Updated February 08, 2024
A New Jersey firearm bill of sale is a document used by a buyer and seller to record and transfer ownership of a firearm in the State of New Jersey. It contains information identifying the seller, the buyer, and the specific firearm. As such, it can be used as legal proof of the change of ownership between the seller and buyer.
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Privately Selling a Firearm
Any seller of a firearm must either be a licensed dealer or a private citizen with a Firearm Identification Card.
Prohibited from Buying
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 involuntary 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, 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 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 to 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 pursuant to 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 pursuant to 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 who is subject to a court order prohibiting the custody, control, ownership, purchase, possession, or receipt of a firearm or ammunition issued pursuant to the “Extreme Risk Protective Order Act of 2018.”[5]
Registering a Firearm
Private gun owners do not have to register their weapons with the state, but licensed firearms dealers are required to keep detailed records of all sales.[6]
Concealed Carry
A state-issued Permit to Carry a Handgun is required for any person to carry a concealed weapon in New Jersey.
How to Apply
All applicants for a concealed carry permit in New Jersey have to be at least twenty-one (21) years old.
Step 1 – Complete an Application for Permit to Carry a Handgun.
Step 2 – Include three personal references on page two (2) of the application.
Step 3 – Attach proof of the applicant’s urgent necessity for self-protection[7] (for example, previous threats or attacks directed at the applicant that show there is a danger to the applicant’s life or well-being).
Step 4 – Attach proof that the applicant can demonstrate competence with a firearm.[8]
Step 5 – Submit the application to the New Jersey State Police, which will approve or deny the application within 60 days of receiving it.
Step 6 – Once the issuing authority has approved the application, the applicant then must submit the same application to their local Superior Court for its approval as well.
Reciprocity
New Jersey does not recognize the concealed carry permits of any other states.[7] Non-residents are required to apply for a Permit to Carry a Handgun just like New Jersey residents.