal background. Any prior convictions for crimes will lead to a denial of your gun license application. It is essential to be honest in disclosing your criminal history when you apply.
Submitting any false information can also result in rejection of the gun license.
Restraining Orders
You should not have an active restraining order against you. Even if a restraining order is issued against you during the application process or while holding a gun license, it may lead to the revocation of your license.
Now that the requirements are out of the way, let’s look at how you can get that FPIC license and permit to carry a gun.
Getting a Gun License in New Jersey
Getting a gun license in New Jersey has more conditions than other states. They have a higher threshold of acquiring guns, hoping those who should not have guns will not get them.
In addition, not knowing the process can leave you defenseless or have you miss out on prime hunting season.
Getting a Gun Permit Online
Getting a permit online is your best bet. Remember that if your forms aren’t incorrect or there is any missing information, you will not be accepted and must redo the process. Cross your T’s and dot your I’s before moving forward. Once you know all your paperwork is correct, you must go to the Firearms Application & Registration System.
The info you need to get a gun permit in New Jersey is as follows:
- ORI Number – The first thing you should do after the paperwork is filled out correctly is look for the ORI number. This number proves that you visited your local police station to get your permits and informed them of your intentions to buy a firearm.
- Information Roundup – One of the most extensive parts of the application is filling out the information in the corresponding tabs. These tabs range from home address to a reference list that must all be 100% complete and correct before submitting.
- State Bureau Info – Another number you need before getting a new gun is the SBI number. The SBI or Firearms Identification number gives the officials extra information they might need to process your information. As a first-time buyer, you could jump through a few more hoops to make it happen.
With this information, you can get the permit process underway. Remember that any of the steps you have been through are there to protect the state’s citizens and you. If you mislabel anything or don’t get your SBI and ORI numbers, you cannot attain a firearm.
Filing Paperwork is a Crucial Step
Just like any other bureaucratic entity, some papers should be filled out. These papers are essential because there are a few different ways to get a gun in the state. For instance, if you have never owned a firearm, the process is more involved than those who owned it before 2014.
Filing the paperwork without errors requires that the applicant do the following:
- Complete Address – Another thing that must be on the application is the applicant’s full address. Detectives often use these applications to track down leads in criminal cases. You can expect the application to be shot down if the information is incorrect.
- Signatures – Every line that needs to have your signature on it should be filled out correctly. While there are no requirements for how your signature looks, it should be on every line that requires it, or you will have to begin the process over. Always make sure your signature is in the appropriate place.
- Payment – There are fees for getting a gun. You pay a small ($5) fee for your card, and then you must pay $2 for every handgun you want to purchase. Then an additional $20 is required to do a criminal background check.
Make sure your paperwork is 100% correct before turning it in. The forms are crucial to gun safety because they allow law enforcement to gather details if the firearm is used in a crime. Always give truthful information, or you could see your gun privileges revoked by the state.
NJ Gun License: Offline Application Process
There are two main types of permits for firearms in New Jersey. One is the Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC) and the other one is Permit to Purchase a Handgun.
The FPIC allows you to buy shotguns, rifles, and ammunition. Permit to Purchase a Handgun is mandatory for buying handguns in NJ. Y
You’ll need to decide which permit suits your needs before starting the application process.
Filling Out the Application
You need to complete the State of New Jersey – Application for Firearms Purchaser Identification Card/ Application to Purchase a Handgun (Form STS-33), which can be found on the New Jersey State website or at your local police station.
Carefully read the instructions and fill out all necessary sections including:
- Personal Information
- Eligibility Requirements
- References: Provide two non-relative references who know you well
Fingerprinting and Background Check
As part of the application process you’ll need to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history background check.
Schedule an appointment with an approved fingerprint vendor like IdentoGO, and bring the required documents including your completed application form and a photo ID.
Fingerprinting fees vary depending on the provider.
Submitting the Application
After completing the fingerprinting process, submit your application to the local police department in the municipality where you reside.
If you’re an out-of-state resident then submit the gun license form to the New Jersey State Police along with license and permit fees. These fees must be paid with a check or money order made payable to the appropriate police agency.
Processing times may vary so be patient while awaiting the results.
Gun License Permit Fees in NJ
To purchase guns in NJ, you need to apply for a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC) or a Permit to Purchase a Handgun.
Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC) in New Jersey costs $5. FPIC card allows you to purchase rifles and shotguns. A Permit to Purchase a Handgun costs $2 per permit. Each permit is valid for 90 days and is required for every handgun you wish to buy.
You will also need to cover the cost of fingerprinting which is approximately $55. This is a one-time fee as your fingerprints will be kept on file for future applications.
To summarize, you will need to budget for the following fees:
- Firearms Purchaser Identification Card: $5
- Permit to Purchase a Handgun: $2 per permit (one permit per handgun)
- Fingerprinting: approximately $55 (one-time fee)
FAQ
What are the requirements for a NJ gun license?
To obtain a gun license in New Jersey, you must be at least 18 years old for rifles and shotguns or 21 years old for handguns. You must also undergo a background check, fingerprinting, and provide two references. Additionally, you cannot have any disqualifying mental health history, criminal record, or be subject to any restraining orders.
How long does the process take in New Jersey?
The process for obtaining a gun license in New Jersey can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, depending on the response time for background checks and other required information. Be prepared to wait and follow up with your local police department or state police barracks if necessary.
Who is eligible for a Gun carry permit in NJ?
In New Jersey, to be eligible for a carry permit, you must meet strict criteria. This includes demonstrating a justifiable need to carry a firearm in public, such as having specific threats or previous attacks on your life. Carry permits are generally issued to those who can prove a particular need for self-defense, like security professionals or retired law enforcement officers.
Are there different types of gun licenses in New Jersey?
Yes, there are different types of gun licenses in New Jersey. These include the Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC) for rifles and shotguns, the Permit to Purchase a Handgun (PPH) for handguns, and the Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH) for carrying a handgun in public. Each of these licenses has specific requirements and application processes.
Conclusion
New Jersey has a straightforward process to buy firearms that protect the buyers and help the police. If you are a first-time buyer, the most significant piece of the puzzle is getting your ORI number from the local police department. These numbers link buyers to guns and allow them to shop for and apply for concealed carry.
When filing online or in person, you must ensure that the information you provide is accurate. The info you provide during the process could be used as evidence in a crime or to help protect you and your family if there’s a theft.
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