1. How do I apply?

   Instructions on how to apply are posted on the NJSP website at the following link: Concealed Carry Permits

   The instructions include information on training requirements, SBI numbers, ORI numbers, photograph requirements, reference requirements, fees, additional required forms, change of name, and other items needed to apply. There are two sets of instructions. One for non-residents of New Jersey, and one for residents or dual residents of NJ. If you are approved, the identification you will receive is for a “State of New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun” regardless of your residency. Out of state residents often believe they are assigned a “non-resident concealed carry permit”, that does not exist.

   Applicants must not be subject to any disabilities outlined in N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3(C)(1-15). Additionally, applicants with active criminal cases, or any cases that may impact the overall assessment of their background, may not be approved.
   (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

2. Does New Jersey recognize concealed carry permits from other states?

   No. New Jersey does not have reciprocity with any other state. You must obtain a New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit if you wish to carry a handgun in New Jersey.
   (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

3. What are the training requirements?

   Training Requirements:

   • You need to successfully qualify on a course of fire for the Civilian Carry Assessment and Range Evaluation(CCARE) protocol issued on September 15, 2023.
   • After you complete the CCARE protocol training, your instructor must give you:
     1. A completed PTC Safe Handling and Proficiency Certification (SP 182), and
     2. A copy of their instructor’s certification that shows they are a certified instructor. You are required to upload these documents when applying online. Not submitting these documents will delay or cancel your application without a refund.
   • During the classroom instruction at the range your instructor will review the Use of Force Training.
   • While applying online, you will be responsible for reviewing the Firearms Safety & Awareness power point that is integrated into the website application. It is suggested you review this before applying online due to the volume of information.

   These requirements are unique to New Jersey and are required to obtain a New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit. If you hold a concealed carry permit in another state or have received training to meet the standards of another state, you will still need to meet the specific requirements listed above.

   You can also find the above listed training documents by using the below website link:
   https://www.nj.gov/njsp/firearms/Permit_to_carry_forms.shtml
   (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

4. The CCARE Memorandum & CCARE Memorandum Exemption

   CCARE Memorandum & CCARE Memorandum Exemption are forms that outlined compliance with training(s) prior to the CCARE Protocol standard established on 9/15/2023. CCARE has been the only standard of training since it was established. Anyone that has applied since 09/15/2023, must qualify to the CCARE Protocol (Civilian Carry Assessment and Range Evaluation).

   You can find these two forms by clicking the website link:
   Concealed Carry Information | New Jersey State Police
   (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

5. My expungement order was just granted by a judge, should I submit my application?

   The expungement is not instantaneous. You should not apply until your expungement order is fully processed and your record has been successfully expunged. If you applied for an expungement in New Jersey, you can check the status of your New Jersey expungement petition by following the instructions at Expungement Unit | New Jersey State Police. There is a processing time that exists between a Final Court Order for expungement granted by a judge and the completion of the expungement that removes information from a record performed by the New Jersey State Police Expungement Unit, the police department(s) involved in your arrest(s), and the court(s) involved in the prosecution.
   (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

6. I have been approved in the past for a Conceal Carry Permit. Am I a renewal or initial application when I apply to the website?

   Which button should I use to renew my Concealed Carry Permit?
   Start Initial Application ALL applicants using the Concealed Carry Permits website for the FIRST TIME. This includes: Applicants renewing an existing Concealed Carry Permit that was processed on a paper application and not processed using the Concealed Carry Permits website.	Start Renewal Application Applicants renewing a Concealed Carry Permit that was processed through the Concealed Carry Permits website. To renew your concealed carry permit, the expiration date on the permit you are trying to renew must be within 4 months of its expiration date.

   ---

   Approved Concealed Carry Permits are due for renewal every two (2) years.

   Renewal applications can be filed online for Concealed Carry Permits that were originally issued through the online system. If your permit was not filed through the online system, you must renew using the green “Start Initial Application” button; then, on your next renewal cycle, you will be able to use the online Renewal application.

   Renewal applications can be filed up to four (4) months before the expiration date. To avoid a lapse of the Concealed Carry Permit, applicants should consider applying three to four months prior to the expiration of the permit. If you wait until the last moment to renew, you will not be able to carry a handgun once your permit expires while the Police Department is processing your application. Once your renewal application is approved, you can lawfully carry your handgun again.

   For further instructions on renewals, read the instructions on the below website link that apply to your residency. https://www.nj.gov/njsp/firearms/Permit_to_carry_forms.shtml The instructions include commonly asked questions about not having to be fingerprinted if you already have an SBI number, training requirements, ORI numbers, photograph requirements, reference requirements, fees, additional required forms, change of name, and other items needed to apply.
   

   Paper applications that were approved prior to the online system:

   If you currently have a Concealed Carry Permit that was processed using a paper application and you have never used the Concealed Carry Permit website, there will not be any renewal information in the database for you. Therefore, you must renew as an INITIAL applicant using the green "Start Initial Application" button. Since these applicants will be using the website for the first time, your current expiration date is not in the Concealed Carry Permits database; therefore, your new two-year period will start the day your new application is approved. This may result in a loss of time from your current Concealed Carry Permit. This depends on when you submit your application and how quickly it is processed.

   Applicants that applied online and were approved:

   Applicants who previously obtained their Concealed Carry Permits through the Concealed Carry Permits system and are now renewing their permits through the website will not lose any time off their current permit if the new permit is approved prior to the expiration date. If it is approved after the expiration date, the new concealed carry permit will have an updated expiration date of two years from your approval date.

   Example: If the applicant previously applied to the concealed carry permit website and was approved on 10/05/2023, the applicant’s permit will expire on 10/05/2025. If you apply to the conceal carry website to renew the permit on 06/15/2025, and are approved on 09/01/2025, the new conceal carry permit expiration displayed on the applicant’s new conceal carry permit will be 10/05/2027.
   (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

7. How long is my training valid?

   The qualification can only be used for a total of two consecutive permits (One application and one renewal application) with no gap in between the two permits. Conceal Carry Permits expire, and can be renewed, every two years if they align with the below information.

   If the chief police officer or superintendent determines that the applicant: “(3)has completed the training requirements established pursuant to subsection g. of this section, provided that any requirement for classroom instruction and target training shall not be required for a renewal applicant who completed the instruction and training when obtaining a permit to carry a handgun issued within the previous two years;” (2C:58-4d(3))

   You must meet the standards noted in the CCARE protocol, created 09/15/2023 and has since been the standard, or CCARE Memorandum/HQC2 Modified for applicants that qualified prior to 09/15/2023. The CCARE Protocol qualification is the only standard since it was issued on 09/15/2023. You must upload your training certificates each time you apply.

   Example #1

   • Applicant’s Concealed Carry Permit was approved on 6/01/2023 and is trying to apply for a renewal with the live fire qualification they completed in 2023. Does the applicant’s qualification clearly detail how the qualification was conducted that aligns with the CCARE Memorandum OR did the applicant recertify to the HQC2 modified Protocol or CCARE Protocol with a completed S.P.182 PTC Safe Handling and Proficiency Certification?

     If the applicant’s training does not align with the CCARE Memorandum and the applicant did not recertify to HQC2 Modified Protocol or CCARE Protocol, then the applicant must obtain a new qualification to reapply.

   Example #2

   • Applicant’s Concealed Carry Permit was approved on 6/01/2023. The applicant’s qualification is either equivalent to the CCARE Memorandum and clearly detailed or they recertified to HQC2 Modified Protocol or CCARE Protocol.

   The applicant must apply before their conceal carry permit expires to not have to requalify. The qualification only lasts for a total of two consecutive permits (One application and one renewal application) with no gap in between the two permits. If the applicant applied for a renewal before the conceal carry permit expires, it is considered to have no gap between the two permits regardless of the approval date.

   A new qualification will be required for the applicant’s next concealed carry permit renewal. That qualification will be used for a total of two consecutive permits as well.

   Example #3

   • Applicant applied on 10/01/2023 with the CCARE qualification and was approved on 12/20/2023. The CCARE Protocol qualification is the only standard since it was issued on 09/15/2023.

     If the applicant reapplies prior to the expiration on 12/21/2025, then they do not have to requalify. The qualification can only be used for a total of two consecutive permits (One application and one renewal application) with no gap in between the two permits. If the applicant applied before the conceal carry permit expires, it is considered to have no gap between the two permits regardless of the approval date.

     A new qualification will be required for the applicant’s next concealed carry permit renewal. That qualification will be used for a total of two consecutive permits as well.

   (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

   
   

8. Interactions with Law Enforcement

   "The holder of a permit to carry a handgun issued pursuant to N.J.S.2C:58-4, If stopped or detained by a law enforcement officer while carrying a handgun in public or traveling with a handgun in a motor vehicle, shall: (1) Immediately disclose to the law enforcement officer that they are carrying a handgun or that a handgun is stored in the vehicle; and (2) display the permit to carry a handgun issued.

   A violation of paragraph (1) of this section shall be a crime of the fourth degree. A person who violates paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be guilty of a disorderly person’s offense for a first offense and subject to a $100 fine and a crime of the fourth degree for a second or subsequent offense." (Excerpt from statute 2C:58-4.4B)

   Further Interaction with Law Enforcement: "A holder of a permit to carry a handgun issued pursuant to N.J.S.2C:58-4 who is carrying a handgun in public and is detained by a law enforcement officer as part of a criminal investigation shall provide the handgun to the law enforcement officer upon request for purposes of inspecting the handgun. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to affect or otherwise limit the authority of a law enforcement officer to conduct a lawful search or seizure. A violation of this subsection shall be a crime of the fourth degree." (Excerpt from statute 2C:58-4.4C)
   (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

9. Concealed carry with a holster

   Holster:
   "For purposes of this section, ‘holster’ means a device or sheath that securely retains a handgun which, at a minimum, conceals and protects the main body of the firearm, maintains the firearm in a consistent and accessible position, and renders the trigger covered and inaccessible while the handgun is fully seated in the holster." (Excerpt from statute 2C:58-4H.)

   Carrying a handgun on or about their person:
   "2C:58-4.5 Restrictions, public carrying, handgun.
   Requirements and restrictions on the lawful carrying of a handgun in public.
   Except as permitted pursuant to N.J.S.2C:39-6, in addition to any criminal penalties under subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:39-5, sections 5 and 7 of P.L.2022, c.131 (C.2C:58-4.4 and C.2C:58-4.6), or any other law, it shall be a crime of the fourth degree for any person in a public place:
   a. to carry a handgun concealed on or about their person, except as permitted in accordance with N.J.S.2C:39-6, without possessing on their person a valid and lawfully issued permit to carry under N.J.S.2C:58-4” (Excerpt from 2C:58-4.5A)
   b. “to carry a handgun openly, whether or not in possession of a valid and lawfully issued permit to carry under N.J.S.2C:58-4”
   *Note: A sentence mentioning liability insurance in statute at the end of section a and b of the above was left out intentionally due to Judge Renee Marie Bumb ruling against liability insurance on 5/16/2023. Liability insurance is no longer required. This is also explained in the sensitive places section of this FAQ.

   Carrying a handgun openly is not allowed with a concealed carry permit:
   "Except as otherwise provided in subsection b. of section 6 of P.L.2022, c.131 (C.2C:58-4.5), shall not be construed to authorize a holder to carry a handgun openly, provided that a brief, incidental exposure of a handgun while transferring it to or from a holster or due to the shifting of the person's body position or clothing shall be deemed a de minimis infraction within the contemplation of N.J.S.2C:2-11." (Excerpt from statute 2C:58-4A).
   (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

10. Alcohol/Drug Usage

    A Concealed Carry permit holder shall not consume or be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or controlled substance. Any violation of this statute is a fourth-degree crime and revocation of the permit to carry. (see N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4.4A)
    (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

11. Sensitive Places/Prohibited Areas

    Sensitive Places: New Jersey has “Sensitive Places”, also known as prohibited areas, that you currently cannot carry a firearm. As of 06/19/2025, the statute of prohibited areas that you cannot carry a firearm has not been updated because the court appeals process has not been finalized. Therefore, the link that follows this paragraph has a pdf document with the whole statute that involves prohibited areas (2C:58-4.6). There are notes next to the three parts of 2C:58-4.6 that were ordered by Judge Renee Marie Bumb to be allowed to carry a firearm. The notes pertaining to this statute are listed next to 2C:58-4.6(a)(23), 2C:58-4.6(a)(24) (only as to private property that is held open to the public), and 2C:58-4.6(b)(1) (prohibition on functional firearms in vehicles).
    
    The link is readable here:
    Places where carrying a firearm or destructive device is prohibited

    N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4.6 became effective on 12/22/2022. There have been several ongoing court cases involving this statute.

    On 05/16/2023, U.S. District Judge Renee Marie Bumb preliminary enjoined, or prohibited, the enforcement of parts of 2C:58-4.6 (Places where the carrying of a firearm or destructive device is prohibited). This four-page court order is readable here: politico.com - court order

    On 06/20/2023, an emergency motion for stay pending appeal was filed in the United States Court of Appeals Third Circuit. As a result of this motion, some of the subsections of 2C:58-4.6 that were preliminary enjoined, or prohibited, in the above court order from 05/16/2023 are now enforceable by law enforcement. The two-page court order is readable here:2023-0620_Dkt29-SPA-ORDER.pdf

    On 10/25/2023, an appeal involving restrictions on sensitive places as well as other parts of New Jersey gun laws was filed in the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. As of 06/19/2025 this appeal is still pending from 10/25/2023. Until that appeal and court procedures are finalized, the “sensitive places” statute (2C:58-4.6 Prohibited areas, carrying, firearms, destructive device) will not accurately reflect the court orders listed above because they are not final. There are parts of the statute that are enforceable and are not enforceable currently. We will clarify further in the below paragraphs. When the court procedures are final, the statute will be updated, and we will update this information pertaining to “sensitive places” also known as prohibited areas; however, it is your responsibility to understand the current list of sensitive places in effect at the time you apply. Additionally, once you have a New Jersey concealed carry permit it is your responsibility to stay updated as to the status of the court’s decision on the pending appeal and any subsequent changes to the law. The New Jersey State Police is not obligated to notify you of any changes to the law.

    In summary, as of 06/19/2025, the following subsections of N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4.6 “Prohibited Places” are currently enforceable which means they are still considered Sensitive Places where carrying concealed is prohibited:

    “Sensitive Places” – Prohibited Places

    2C:58-4.6(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), (a)(7), (a)(8), (a)(9), (a)(10), (a)(11), (a)(12), (a)(13), (a)(14), (a)(15), (a)(16), (a)(17), (a)(18), (a)(19), (a)(20), (a)(21), (a)(22), and (a)(24)(only as to private property that is not held open to the public).

    ---

    The following is a quote from Judge Renee Marie Bumb’s order that was granted on 05/16/2023 that lists statutes which are still prohibited from being enforced by “officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys (and any other persons in active concert or participation with them)”. This means the following subsections of the statute are not applicable to you in terms of being able to carry in the locations listed. There is also other information listed below that is still in effect from Judge Renee Marie Bumb’s order that does not involve sensitive places. The following is currently (as of 06/19/2025) not enforceable by law enforcement as per Judge Bumb’s 05/16/2023 decision:

    Not active or prohibited at this time

    “2C:58-4.6(a)(23), (a)(24) (only as to private property that is held open to the public), id. § 2C:58-4.6(b)(1) (prohibition on functional firearms in vehicles), id. § 2C:58-4(c) (in-person interview requirement of carry permit applicant’s character endorsers); id. §§ 2C:58-4(d)(4), 2C:58-4.3 (Insurance Mandate), and N.J. Admin. Code § 7:25-5.23(f)(5) (prohibition on functional firearms in vehicles);”

    ---

    Before applying, you should be aware of all the restrictions in statute 2C:58-4.6 and you should fully understand the information listed above.
    (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

12. Proof of Liability Insurance

    This was ruled against by Judge Bumb on 5/16/2023 and is no longer required as listed in the court orders in the above sensitive places section of this FAQ (id. §§ 2C:58-4(d)(4), 2C:58-4.3 (Insurance Mandate)).
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

13. Change of address

    A change of address is not required for a concealed carry permit once it has been approved. A change of address does not invalidate an active concealed carry permit, even if the new address is in another state.

    When an applicant applies to renew their conceal carry permit before it expires two years from their approval date, they must submit their renewal application to the Police Department that provides coverage for their new address, if the applicant lives in New Jersey. If the applicant does not live in New Jersey, and is not a dual resident, their application will automatically be assigned to an NJSP Station after selecting “no” to the first question in the application about residency. Read the instructions mentioned in FAQ #1 for further details on how to apply for a renewal.
    (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

14. Change of name or change of sex

    Change of name or change of sex on an approved concealed carry permit that is not expired: Applicants that change their name or gender after being approved for a concealed carry permit must carry appropriate documentation to verify their name change until their two-year permit is eligible for renewal. If you do not carry the appropriate documentation to prove your identity, the conceal carry permit may be unable to be verified by any law enforcement entity interacting with the permit holder.

    If you choose to update your concealed carry permit to your new identity, you must reapply for a new permit by submitting the necessary fees and documentation.

    Change of name or change of sex while applying for a renewal of your concealed carry permit:
    When it’s time to reapply: Before either of the listed options below are attempted, applicants must first update their state identification or driver’s license to their new legal name or sex.

    New Jersey or dual residents of New Jersey that legally changed their name or sex from their previous identity listed on their Concealed Carry Permit, will need to apply for a "Change of Name on Firearms Purchaser Identification Card" and/or “Change of Sex on Firearms Purchaser Identification Card” application on the Firearms Application & Registration System (FARS). If you are due to renew your Concealed Carry Permit, you must apply and be approved for your Change of Name and/or Change of Sex application in FARS before you apply to renew your Concealed Carry Permit. After being approved in the FARS database, it will take approximately three days for your identity information to be updated. After that time, you will be able to apply to the Concealed Carry Permit website with your new identity.

    Out-of-State Residents that legally changed their name and/or sex from their previous identity listed on their Concealed Carry Permit, must be fingerprinted again to have their name and/or sex updated. If you are due for renewal of your Concealed Carry Permit, you must first get fingerprinted for the purpose of changing your name and/or sex. After being fingerprinted, it will take approximately five (5) days for your record to update before you can apply for your renewal of your Concealed Carry Permit. If you, out-of-state residents only, are having issues with applying contact the New Jersey State Police via email at firearmsinvestunit@njsp.gov
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

15. Lost or stolen / When does my conceal carry permit expire?

    The link to download your conceal carry permit expires two years from the date of your approval. If lost, you can reprint your conceal carry permit from the link that was sent to your email.
    (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

16. Magazine Capacity Limit

    According to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1y, a “Large capacity ammunition magazine means 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. The term shall not include an attached tubular device which is capable of holding only .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.” Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(j), possession of a large capacity magazine is a fourth-degree crime. Some exceptions are listed below, see N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3 for complete details.

    Qualified retired law enforcement officers that have registered a handgun with the New Jersey State Police as part of the Retired Police Officers permit to carry program pursuant to subsection l. of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6, may possess a magazine with a capacity of up to 15 rounds of ammunition for that specific registered handgun(s), (see N.J.S.A. 2C:39-17).

    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 (see N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3g(1)(b) and (c).
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

17. References

    References for a concealed carry application cannot be a family member by blood or by law and you must have known each reference for a minimum of three years. (Excerpt from N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4B).

    Once your application is submitted, you cannot make any changes. If you entered an incorrect email address for one of your references, you should contact the police department that is processing your application to edit the reference’s email address. You do not need to reapply. The New Jersey State Police Firearms Investigation Unit does not process, review, edit, approve, or deny applications submitted to Municipal Police Departments.
    (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

18. Handguns intended to be carried

    For both initial and renewal applications, applicants must provide details of all handguns they plan to carry while completing their application on the concealed carry permit website. If an applicant wants to carry an additional handgun after their online application has been submitted or approved, they must complete the SP 182A form (PTC Additional Handguns Intended to be Carried) and submit it to their issuing Police Department. The Police Department must determine and record a complete description of each handgun the applicant intends to carry for compliance with N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4C(4). The Police Department should take this form and attach or upload it to the applicant’s submitted or approved application. Keep a copy of any paperwork you submit for your own records.
    
    The 182A form is available here:
    SP 182A - Additional_Handguns_Intended_to_be_Carried
    (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

19. Concealed Carry Permit ID Card

    The conceal carry permit identification card is emailed to you after approval. You may laminate it to protect it. There are currently no restrictions on what your card can be printed on, if it is not altered or edited in any manner, and it is clearly legible. The preference is for the cards to remain of a consistent size for every applicant so when encountered by law enforcement they can be easily recognized as a legitimate card. The approval link you receive in your email to download your conceal carry permit expires two years from the date you received it. You are required to have your conceal carry permit on your person whenever carrying a gun.

    Your card contains your SBI number which is unique to you. You should use the same level of care in safeguarding it as you would with other Personally Identifiable Information.
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

20. Am I considered an Elected Official of a Municipal Governing Body?

    According to N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4c, applications submitted by mayors or other elected members of the municipal governing bodies will be processed by the New Jersey State Police.

    According to the Local Government Ethics Laws of New Jersey, specifically 40A:12-22.3:
    “c. “Governing body” means, in the case of a municipality, the commission, council, board or body, by whatever name it may be known, having charge of the finances of the municipality, and, in the case of a county, the board of chosen freeholders, or, in the 4 case of a county having adopted the provisions of the “Optional County Charter Law,” P.L.1972, c.154 (C.40:41A-1 et seq.), as defined in the form of government adopted by the county under that act.”

    If your role as an elected official meets the definition of a Governing Body, specifically if you have charge of the finances of the municipality, then you would answer yes to the following question on the conceal carry website: “Are you applying as a Mayor or elected member of the municipal governing body?”
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

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