Anyone who wishes to buy a firearm from a licensed dealer must obtain a Handgun Purchase Permit from their local police department.

A permit cannot be issued to:^[1] 

• Any person who has been convicted of any crime or a disorderly persons offense involving an act of domestic violence^[2], whether or not armed with or possessing a weapon at the time of the offense;
• Any person who is voluntarily or involuntarily confined for a mental disorder to a hospital, mental institution, or sanitarium; ^[3]
• Any person who suffers from a physical defect or disease which would make it unsafe for him to handle firearms, any person who has ever been confined for a mental disorder, or any alcoholic unless any of the preceding 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 a manner that would interfere with or handicap him in the handling of firearms;
• Any person who knowingly falsifies any information on the application form for a handgun purchase permit or firearms purchaser identification card;
• Any person under the age of 18 years for a firearms purchaser identification card and any person under the age of 21 years for a permit to purchase a handgun;
• Any person where the issuance would not be in the interest of the public health, safety, or welfare;
• Any person who is subject to a protective order issued under the “Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991,”^[4] prohibiting the person from possessing any firearm;
• 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;
• Any person whose firearm is seized under the “Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991,” and whose firearm has not been returned; or
• Any person named on the consolidated Terrorist Watchlist maintained by the Terrorist Screening Center administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation or
• Any person subject to a court order prohibiting the custody, control, ownership, purchase, possession, or receipt of a firearm or ammunition issued under the “Extreme Risk Protective Order Act of 2018.”^[5]

Any person carrying a concealed weapon in New Jersey must have a state-issued Permit to Carry a Handgun.

How to Apply

All concealed carry permit applicants in New Jersey must be at least 21 years old.

1. Complete an Application for a Permit to Carry a Handgun.
2. Include three personal references on page two of the application.
3. Attach proof of the applicant’s urgent need for self-protection[7] (for example, previous threats or attacks directed at the applicant that show a danger to the applicant’s life or well-being).
4. Attach proof that the applicant can demonstrate competence with a firearm.^[8]
5. Submit the application to the New Jersey State Police, which will approve or deny it within 60 days of receiving it.
6. Once the issuing authority has approved the application, the applicant must also submit it to their local Superior Court for approval.

Reciprocity

New Jersey does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state.^[7] Non-residents are required to apply for a Permit to Carry a Handgun, just like New Jersey residents.