1. As a member of a police department, how do we request assistance with firearms related questions?

   The best way to contact us is to send an email from your department email address to the New Jersey State Police Firearms Investigation Unit law enforcement only email account. If you do not have the law enforcement only contact information, you can email us at firearmsinvestunit@njsp.gov. The phone number for the unit is 609-882-2000 extension 2060. If you require assistance during non-business hours, please contact the R.O.I.C.
   (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

   
   

2. How do I apply for a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and/or a Permit to Purchase a Handgun?

   What else can be processed through the Firearms Application & Registration System (FARS)?

   Instructions on how to apply for a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and/or a Permit to Purchase a handgun are posted on the NJSP website at the following link:
   https://www.nj.gov/njsp/firearms/fars.shtml

   The instructions include how to apply for:

   • Initial Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (Firearms Identification Card).
   • Permit to Purchase a Handgun (Not applicable for out-of-state residents).
   • Change of Address on Firearm Purchaser Identification Card
   • Change of Name on Firearm Purchaser Identification Card.
   • Replacement for Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (for lost, stolen or renewal),
   • Register handgun(s) with change of residency to New Jersey / Voluntary Registration (Not applicable for out of state residents).
   • Change of Sex on Firearm Purchaser Identification Card.

   The instructions also explain fingerprinting requirements, SBI number issues, fees, ORI numbers, references, photograph requirements, and more to clarify the application process.
   (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

   
   

3. What type of communication should I expect after I submit my application?

   After you successfully submit your application, a confirmation page will be displayed on the website, and you will receive an automated email with a confirmation number. The confirmation page and confirmation email have a confirmation number, contributor’s case number, ORI number, instructions on how to get fingerprinted (if applicable), and payment amount due to your Municipal Police Department (if applicable). If there is a payment amount listed and you applied to a Municipal Police Department, these fees need to be paid immediately. If you applied to a New Jersey State Police Station, fees are all submitted online at the time of your application which is listed on your confirmation page.

   While your application is being processed, you will receive automated email updates for the following reasons:

   • You will receive emails when your references complete their questionnaires
   • If you applied for an Initial Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and your fingerprint results were not received, you will receive an automated email. As noted in the FARS instructions listed on this website, https://www.nj.gov/njsp/firearms/fars.shtml, you have ninety days to be fingerprinted before your application is cancelled without a refund.
   • If your application is approved, denied, or withdrawn (cancelled), you will receive an automated email.

   You may also receive emails from the Police Department handling your application for specific items or additional documents to be completed. There is no excuse for not checking your email because this is the preferred communication for some Police Departments working shift work. Please check your junk mail and voice mail as well. After attempting to communicate with the applicant and the Police Department does not receive a response, your application will be subject to cancellation without the issuance of a refund.
   (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

   
   

4. Can I laminate my Firearms Purchaser Identification Card?

   A link to your Firearms Purchaser Identification Card is emailed to you after the approval of any firearms application in the FARS website. You may laminate your Firearms Purchaser Identification Card to protect it. There are currently no restrictions on what your card can be printed on, provided that 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 or a firearms dealer they can be easily recognized as a legitimate card. The approval link you receive in your email to download your Firearms Purchaser Identification Card expires one year from the date you received it.

   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 06-17-2025)

   
   

5. I have an SBI number, but the system is giving me an error message indicating “A fingerprint record for firearm purposes could not be found for the SBI number entered” or “SBI Number and applicant information entered does not match with the fingerprint information on record”.

   When you receive an error message about your name not matching your SBI number, you entered information that does not match the personal information you provided when you were previously fingerprinted or listed in a past application.

   Please double-check your information to make sure you are entering it correctly. If that does not work, please print, screenshot, or write down all the personal information you entered on the website and contact the Police Department that provides coverage for your residence. They will verify the information you have entered is correctly assigned to your firearms record.
   (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

   
   

6. How do I correct a reference email address for an application I submitted through the Firearms Application & Registration System (FARS) or the Concealed Carry Permits System?

   Once your application is submitted, you cannot make any changes. If you entered an incorrect email address for one of your references, you will need to 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 06-17-2025)

   
   

7. I was already approved for a firearm application in the past. Will my next application be processed in an expedited manner?

   All firearm applications are subject to an extensive up to date background check to ensure that the applicant is not subject to any of the disabilities set forth in statute N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3(c)(1-15). Police Departments have different amounts of responsibilities, and a different number of applications assigned to them depending on the area that they serve. Firearm applications are one of the many responsibilities assigned to Police Departments. Therefore, the backlog varies depending on the emergency services each Police Department is handling as well as the following factors:

   • The number of applications prior to your application..
   • Response time from different agencies that are required to be contacted.
   • Criminal, civil, and mental health issues that need to be properly documented
   • Response time from you, or your references, if there is an issue

   (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

   
   

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

   The expungement is not instantaneous. You should not apply until your expungement order is fully processed and your record has been successfully expunged. 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.

   The National Instant Criminal Background Check System Unit (NICS) is required to follow and maintain compliance with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Jersey Department of Criminal Justice, and other partners. The NICS unit is required to deny firearm transfers to applicants with disqualifying prohibitors on their record, regardless of a pending court order for expungement. Once successfully expunged, the prohibiting statutes will no longer appear on the applicant’s New Jersey criminal history, court and law enforcement records, or be available to the national requestors to be utilized in conjunction with a NICS check. After the expungement has been completed, an individual can begin the application process for firearms ownership and if no disqualifiers/prohibitors are observed, the NICS Unit will approve the transfer.
   
   (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

   
   

9. How do you buy, transfer, or obtain rifles and/or shotguns, including bb, pellet, and black powder?

   To obtain a rifle or shotgun in New Jersey (to include bb, pellet and black powder), the person receiving the firearm must have first obtained a New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card. It is the responsibility of the State / Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer to ascertain that the person receiving the rifle(s) and/or shotgun(s), has a valid New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card, one additional form of photo identification, and completes a Certificate of Eligibility for each rifle or shotgun. According to the Gun Control Act of 1968 and regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the identification document presented by the person receiving the firearm must have their photograph, name, residence address (P.O. boxes are not accepted), and date of birth. “The identification document must also be valid (e.g., unexpired) and have been issued by a governmental entity for the purpose of identification of individuals. An example of an acceptable identification document is a current driver’s license.” The information contained on the Firearms Purchaser Identification Card must match the identification of the person receiving the firearm.

   Firearm transactions require a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check to be completed by a State / Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer except for the following transactions between:

   a) members of an immediate family as defined by 2C:58-3n,
   b) law enforcement officers,
   c) collectors of firearms or ammunition as curios or relics as defined in Title 18, U.S.C. section 921 (a) (13) who have in their possession a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, or
   d) a temporary transfer pursuant to section 1 of P.L. 1992, c. 74(C.2C:58-3.1) and section 1 of P.L. 1997, c. 375(C.2C:58-3.2). (See N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3 for further details)
   

   A Certificate of Eligibility shall be completed for each rifle and/or shotgun transferred. A Certificate of Eligibility (SP 634) can be obtained at any licensed firearms dealer or at the following link Firearms Application & Registration System (FARS) | New Jersey State Police

   * According to 2C:58-3n, "Immediate family" means a spouse, domestic partner as defined in section 3 of P.L. 2003, c. 246(C.26:8A-3), partner in a civil union couple as defined in section 2 of P.L. 2006, c. 103(C.37:1-29), parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, stepsibling, child, stepchild, and grandchild, as related by blood or by law.”

   ** Person-to-person transfers are only eligible to be executed if both individuals reside in New Jersey.

   *** It is a violation of Federal law for a resident of one state to receive a firearm of any kind from any resident of another state. (see FAQ, “Can I purchase a firearm directly from someone in another state?”)
   (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

   
   

10. How do you buy, transfer, or obtain handguns, including bb, pellet, and black powder handguns?

    To obtain a handgun in New Jersey (to include bb, pellet and black powder), the person receiving the handgun must have first obtained an electronic Permit to Purchase a Handgun through the Firearms Application & Registration System (FARS) for each handgun to be transferred in this state. It is the responsibility of the State / Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer to ascertain that the person receiving the handgun has a valid New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card, one additional form of photo identification, and a Permit to Purchase a Handgun. According to the Gun Control Act of 1968 and regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the identification document presented by the person receiving the firearm must have their photograph, name, residence address (P.O. boxes are not accepted), and date of birth. “The identification document must also be valid (e.g., unexpired) and have been issued by a governmental entity for the purpose of identification of individuals. An example of an acceptable identification document is a current driver’s license.” The information contained on the Firearms Purchaser Identification Card must match the identification of the person receiving the handgun.

    Firearm transactions require a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check to be completed by a State / Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer except for the following transactions between:

    a) members of an immediate family as defined by 2C:58-3n,
    b) law enforcement officers,
    c) collectors of firearms or ammunition as curios or relics as defined in Title 18, U.S.C. section 921 (a) (13) who have in their possession a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, or
    d) a temporary transfer pursuant to section 1 of P.L. 1992, c. 74(C.2C:58-3.1) and section 1 of P.L. 1997, c. 375(C.2C:58-3.2). (See N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3 for further details)

    To conduct a person-to-person transfer using one of the above exemptions, a Permit to Purchase a Handgun is required for each handgun transferred. To complete a transaction with the approved Permit to Purchase a Handgun, the person receiving the handgun would go here Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and/or Handgun Purchase Permit (njportal.com) to submit the person to person transfer request. Click on Firearms Application & Registration System (FARS) | New Jersey State Police and scroll down to "Person to Person Transfer with NICS exemption" for step-by-step instructions.

    * According to 2C:58-3n, "Immediate family" means a spouse, domestic partner as defined in section 3 of P.L. 2003, c. 246(C.26:8A-3), partner in a civil union couple as defined in section 2 of P.L. 2006, c. 103(C.37:1-29), parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, stepsibling, child, stepchild, and grandchild, as related by blood or by law.”

    ** Person-to-person transfers are only eligible to be executed if both individuals reside in New Jersey.

    *** It is a violation of Federal law for a resident of one state to receive a firearm of any kind from any resident of another state. (see FAQ, “Can I purchase a firearm directly from someone in another state?”)
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

11. How do you transport firearms?

    Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6g, firearms “shall be carried unloaded and contained in a closed and fastened case, gun box, securely tied package, or locked in the trunk of the automobile in which it is being transported.”

    Pursuant to 18 U.S. Code 926A, persons lawfully permitted to transport firearms can do so for a lawful purpose if, “during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any of the ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, that in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.”

    For further information see 18 U.S. Code 926A, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6g, 2C:39-6b(2), 2C:39-6e, 2C:39-6f(1), and 2C:39-6f(3).

    Additionally, there should be no unreasonable deviations from your travels. See the “Guidelines Regarding Reasonably Necessary Deviations in the Course of Travel Exception for Transporting Firearms Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6g”.

      Reasonable Deviations transporting firearms guidelines
    
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)
    
    

12. Can I travel through New Jersey with my firearms?

    According to 18 U.S.C. 926A “Interstate transportation of firearms,” notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, that in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver's compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.”

    Additionally, there should be no unreasonable deviations from your travels. See also FAQ, “How do you transport firearms?”
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

13. Can I have a firearm at my New Jersey business location?

    According to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6e: “Nothing in subsections b., c., and d. of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent a person keeping or carrying about the person's place of business, residence, premises or other land owned or possessed by the person, any firearm, or from carrying the same, in the manner specified in subsection g. of this section, from any place of purchase to the person's residence or place of business, between the person's dwelling and place of business, between one place of business or residence and another when moving, or between the person's dwelling or place of business and place where the firearms are repaired, for the purpose of repair. For the purposes of this section, a place of business shall be deemed to be a fixed location.” (Refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6 and 2C:39-5 for further details).
    
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

14. How do I apply for a Concealed Carry Permit?

    Instructions on how to apply for a New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit are posted on the NJSP website at the following link: Permit to carry-Forms

    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.
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

15. If I inherit a firearm, what must I do?

    The firearm must be legal to possess in New Jersey and the person receiving the firearm shall not be prohibited by N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3c before receiving the firearm. According to N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3j, “Firearms passing to heirs or legatees. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section concerning the transfer, receipt or acquisition of a firearm, a permit to purchase or a firearms purchaser identification card shall not be required for the passing of a firearm upon the death of an owner thereof to the owner's heir or legatee, whether the same be by testamentary bequest or by the laws of intestacy. The person who shall so receive, or acquire the firearm shall, however, be subject to all other provisions of this chapter. If the heir or legatee of the firearm does not qualify to possess or carry it, the heir or legatee may retain ownership of the firearm for the purpose of sale for a period not exceeding 180 days, or for a further limited period as may be approved by the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the heir or legatee resides or the superintendent, provided that the firearm is in the custody of the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality or the superintendent during that period.”
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

16. I have moved to New Jersey from another state. May I continue to possess my firearm(s)?

    Yes, 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. According to N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3(o) “Registration of handguns owned by new residents: Any person who becomes a resident of this State following the effective date of P.L.2022 [February 1, 2023], c.52 and who transports into this State a firearm that the person owned or acquired while residing in another state shall apply for a firearms purchaser identification card within 60 days of becoming a New Jersey resident, and shall register any handgun so transported into this State within 60 days as provided in this subsection.” This excerpt is from statute 2C:58-3(o), please read the statute for full details.

    To register your handguns as a new resident to the State of New Jersey, you will apply on the FARS website and select the option, “Register handgun(s) with change of residency to New Jersey / voluntary registration”. If you have never applied for any New Jersey firearms application in the past, you must also apply for an “Initial Firearms Purchaser Identification Card” in addition to applying for “Register handgun(s) with change of residency to New Jersey / voluntary registration”. If you wish to also buy any additional handguns at the time of this application, you can select the “Permit to Purchase a Handgun” as an additional selection. This application is processed on the following FARS website: https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/Fars/

    New Jersey Statutes 2C:39-1 and 2C:58-3, along with their associated subsequent statutes, can be reviewed further to ensure your weapons are legal to possess in New Jersey.
    You can use the following link to review these statutes: N.J. Legislative Statutes.
    
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

17. Can I purchase or receive a firearm directly from someone in another state?

    No. It is a violation of Federal law for a resident of one state to receive a firearm of any kind from any resident of another state (see the Gun Control Act of 1968, 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3), (5), and (9), and 18 U.S.C. 922(b)(3)). For this transaction to be legal, it must go through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) in the State that the person receiving the firearms resides in. In New Jersey that means a firearm must be transported or shipped directly to the State licensed retail firearms dealer.

    According to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9i: “Transporting firearms into this State for an unlawful sale or transfer. Any person who knowingly transports, ships or otherwise brings into this State any firearm for the purpose of unlawfully selling, transferring, giving, assigning or otherwise disposing of that firearm to another individual is guilty of a crime of the second degree. Any motor vehicle used by a person to transport, ship, or otherwise bring a firearm into this State for unlawful sale or transfer shall be subject to forfeiture in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S. 2C:64-1 et seq.; provided however, this forfeiture provision shall not apply to innocent owners, nor shall it affect the rights of a holder of a valid lien. The temporary transfer of a firearm shall not constitute a violation of this subsection if that firearm is transferred: (1) while hunting or target shooting in accordance with the provisions of section 1 of P.L. 1992, c.74 (C.2C:58-3.1); (2) for shooting competitions sponsored by a licensed dealer, law enforcement agency, legally recognized military organization, or a rifle or pistol club which has filed a copy of its charter with the superintendent in accordance with the provisions of section 1 of P.L. 1992, c.74 (C.2C:58-3.1); or (3) for participation in a training course conducted by a certified instructor in accordance with the provisions of section 1 of P.L. 1997, c. 375(C.2C:58-3.2). The transfer of any firearm that uses air or carbon dioxide to expel a projectile; or the transfer of an antique firearm shall not constitute a violation of this subsection.”
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

18. Can I ship a firearm to anyone?

    No. You may only ship a firearm to a Federally Licensed Firearms dealer (FFL) for sale or repair. First verify that the license is valid by obtaining their FFL license number and checking FFLeZCheck 3.1.2 - Federal Firearms License Search (atf.gov) or search “FFL ez Check” using a search engine and enter the appropriate information.

    You may ship a firearm to yourself if you are going to another state where you have another residence. This package must only be addressed to you, the firearm owner. The ability to ship a firearm to yourself in another state is primarily governed by the Gun Control Act of 1968 Title 18 U.S.C. 922. For further guidance on federal regulations contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
    
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

19. I have a firearm and want to get rid of it, what can I do?

    You may contact the police department that provides coverage to your residence to surrender the firearm. You may also contact a licensed firearms dealer to inquire if they would like to purchase the firearm from you. They must provide you with a written receipt if they take the firearm.
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

20. I am not a police officer, are hollow points legal for me to possess?

    Yes. According to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3f, 2C:39-3(g)(2) and 2C:39-6f, they are legal for purchase and possession in your home or on land owned by you, at a gun range, or while traveling to and from such places. Hollow point ammunition is NOT legal for concealed carry in New Jersey. Ammunition lacking a hollow cavity at the tip, such as those with a polymer filling, are not considered to be hollow point ammunition.
    
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

21. What is a “Large capacity ammunition magazine”?

    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(s) 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 06-17-2025)

    
    

22. What type of firearms are considered assault weapons in New Jersey?

    A complete list of banned firearms (“assault firearms”) can be found in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(w)(1), as well as N.J.A.C. 13:54-1.2.

    According to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(w)(2), an assault firearm means “Any firearm manufactured under any designation which is substantially identical to any of the firearms listed” in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(w)(1). A firearm may be considered to be substantially identical if it has the following qualities:
    A semi-automatic rifle that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least two of the following:

    1. A folding or telescoping stock
    2. A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon;
    3. A bayonet mount
    4. A flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor; and
    5. A grenade launcher.

    A semi-automatic handgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least two of the following:

    1. An ammunition magazine that attaches to the handgun outside of the pistol grip;
    2. A threaded barrel capable of accepting a barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer;
    3. A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles the barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned;
    4. Manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more when the handgun is unloaded; and/or
    5. A semi-automatic version of an automatic firearm.

    According to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(w)(3), an assault firearm means a semi-automatic shotgun that has one of the following:

    1. A magazine capacity exceeding six rounds
    2. A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, or
    3. A folding or telescoping stock

    According to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(w)(4), an assault firearm means “a semiautomatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds. “Assault firearm” shall not include a semi-automatic rifle which has an attached tubular device, and which is capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.”

    According to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(w)(5), an assault firearm means, “a part or combination of parts designed or intended to convert a firearm into an assault firearm, or any combination of parts from which an assault firearm may be readily assembled if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person.”

    According to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(w)(6), an assault firearm means, “a firearm with a bump stock attached.”

    A firearm that meets the above criteria is an “assault firearm” and may only be possessed by a licensed firearms dealer, active-duty law enforcement officers and active-duty military personnel.
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

23. I live in another state but also reside in New Jersey, can I apply for a handgun permit or Firearms Purchaser Identification Card?

    Yes. You can be considered a dual resident if you can show proof of residency here in New Jersey. "Dual resident" means you have a residence in New Jersey and another state. You can be considered a dual resident if you can show proof of residency here in New Jersey. Proof of residency can be established with a valid government issued identification showing your New Jersey residence or a government issued tax record or government issued utility bill. For example, a water bill from the town where you reside.

    New Jersey residents, or dual residents of the State of New Jersey, must apply to the Police Department that provides police coverage for where you reside in New Jersey. A Municipal Police Department or a New Jersey State Police Station may provide police coverage for your residence. Confirm your police department before applying. There are no refunds for applying to the incorrect police department.
    
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

24. I am in the military stationed in New Jersey, however my residence/driver’s license is from another state. Can I purchase a firearm in New Jersey?

    Yes. You will be considered a dual resident if you have military orders showing that you are stationed in New Jersey as well as proof of a New Jersey residence. Provide a copy of your military orders to your Municipal Police Department or New Jersey State Police Station that provides police coverage for your residence after applying online for a firearms application. To purchase a firearm, you must provide the same proof at the time of the firearms purchase.
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

25. I am an active-duty law enforcement officer traveling to New Jersey for vacation, can I carry my firearm? Can I carry hollow point ammunition?

    Yes. If you are Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA/HR218) compliant you may carry a concealed firearm in New Jersey. Please carry your law enforcement credentials and understand that you are restricted to 17 round magazines or less. If you are in New Jersey for official purposes and on duty with your department issued firearm, there is no restriction. Hollow point ammunition is allowed for active-duty Law Enforcement Officers, whether on or off duty. (see N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3g for complete details).
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

26. Are stun guns legal? Can I carry one?

    A Memorandum from the State of New Jersey Office of Attorney General reviewed the findings of a Supreme Court decision and a Consent Order signed into effect by the State of New Jersey, states that Stun Guns in New Jersey are legal for sale and possession under certain conditions. This memo was dated October 20,2017 and has restrictions listed in the memo.
    
    The memo is attached here
       Stun Gun memo NJ AG 2017
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

27. Are pepper ball self-defense guns legal in New Jersey?

    Pepper ball guns would not be considered a regulated firearm as they do not fire a solid projectable ball, and they do not fire a projectile smaller than 3/8’s of an inch in diameter. Like paintball guns, pepper ball guns are legal to own in New Jersey with the OC and Inert projectiles. It is recommended not to use or sell pepper ball guns with solid kinetic projectiles due to the potential of it becoming a regulated firearm in that specific combination at which point all transfer and firearm laws would apply. You should use due caution and be aware that pepper ball, paintball and airsoft guns can easily be mistaken for a firearm and if used unlawfully, you may be charged with a crime, such as possession/use of an imitation firearm, or any other applicable crimes.

    Currently according to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1f:

    "Firearm" means any handgun, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, automatic or semi-automatic rifle, or any gun, device or instrument in the nature of a weapon from which may be fired or ejected any solid projectable ball, slug, pellet, missile or bullet, or any gas, vapor or other noxious thing, by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances. It shall also include, without limitation, any firearm which is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol or other weapon of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person.”

    Although pepper ball guns may not be considered a firearm, they may be considered a weapon as per subsection r (“Weapon”) of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1 (“Definitions”). “Weapon means anything readily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury. The term includes, but is not limited to, all (1) firearms, even though not loaded or lacking a clip or other component to render them immediately operable; (2) components which can be readily assembled into a weapon; (3) gravity knives, switchblade knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos, or other dangerous knives, billies, blackjacks, bludgeons, metal knuckles, sandclubs, slingshots, cesti or similar leather bands studded with metal filings or razor blades imbedded in wood; and (4) stun guns; and any weapon or other device which projects, releases, or emits tear gas or any other substance intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or permanent injury through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air.”

    According to subsection d (“Other Weapons”) of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 (“Unlawful possession of a weapon”), “Any person who knowingly has in his possession any other weapon under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for such lawful uses as it may have is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.”

    According to subsection e(2) (“Firearms or other weapons in educational institutions”) of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, “Any person who knowingly possesses any weapon enumerated in paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection r. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 or any components which can readily be assembled into a firearm or other weapon enumerated in subsection r. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 or any other weapon under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for such lawful use as it may have, while in or upon any part of the buildings or grounds of any school, college, university or other educational institution without the written authorization of the governing officer of the institution is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.”

    According to subsection i(1) of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6 (“Exemptions”), “Nothing in N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent any person who is 18 years of age or older and who has not been convicted of a crime, from possession for the purpose of personal self-defense of one pocket-sized device which contains and releases not more than three-quarters of an ounce of chemical substance not ordinarily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury, but rather, is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or disability through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air. Any person in possession of any device in violation of this subsection shall be deemed and adjudged to be a disorderly person, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100.”

    See also N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4 (Possession of weapons for unlawful purposes) and 2C:39-1v (Definition of an imitation firearm).
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

28. Are airsofts considered firearms?

    No. They are considered to be toys in New Jersey. The plastic pellet ammunition utilized for airsofts contain a hollow cavity which does not conform to a solid projectile.
    (see N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1f for further details).
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

29. How do you become a gunsmith, retail or wholesale firearms dealer, or get information on ammunition sales and/or gunsmithing?

    You must first obtain a letter from your local zoning official which states that firearm and/or ammunition sales are permitted from your location. Once you receive this letter, you should email FirearmsDealers@njsp.gov to request an application package which will be sent to you. After you complete the application package in its entirety, mail it to:
    New Jersey State Police
    Firearms Investigation Unit
    Post Office Box 7068
    West Trenton, New Jersey 08628-0068
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

30. Helpful resources related to hunting.

    New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website:
    NJDEP | New Jersey Fish and Wildlife | Home

    For general questions about hunting, go to the Hunting and Trapping Digest:
    New Jersey Hunting and Trapping Digest

    Hunter education can be found here: Hunter Education

    For questions about hunting with air guns: Air Gun Hunting In New Jersey

    For questions about hunting coyote and fox, including with a rifle:
    NJ Coyote/ Fox Hunting FAQ Sheet

    For questions about NJ Fish and Wildlife public ranges:
    Fish and Wildlife Range Information
    (Last reviewed on 06-17-2025)

    
    

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