What are the requirements to apply for all applicants?

N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3: Purchase of Firearms

  • A Permit to Purchase a Handgun: No person shall sell, give, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of, nor receive, purchase or otherwise acquire a handgun unless the purchaser, assignee, donee, receiver or holder is licensed as a dealer under this chapter or has first secured a permit to purchase a handgun as provided by this section.
  • Firearms purchaser identification card. No person shall sell, give, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of nor receive, purchase or otherwise acquire an antique cannon or a rifle or shotgun, other than an antique rifle or shotgun, unless the purchaser, assignee, donee, receiver or holder is licensed as a dealer under this chapter or possesses a valid firearms purchaser identification card, and first exhibits said card to the seller, donor, transferor or assignor, and unless the purchaser, assignee, donee, receiver or holder signs a written certification, on a form prescribed by the superintendent, which shall indicate that he presently complies with the requirements of subsection c. of this section and shall contain his name, address and firearms purchaser identification card number or dealer's registration number. The said certification shall be retained by the seller, as provided in paragraph (4) of subsection a. of N.J.S.A. 2C:58-2, or, in the case of a person who is not a dealer, it may be filed with the chief of police of the municipality in which he resides or with the superintendent.
  • Who may obtain. No person of good character and good repute in the community in which he lives, and who is not subject to any of the disabilities set forth in this section or other sections of this chapter, shall be denied a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card, except as hereinafter set forth. No handgun purchase permit or firearms purchaser identification card shall be issued:
    • To any person who has been convicted of any crime, or a disorderly persons offense involving an act of domestic violence as defined in section 3 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C. 2C:25-19), whether or not armed with or possessing a weapon at the time of such offense;
    • To any drug dependent person as defined in section 2 of P.L.1970, c.226 (C. 24:21-2), to any person who is confined for a mental disorder to a hospital, mental institution or sanitarium, or to any person who is presently an habitual drunkard;
    • To any person who suffers from a physical defect or disease which would make it unsafe for him to handle firearms, to any person who has ever been confined for a mental disorder, or to any alcoholic unless any of the foregoing persons produces a certificate of a medical doctor or psychiatrist licensed in New Jersey, or other satisfactory proof, that he is no longer suffering from that particular disability in such a manner that would interfere with or handicap him in the handling of firearms; to any person who knowingly falsifies any information on the application form for a handgun purchase permit or firearms purchaser identification card;
    • To any person under the age of 18 years for a firearms purchaser identification card and to any person under the age of 21 years for a permit to purchase a handgun;
    • To any person where the issuance would not be in the interest of the public health, safety or welfare;
    • To any person who is subject to a restraining order issued pursuant to the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.261 (C. 2C:25-17, et seq.) prohibiting the person from possessing any firearm;
    • To any person who as a juvenile was adjudicated delinquent for an offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime and the offense involved the unlawful use or possession of a weapon, explosive or destructive device or is enumerated in subsection d. of section 2 of P.L.1997, c.117 (C. 2C:43-7.2); or
    • To any person whose firearm is seized pursuant to the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.261 (C. 2C:25-17, et seq.) and whose firearm has not been returned.

Show All Answers

1. Can I apply for a New Jersey Firearms ID Card or permit to purchase a handgun if I am not a US citizen?
2. Can I apply for a NJ Firearms ID Card or Permit to purchase a handgun if I live out of state?
3. Can I borrow a gun?
4. Can I get a permit to carry a weapon?
5. Can I purchase a weapon outside of New Jersey?
6. If I inherit a firearm, what must I do?
7. What are the laws regarding assault weapons?
8. What are the laws regarding high capacity magazines?
9. What are the requirements to apply for all applicants?
10. What are the requirements to purchase a handgun?
11. What are the requirements to purchase a rifle?
12. Where can I purchase a weapon?
13. What are FARS Recommended Reasons for Denial?