Step by Step: How to Lawfully Purchase a Firearm and Obtain a Conceal Carry Permit in New Jersey

New Jersey gun laws have changed a lot since the United States Supreme Court decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen.  Prior to that decision, it was virtually impossible to obtain a permit to carry a firearm in New Jersey.  Now, so long as you are not subject to a legal disqualification, New Jersey residents may not only lawfully purchase a firearm, but may also obtain a conceal carry permit.

While New Jersey law now allows for all of this, the process can be overwhelming and confusing.  To assist individuals who want to lawfully exercise their right to own and possess firearms, here are step by step instructions on how to lawfully purchase and carry a firearm in New Jersey.

Step 1: Firearm Purchase Identification Card (FPIC) and Permit to Purchase

In order to purchase a firearm in New Jersey, you will need:

1. Firearm Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC); and
2. Handgun Purchase Permit (HPP) (for each firearm).

The process is completed by your local police department.  If you do not have a local police department, then you go to the State Police station that covers your municipality. Rather than going to your local police department, the easiest way to apply is by using the New Jersey Firearms Application Registration System (FARS) online.

You can apply for both your FPIC and a permit at the same time.  In order to do so, go to the FARS site and complete the information.  It is imperative that all of the information you provide be truthful and accurate.  When you fill out the information you will need:

1. Recent photograph (on a light background including head and shoulders);

1. ORI Number for your police department – Find your ORI number.
2. Two (2) references; and
3. Pay the fee (you may need to pay the fee directly at your local police department).

Once you complete this form, your references will be notified via email (almost immediately).  As soon as your references complete this information, you will be asked to get fingerprinted at IdentoGo. You schedule an appointment and once you get it done IdentoGo will send your fingerprints to your local police department for your background check.

Step 2: Purchase Your Firearm

 Once your FPIC has been approved, you will get an email providing you with an Electronic Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (E-FID). Your FPIC is no longer sent through the mail. You will receive a link to download your E-FID, which will be available to download and print for one year.

Your Handgun Purchase Permit (HPP) will also be provided via email.  You do not get a physical permit.  You will get an email advising that “Your electronic permits are now available for use. You will NOT see your permit(s) until a HANDGUN TRANSFER has been EXECUTED.”

Your Electronic Permit will be good for 90 days and will be automatically renewed for an additional 90 days unless your Police Department de-activates your E-Permit.

All firearms must be acquired through a New Jersey Licensed Firearms Dealer with an approved National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS), pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3(a-b).  Private sales of firearms must be facilitated through a New Jersey Licensed Firearms Dealer unless a qualifying exemption is valid. Qualifying exemptions include the following:

1. Transfer/sale between Law Enforcement Officer and another Law Enforcement Officer;
2. Transfer/Sale between Immediate Family Members and Immediate Family Members; and
3. Transfer/Sale with Licensed Curio/Relic Dealer and Licensed Curio/Relic Dealer.

Step 3: Follow the CCARE Protocol

Once you have lawfully purchased a firearm, you may then seek to obtain your Conceal Carry Permit.  That requires training through a set of protocols.

In order to obtain your permit, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4(g)(2), New Jersey requires you to complete firearms safety training. On September 15, 2023, New Jersey established the Civilian Carry Assessment and Range Evaluation (CCARE) Protocol.  If completed, this training satisfies the requirements of N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4(g)(2) and you may obtain your Permit to Carry.

The CCARE Protocol has familiarization requirements for each participant.  Specifically, that each participant:

1. Demonstrate the safe handling of weapon.
2. Demonstrate proper loading and unloading techniques.
3. Demonstrate the techniques of a proper concealed carry draw.
4. Demonstrate the techniques of good marksmanship.

In order to comply with the protocol, the participant must complete a course of fire.  The specifics of the course go in depth, however, to summarize:

1. Complete a course of fire with a Certified Firearm Instructor (e.g., Corey Jones, Sgt. Mt. Laurel Police Dep’t (ret.))
2. At an Approved Firing Range
3. Complete a minimum of 50 scored rounds per participant
4. Have a minimum passage score of 80% using an FBI type Q target
5. At least 10 rounds must be from 15, 10, 7, 5 and 3 yard lines each, or if fewer rounds were fired from those distances, the remaining rounds must have been fired from greater distances
6. The participant must demonstrate No substantially similar courses completed after the CCARE Protocol is issued will be accepted and unholstering during the shooting course, which must include safely drawing the weapon from a secured holster before firing at each of the required distances and re-holstering after completing the round.
7. The participant must demonstrate proficient and safe reloading during the shooting course.

No substantially similar courses completed after the CCARE Protocol is issued will be accepted.

Step 4: Apply for Your Concealed Carry Permit

Once you have completed your training pursuant to the CCARE Protocol, you may apply for your Concealed Carry Permit.  This is done at your local police department or State Police barracks. Again, you may also apply on the New Jersey State Police Concealed Carry Permits website.  To begin your application you will need:

1. Recent photograph (on a light background including head and shoulders);
2. ORI Number for your police department.
3. Proof of Training and Firearms Instructor Certification from within the past two (2) years along with the instructor name and qualification date;
4. NJ Firearms ID Card/SBI Number;
5. Handgun information that you intend to carry with your permit;
6. References from four (4) reputable persons not related by blood or law who have known you for at least three (3) years; and
7. Pay a $200.00 permit fee and a $18.00 background check fee.  The online portal will require you to pay the $18.00 background check and $50.00 of the permit fee.  You will then be required to pay $150.00 directly to your local police department.

In short, these are the steps and procedures you must follow in order to lawfully obtain and possess a firearm in New Jersey.  It is critical that you strictly comply with the gun laws of New Jersey, because failure to do so exposes you to harsh consequences, including prison time.

Once you lawfully obtain a firearm, it is critical that you continue to remain updated and informed of the laws and changes in the gun laws in New Jersey.  If you have questions about firearms laws in New Jersey, the New Jersey State Police has a Firearms FAQs page.

Get the Legal Advice that You Need in Your Firearms Case

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, we can help.  The criminal defense lawyers of Rosenberg, Perry & Associates, LLC, can evaluate the allegations of criminal actions against you and develop the defense strategy most likely to be successful in your case. Legal advice and representation can be crucial to a positive outcome in your case. You can reach us by calling or texting us at (609) 216-7400 or visit us online.