New Jersey is now a shall-issue state with concealed weapons permits issued at the local level by municipal police departments or NJ State Police. Applicants must first obtain the approval of their local police chief, then must present his or her application to a superior court judge.
A Firearms Purchaser Identification (FPID) card and a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) conducted through a federally licensed firearms dealer are required to buy a handgun from a private individual. Purchases by New Jersey residents must either be from a state-licensed dealer or a private individual who is a resident of NJ. In both dealer purchases and private sales, a copy of the purchase permit is sent to the New Jersey State Police Firearms Investigations Unit. A FPID is also required to purchase handgun ammunition from dealers in the state.
Open carry is prohibited in New Jersey.
Concealed carry is only legal with a NJ PCH. PCH are issued to residents and non-residents. A firearms training course is required for new applicants, who must be at least 21 years old. In terms of reciprocity, New Jersey does not honor permits from any other states.
Where can I carry with my New Jersey permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
Yes, as of July 1st 2023, there is a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in New Jersey.
carry while using alcohol or drugs?
Not addressed in state statutes.
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
driver's license linked to carry permit?
No. Your New Jersey driver’s license is not linked to your New Jersey carry permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry permit holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.
red flag law?
New Jersey has a red flag law. A family or household member of a person, or law enforcement, may file a petition for an extreme risk protection order, prohibiting a person from having custody or control of, owning, possessing, purchasing or receiving a firearm.
preemption?
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in New Jersey.
non-resident permitting?
Yes. Out-of-state residents must apply to the New Jersey State Police station nearest to their geographic location using the same process as residents.
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in New Jersey law. However, a person is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense, if with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof he engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; or creates a hazardous or physically dangerous condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor.
A person is guilty of assault if he attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
No. Not mentioned in state statutes.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No, however the information is available for law enforcement.
"assault weapons" ban?
Yes. New Jersey prohibits the knowing possession of “assault firearms” (unless the purchaser or possessor is licensed to possess the assault firearm or the weapon is registered or rendered inoperable), defined to include:
Any person seeking to purchase or possess an assault firearm in New Jersey may apply for a license to do so by filing a written application with his or her county’s superior court, setting forth in detail the reasons for desiring such a license.
Any person who lawfully purchased an assault firearm on or before May 1, 1990 was permitted to register that weapon within one year, if the Attorney General determined it was of a type used for legitimate target-shooting purposes. The owner was also required to pay a $50 fee per weapon, produce for inspection a valid Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC), a valid permit to carry handguns, or a copy of the permit to purchase a handgun which was used to purchase the assault firearm being registered, and submit valid proof of membership in a rifle or pistol club.
A federal judge struck down New Jersey's ban on "assault weapons." However, he upheld the 10 round magazine limit. The order is delayed 30 days for appeal.
***The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the "assault weapons" ban was unconstitutional on July 17th, 2026.
Carry Basics
open carry permitted?
No.
constitutional carry?
No. New Jersey is not a constitutional carry state.
gun permit licensure?
New Jersey is a shall-issue state.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
No. A New Jersey PCH does not allow for the concealed carry of weapons other than handguns.
ammunition restrictions?
Yes. You must have a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card, a permit to purchase a handgun or a carry permit in order to buy handgun ammunition. The minimum age to purchase or possess handgun ammunition is 21 years old.
Hollow-point and armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited. However, since sportsmen may use hollow-point ammunition, there are exceptions for keeping it at a person's dwelling or land owned or possessed by the person, and from carrying such ammunition from the place of purchase to said dwelling or land for hunting or target practice with a firearm legal for hunting and shooting exhibitions. The New Jersey State Police has an informative webpage on Transportation and Use of Hollow Point Ammunition by Sportsmen.
minimum age for concealed carry?
The minimum age to carry concealed in New Jersey is 21.
magazine limits for handguns?
No more than 10 rounds.
In 2018, the Third Circuit held that New Jersey could redefine “large capacity ammunition magazine” as a box, drum, tube or other container which is capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition to be fed continuously and directly into a semi-automatic firearm. There are exemptions for authorized military, law enforcement and for firearms that have been registered by persons that participate in certain competitive shooting matches.
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. The minimum age is 18 years old (N.J.A.C. 13:54-5.8). It is illegal to possess a stun gun or Taser 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.
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes, but highly regulated. Restrictions include:
BEAR SPRAY - legal in New Jersey if it is intended for self-defense against animals. It is illegal to use as self-defense against humans.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are illegal to carry or own in New Jersey. Classified as "dangerous weapons," possession of batons or collapsible batons can lead to criminal charges.
Items such as blackjacks, nunchucks, and slingshots are also prohibited under New Jersey law.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Illegal under New Jersy law. Brass knuckles are classified as "prohibied weapons," and their possession, manufacture, or sale is strictly banned.
byrna's?
Yes, these are legal for purchase and possession. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under New Jersey law.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
purchase permits?
A permit to purchase a handgun, valid for 90 days is required for each handgun purchase. Only one handgun can be purchased within a 30-day period. A lifetime purchaser identification card is required for purchase of rifles and shotguns, as well as for purchases of handgun ammunition.
background checks for private gun sales? exceptions?
Yes. A permit to purchase a handgun and a background check conducted through a federally licensed firearms dealer are required to buy a handgun.
However, there is an exception. 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 his or her heir or legatee. If the heir or legatee of the firearm does not qualify to possess or carry it, he or she may retain ownership of the firearm for the purpose of sale for no more 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.
waiting period?
Yes. A valid permit to purchase a handgun is required and at least 7 days must elapse since the date of application for the permit. The waiting period to obtain the permit itself can be as long as 30 days (45 days for non-residents) while the permit application is processed.
minimum age to possess and transport?
21 years old is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in New Jersey.
possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?
Yes. New Jersey allows for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to keep or carry a firearm in his or her place of business, residence, or other land owned or possessed by him or her without a permit.
handgun purchase process
To purchase a firearm in New Jersey, you must have a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card. This can be obtained by filing an Application For Firearms Purchaser Identification Card / Application To Purchase A Handgun with the New Jersey State Police. The form can be completed and then submitted in person at your local municipal police department or a New Jersey State Police Department that covers your jurisdiction. You may also apply online through the Firearms Applicant Registration System. If you do choose to apply online, you must contact the police department that covers your jurisdiction first and obtain the proper Originating Agency Identifier (ORI) number before starting the application.
To complete your application, you will also need to provide a New Jersey driver's license or state-issued ID card and list 2 references who can attest to your good character and sound mental health. In addition to this, you will need to consent to fingerprinting and a criminal and mental health background check. A Consent for Mental Health Records Search Form (SP 66) is required.
After your application and consent forms are submitted, the State of New Jersey has 30 days to notify you if you are approved or denied for your Firearms Purchaser Identification Card. If approved, you have 90 days to purchase a handgun before the permit expires.
handgun registration?
Firearms registration is voluntary, but since handgun purchase permit records are maintained by the New Jersey State Police Firearms Investigation Unit, there is de facto mandatory handgun registration for handguns purchased in state.
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 the NJSP Firearms Investigation Unit's website, "the owner may voluntarily register the firearm(s) by completing a Voluntary Form of Firearms Registration [Form S.P. 650], found on this website, however the owner is not obligated to do so."
new jersey permit exempts from background check?
No.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For New Jersey Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
carry while bow hunting?
It is unlawful to have both a long gun and bow in possession or under control while hunting.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. No person may interfere with an individual engaged in the lawful taking of wildlife, for the purpose of hindering or preventing the lawful taking of wildlife.
wear a covid mask & carry?
There is no known statute in New Jersey making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
what are the knife laws in new jersey?
Any legal knife can be carried openly or concealed. It is illegal to own a gravity knife, switchblade, dirk, dagger, stiletto or other dangerous knife for any unlawful purpose; or any weapon, with the purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another. Persons convicted of certain crimes and the mentally ill are not allowed to own the above-referenced knives. Possession of weapons on the grounds of any school, college, university or other educational institution, under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for its lawful use is prohibited. Municipalities may have additional restrictions.
carry while gun hunting?
Yes, you can concealed carry while hunting in New Jersey, but with specific restrictions. P.L. 2023, c. 330, amending N.J.S.A. 23:4-12, 13, 24, and 44, authorizes the carrying of a handgun while hunting, if the handgun is legally owned and the person in possession has a valid NJ concealed carry permit
However, it's important to note that:
When transporting firearms for hunting purposes:
Remember that New Jersey does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other states, so you must have a valid New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH) to legally concealed carry while hunting.
Valid For:
2 years
Application:
Name/Address Changes:
Contact your local municipal police department or closest NJ State Police Office for their process.
Fees:
$200
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits:
Out-of-state residents must apply to the New Jersey State Police station nearest to their geographic location using the same process as residents.
Lost/Stolen Permits:
Contact your local municipal police department or closest NJ State Police Office for their process.
Processing Time:
60 days
Requirements:
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of New Jersey.
Residency Changes:
Moving to New Jersey and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?New Jersey issues resident and non-resident permits, so you can apply for your permit at any time. In order to apply for a resident permit, you may need to provide a New Jersey driver's license or state ID.
Moving from New Jersey and have a New Jersey resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your New Jersey permit remains valid?If a person with a New Jersey concealed weapons permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires provided you submit the above referenced Name/Address change form.
Step 1:
Complete a firearm training course if required.
Step 2:
Fill out the application. For your application you will need to have been fingerprinted for firearms purposes in NJ and assigned an SBI number. If you have never been fingerprinted for firearms purposes in New Jersey before, start with an application for an Initial Firearms I.D. card here. You will also need an ORI number. You can call your local law enforcement agency to obtain the ORI number you will need. If you use the wrong ORI number, your application will be rejected.
Step 3:
Obtain four references (must have known the applicant for a minimum of 3 years).
Step 4:
Have 4 passport-style photographs taken.
Step 5:
Have the following ready:
Step 6:
You will be notified within 60 days if your application has been approved or denied.
Step 7:
Pay the fee.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
No. In October 2022, a new bill was passed prohibiting concealed carry in bars or restaurants where alcohol is served, and any other site or facility where alcohol is sold for consumption on the premises. A federal judge has overturned this aspect of the bill temporarily, pending appeal.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes, with a NJ PCH.
carry/possess at a hotel?
New Jersey statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
carry in vehicle?
Yes, with a NJ PCH with the appropriate stipulations only.
Without a legal purpose, no person may transport firearms in the State of New Jersey. Legal purposes include:
Without a NJ PCH, all firearms must be transported in a securely fastened case, unloaded, and separate from the ammunition. If transporting a gun in a car, it should not be accessible from the passenger compartment. If the gun must be carried in the passenger compartment, it MUST be in a locked container. It is illegal to carry a pistol or ammunition in the glovebox, even a locked one.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
Self-Defense
New Jersey is a Castle Doctrine state. There is no duty to retreat while in a person’s dwelling.
Use of Force in Defense of Personal Property
The use of force is justifiable when the actor reasonably believes it necessary to prevent an attempt to commit theft, criminal mischief or other criminal interference with the actor’s personal property or the possession of another for whose protection he acts.
Use of Force Justifiable for Protection of the Person
The use of force is justifiable when the actor reasonably believes that such force is immediately necessary for the purpose of protecting himself or herself against the use of unlawful force by another person on the present occasion.
The use of deadly force is not justifiable unless the actor reasonably believes that such force is necessary to protect himself or herself against death or serious bodily harm; if the actor provoked the use of force; or the actor knows that he or she can avoid the necessity of using such force with complete safety by retreating or by surrendering possession of a thing. Except that the actor is not obliged to retreat from one’s dwelling unless he was the initial aggressor.
Use of Force Upon or to Protect a Third Person
The actor would be justified in using such force:
Use of Force in Defense of Premises
The use of force is justifiable when the actor is in possession or control of premises or is licensed or privileged to be there and reasonably believes such force necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of a criminal trespass by such other person in or upon such premises.
The use of deadly force is not justifiable unless the actor reasonably believes that:
Use of Force in Defense of Dwelling
The use of force or deadly force upon or toward an intruder who is unlawfully in a dwelling is justifiable when the actor reasonably believes that the force is immediately necessary for the purpose of protecting himself or herself or other persons in the dwelling against the use of unlawful force by the intruder. A reasonable belief exists when the actor, to protect himself or herself or a third person, was in his or her own dwelling at the time of the offense or was privileged to be thereon and the encounter between the actor and intruder was sudden and unexpected, compelling the actor to act instantly and:
New Jersey Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-08
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2024-03-05
Updated "Concealed Carry Permit Application Process" section.
2021-05-18
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
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