1. What does RPO mean?

   Retired Police Officer - Permit to carry. This permit applies for members who worked a career in some type of law enforcement capacity in New Jersey.
   (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

2. How much is the RPO permit?

   The RPO permit is $125 for a period of two years from the approval date.
   (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

3. How long must I be an officer to get my RPO permit?

   10 years or 4 years with a disability retirement.
   (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

4. When should I apply for my RPO permit?

   1 to 2 months prior to retirement from your agency. Your RPO permit will be approved near your actual date of retirement.
   (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

5. What if I worked out of state, but live in New Jersey?

   A New Jersey address is required for the NJ RPO permit.
   (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

6. I haven’t had a RPO permit since 2008, am I an initial applicant?

   If this is your first RPO application, you are an initial application.
   If you had a prior RPO permit in any capacity, you are a renewal, regardless of the time between applications.
   (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

7. How do I locate a RPO instructor in my area and qualify?

   Contact your local shooting range, in most cases they have a RPO Instructor. The RPO instructor WILL PROVIDE YOU with the RPO qualification sheet after successful completion of the courses.
   
   (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

8. Are training qualifications from my former employer acceptable?

   No, you need to qualify with a RPO instructor with the weapon(s) you plan to carry as per NJ Attorney General guidelines.
   (Last reviewed on 07-09-2025)

9. Where do I mail my bi-annual training qualifications?

   They can be uploaded when you renew, or they can be sent to RPOTrainingRecords@NJSP.GOV upon completion. Ultimately, you are responsible for qualifying and maintaining your records.
   
   (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

10. How long until I am approved for a RPO permit?

    Each permit process is different. There are many factors that can contribute to how long the investigation of the permit will take, such as: awaiting a response from your employer, unsigned training records, or pending issues noted in your background that require further clarification.
    (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

11. I mailed my permit application to your office, when should I expect my permit?

    DO NOT MAIL ANYTHING TO THE FIREARMS INVESTIGATION UNIT!
    The entire process is done online via the following link:
    Retired Law Enforcement Officer Program (RPO) (njportal.com)
    (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

12. It is asking for my SBI number, what is that?

    A unique number assigned by the New Jersey State Bureau of Identification (SBI) for fingerprints kept on file within the bureau. You need to be assigned one prior to applying for a RPO permit. One is assigned with the issuance of a New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card.
    (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

13. I cannot access my permit when I type my name in.

    If your name contains a suffix such as SR, JR, I or II, you may have to enter your name, (1,2, or 3 spaces) then the suffix to access your permit. You may have to find the correct combination until it works.
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

14. Can I receive a RPO permit if I retired on a disability?

    Yes, you must have at least 4 years of work experience with your agency and retire in good standing. The disability must be a physical disability.
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

15. I did not receive my plastic card, where is it?

    There are no more plastic cards being issued. With the Electronic RPO update the entire process has been automated to be a real time database. You will receive an email with an access key to view/print your permit.
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

16. How can I change my address on my RPO permit?

    You can only change your address when you renew your application.
    (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

17. Why am I getting an email telling me my permit has expired?

    Each permit is given an issue and expiration date. An automated email is sent notifying when your permit is expired. You will receive this automated message even if you have applied for a new RPO permit.
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

18. Why am I getting an email to requalify?

    The RPO permit system is designed to remind applicants to adhere to the bi-annual qualifications each year.
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

19. I am getting an error message, what do I do?

    Note what the error message is and then email RPO@NJSP.GOV advising what specifically was wrong. Including a screenshot of the error message in your email is helpful.
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

20. Can I carry hollow points with a RPO permit? And what is my magazine capacity?

    New Jersey state law does NOT allow for hollow point ammunition to be carried specifically for retired officers carrying on New Jersey Retired Police Officer (RPO) permit to carry. New Jersey law allows for RPO permit holders to carry up to 15 round magazines, see N.J.S.A. 2C:39-17.
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

21. A Distinction: NJ RPO and LEOSA

    The New Jersey State Police recognize that the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) grants qualified law enforcement officers (QLEO) and qualified retired law enforcement officers(QRLEO) the right to carry a concealed firearm in New Jersey.

    LEOSA provides the QLEO or QRLEO the ability to carry a concealed firearm with proper credentialing, proof of firearm qualification, and the qualified individual must also comply with other statutory mandates pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 926B and 18 U.S.C. § 926C.

    Distinction: The current New Jersey Retired Police Officer Permit to Carry program (RPO) expands on the rights provided pursuant to LEOSA. It does not supersede or mandate a QRLEO obtain the RPO permit in lieu of LEOSA; however, the NJ RPO program provides certain benefits LEOSA does not.

    Benefits	RPO	LEOSA
    15 Round Magazine Capacity	Yes	No
    Hollow Point Ammunition	No**	Yes
    Open Carry	Yes	No
    **Hollow nose ammunition that is polymer filled is considered legal in New Jersey.

    Benefits Comparison: The RPO allows a QRLEO to possess a 15-round magazine, whereas LEOSA does not exempt an individual from state ammunition magazine laws. Without an RPO, QRLEO’s are restricted to a 10-round capacity ammunition magazine.

    LEOSA allows a QRLEO to carry hollow point ammunition. The RPO program under current state law allows a QRLEO to carry ammunition that has a hollow nose but is polymer filled, providing a comparable alternative to regular hollow point ammunition.

    The RPO allows a QRLEO the ability to open carry a handgun while LEOSA mandates the firearm must be concealed. Specifically, N.J.S. 2C:39-6l does not overtly restrict the QRLEO with a valid RPO from openly carrying a firearm, and guidance from the NJSP has interpreted the permit to be an unrestricted permit to carry in terms of open or concealed.
    *Note: This is the key distinction that makes the RPO more appropriate as a permit used for purposes other than personal protection, I.E. security work.

    Summary: While the New Jersey State Police recommends the RPO to QRLEO’s as “layers of protection,” it is not mandatory unless the QRLEO intends to work with the expectation of carrying a firearm openly, which would be inconsistent with 18 U.S.C. § 926C Retired LEOSA.

    The RPO is an available benefit in addition to the rights provided by LEOSA, but it is not mandatory. We recommend layers of protection while carrying a firearm for work related purposes, which the RPO program provides.
    
    (Last reviewed on 07-22-2025)

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