Do I Need a Permit to Purchase or Carry a Firearm in New Jersey?

Under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, we are given the right to bear arms. This means that we can own guns. However, the right does not end there. Each state has different procedures and laws when it comes to purchasing and carrying firearms in public.

For example, you may wonder what you need to do if you want to buy a gun in New Jersey. New Jersey has strict gun laws requiring permits for purchasing and carrying firearms. You will need a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC) for rifles/shotguns and a separate Handgun Purchase Permit for handguns. If you want to take your firearm in public, you will need a Permit to Carry (PCH) for concealed carry (open carry is generally prohibited).  In addition, you will need to complete background checks, training, and local police approval.

As you can see, it is an extensive process. If you are caught owning or carrying a gun without following all the laws, you could face weapons charges. These are often considered fourth-degree crimes, which are like felonies.

Firearm Identification Cards and Permits

In New Jersey, any purchase of a rifle or shotgun requires a valid Firearms Identification (FID) card. To purchase a handgun, you must obtain a separate Handgun Permit. Applications are processed online via the state’s Firearms Application and Registration System (FARS).

A person is disqualified from receiving a Firearms ID card or a handgun permit if they:

• Are under 18 years of age.
• Have been convicted of a crime.
• Are drug-dependent (as defined under state law).
• Suffer from a physical condition or disease that makes handling firearms unsafe.
• Have been committed for mental illness (some exceptions apply).
• Present a risk to public safety or welfare.

Additional Requirements

In addition, applicants must undergo fingerprinting, a full criminal background check, and a mental health records search through state and county databases. References must confirm the applicant’s stability and suitability. Handgun purchasers must comply with the 30-day purchase spacing rule and complete all sales through licensed dealers with a NICS check.

Transporting Firearms in New Jersey

Transporting firearms in New Jersey is tightly regulated, even for lawful gun owners. The primary law governing the transport of firearms in the state is NJSA 2C:39-6g. Firearms must be unloaded and secured in a locked container or locked in the trunk if no container is available. Ammunition should be stored separately whenever possible. Transport is limited to specific, lawful destinations, such as your home, a gun range, a repair shop, or a hunting location, with no unnecessary stops along the way.

New Jersey follows a strict “direct travel” rule, allowing only brief, essential interruptions (like fuel or restroom breaks). Handguns may not be transported without a valid Permit to Carry, except for cases such as moving residences or going directly to a range.

Contact Us Today

New Jersey has strict laws for firearm purchases and transportation. If you buy or transport a gun without proper permits, you could face serious criminal charges.

A Cherry Hill criminal defense lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher St. John can help defend you from the charges you face. We will skillfully handle your weapons charges. We can have the criminal charges that you face reduced, dismissed, or deferred so that you can avoid hefty penalties. To schedule a consultation, contact us via (856) 716-5427 or online here.