Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
New Jersey has transitioned to a shall-issue state for concealed weapons permits, issued locally by municipal police departments or the NJ State Police. Applicants must secure approval from their local police chief and present their application to a superior court judge.
A Firearms Purchaser Identification (FPID) card and a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) conducted through a licensed firearms dealer are required to purchase handguns privately. Handgun purchases in New Jersey must be from a state-licensed dealer or a resident private seller, with records submitted to the State Police Firearms Investigations Unit. An FPID is also necessary to buy handgun ammunition.
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Open carry is prohibited in New Jersey. Concealed carry is legal only with a New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH), available to residents and non-residents who meet the age requirement of 21 years and complete a firearms training course.
New Jersey does not honor concealed carry permits from any other states.
New Jersey operates under the Castle Doctrine, which allows individuals the right to defend themselves in their dwelling without a duty to retreat.
Force is justifiable to prevent theft, criminal mischief, or other criminal interference with personal property.
Force is justified if necessary to protect another person from imminent harm, provided the person being protected would be justified in using such force themselves.
Justifiable when defending premises from criminal trespass, with deadly force justifiable under specific circumstances such as preventing arson, burglary, or robbery.
Force or deadly force against an intruder unlawfully in a dwelling is justifiable if the actor reasonably believes it is necessary to protect against imminent harm.
Justifiable when necessary to protect against unlawful force, with deadly force permissible when facing imminent death or serious bodily harm, and retreat is not mandatory if the actor is in their dwelling and not the aggressor.
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Does New Jersey allow constitutional carry?
No. New Jersey is not a constitutional carry state.
Is open carry permitted in New Jersey?
No.
If New Jersey requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
New Jersey is a shall-issue state.
What is the minimum age in New Jersey to get a concealed carry permit?
The minimum age to carry concealed in New Jersey is 21.
Does New Jersey have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No more than 10 rounds.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in New Jersey with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
No. A New Jersey PCH does not allow for the concealed carry of weapons other than handguns.
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in New Jersey?
Yes, any non-felon 18 or over may possess for the purpose of self-defense 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.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in New Jersey?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. The minimum age is 18 years old.
Does New Jersey have ammunition restrictions?
Yes. You must have a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card, a permit to purchase a handgun, or a carry permit to buy handgun ammunition. The minimum age to purchase or possess handgun ammunition is 21 years old.
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CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?
- Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in New Jersey? 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 its concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
CARRY IN VEHICLE?
- Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in New Jersey? 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: taking a newly purchased firearm home from the dealer, taking a broken firearm to the gunsmith, traveling to and returning from a gun range, and moving to a legal place to engage in hunting or trapping. 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.
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT?
- Does New Jersey have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? Not addressed in New Jersey state law, although employers may have a policy.
CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS?
- Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in New Jersey? Yes, with a NJ PCH.
CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)?
- Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in New Jersey? No. [NJ Admin. Code § 7:2–2.17(b)]
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?
- Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in New Jersey? 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.
DRIVER’S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry Permit?
Is my New Jersey driver’s license linked to my New Jersey 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.
“No Weapons Allowed” Signs Enforced?
Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in New Jersey? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. No. Not mentioned in state statutes.
Brandishing?
Does New Jersey state law define 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. [N.J. Stat Ann. § 2C:33–2] A person is guilty of assault if he attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. [N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C: 12–1(a)]
Preemption?
Does New Jersey have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in New Jersey. [NJ Stat. Ann. § 2C:1–5(d)]
Red Flag Law?
Does New Jersey have a 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. [N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:58–21]
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs?
Does New Jersey have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm 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.
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?
Does New Jersey issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? 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.
Duty to Inform Officer You’re Carrying?
Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in New Jersey? 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.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?
Does New Jersey allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? No, however the information is available for law enforcement.
PURCHASE PERMITS?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in New Jersey?
- Yes. 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 the purchase of rifles and shotguns, as well as for purchases of handgun ammunition.
NEW JERSEY PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK?
Does my current New Jersey concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
- No.
WAITING PERIOD?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in New Jersey?
- 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?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in New Jersey?
- 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?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit?
- Yes. New Jersey allows anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to keep or carry a firearm in their place of business, residence, or other land owned or possessed without a permit.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
Do handguns need to be registered in New Jersey?
- Firearms registration is voluntary, but handgun purchase permit records are maintained by the New Jersey State Police Firearms Investigation Unit, effectively requiring handgun registration for handguns purchased in-state.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? EXCEPTIONS?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in New Jersey? Are there exceptions?
- Yes. A permit to purchase a handgun and a background check conducted through a federally licensed firearms dealer are required for private gun sales. However, an exception exists for the transfer of firearms upon the death of an owner to their heir or legatee.
To purchase a firearm in New Jersey:
- You must have a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card.
- Obtain this card by filing an Application For Firearms Purchaser Identification Card / Application To Purchase A Handgun with the New Jersey State Police.
- Application can be completed online through the Firearms Applicant Registration System (FARS) after obtaining the proper Originating Agency Identifier (ORI) number.
- Provide a New Jersey driver’s license or state-issued ID card, list 2 references, consent to fingerprinting, and undergo a criminal and mental health background check.
- The State of New Jersey has 30 days to notify you of approval or denial.
- Once approved, you have 90 days to purchase a handgun before the permit expires.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Minnesota
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Be a person of good character.
- Have demonstrated familiarity with the safe handling and use of handguns.
- Not be subject to any state law disabilities for obtaining a permit to purchase a handgun or a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card.
- Not have an outstanding arrest warrant for an indictable offense.
- Not have certain restraining orders or have violated any restraining orders.
- Not have restraining orders in other jurisdictions.
- Not have had voluntary admissions into mental institutions or hospitals.
- Have references from 4 persons who have known the applicant for a minimum of 3 years.
- Meet federal law requirements.
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.
$200
Link to application
Out-of-state residents must apply to the New Jersey State Police station nearest to their geographic location using the same process as residents.
Contact your local municipal police department or closest NJ State Police Office for their process.
Contact your local municipal police department or closest NJ State Police Office for their process.
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.
2 years
60 days
Complete a firearm training course if required.
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.
Obtain four references (must have known the applicant for a minimum of 3 years).
Have 4 passport-style photographs taken.
Have the following ready:
- Four color passport-sized photographs;
- Completed Consent For Mental Health Search form;
- Firearms training certificate.
- Information on the firearm(s) you will be carrying.
Pay the fee.
You will be notified within 60 days if your application has been approved or denied.
If the application has been approved by the chief police officer or the superintendent, you must present it to the Superior Court of your county (or to the Superior Court in any county where you intend to carry a handgun, in the case of a nonresident or employee of an armored car company). The court shall issue the permit to the applicant if, but only if, it is satisfied that the applicant is a person of good character who is not subject to any of the disabilities set forth in section 2C:58–3c.
Pay the fee.
As of July 1, 2023, individuals who completed firearms training before this date and hold a permit to carry valid until after December 22, 2023, must requalify under the CCARE protocol or the HQC2-modified protocol issued on July 21, 2023.
An individual will be considered compliant with N.J.S.A. 2C:58–4(g)(2) if their previous course of fire included:
- Passage of a test on New Jersey’s use of force laws, administered by a certified instructor from a police academy, NRA, or other recognized certification body.
- Firing a minimum of 50 rounds per participant.
- Achieving a minimum passing score of 80% using an FBI type Q target.
- Shooting at least 10 rounds each from distances of 15, 10, 7, 5, and 3 yards. If fewer rounds were fired from these distances, the remaining rounds must have been fired from greater distances.
- Demonstrating safe holstering and unholstering, including safely drawing the weapon from a secured holster before firing at required distances and reholstering after completing each round.
- Showing proficient and safe reloading during the shooting course.
Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. Permits may be renewed every 2 years under the same conditions as original applications. Effective December 2023, additional training requirements titled “Use of Force Interim Training for Private Citizen Concealed Carry” must be completed.
Complete a firearm training course.
Download the application.
Obtain three references who have known you for at least 3 years.
Complete the application form in triplicate and have all three copies notarized.
Have 4 passport-style photographs taken.
Take the notarized applications to your local state police station along with:
- Four color passport-sized photographs.
- Completed Consent For Mental Health Search form.
- Firearms training certificate.
Pay the required fee and provide fingerprints during this visit.
No.
No.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
There is no State statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
- Schools, colleges, universities, daycare centers, or other educational institutions (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:39–5);
- Casinos (N.J. Admin. Code § 13:69D-1.13);
- State parks (N.J. Admin. Code § 7:2–2.179(b));
- Wildlife Management Areas, state forests, and national forests (NJ Admin. Code § 7:2–2.17(b));
- Hospitals, health care facilities, long-term care facilities, nursing homes;
- Correctional facilities, juvenile justice facilities, halfway houses, homeless shelters;
- Entertainment venues (stadiums, arenas, amusement parks, racetracks), publicly owned libraries, museums;
- Youth sporting events, recreational facilities (parks, beaches, playgrounds);
- Bars, restaurants serving alcohol, and other alcohol-serving locations;
- Airports, public transportation hubs;
- Polling places;
- Courthouses;
- Law enforcement stations, offices;
- Government buildings, locations with government meetings;
- Demonstrations, protests, licensed public gatherings;
- Statue Cruises ferry to Ellis Island & Liberty Island, Statue of Liberty National Monument (NPS Security Standards);
- Any place where carrying firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law/regulation.
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. [N.J. Stat. Ann. 23 § 7A-2]
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. [NJSA 2C:39–1, 2C:39–3(e)]
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in New Jersey, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
There is no known statute in New Jersey making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
No.
No. It is unlawful to have both a firearm and bow in possession or under control while hunting. [NJ General Hunting Regulations]
