New Jersey requires a Permit to Carry a Handgun for concealed carry (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4), which is rarely issued due to its "may-issue" status. Applicants must show "justifiable need" (e.g., specific threats), complete training, pass a background check, and submit fingerprints. Carry is banned in schools, government buildings, and bars (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5). Private property owners can prohibit firearms. Violations can lead to felony charges (3-5 years).
Costs: Permit costs $20, plus $60 for fingerprints and $100-$200 for training. Total: $180-$280.
Processing Time: Legally 90 days, but often takes 6+ months.
Renewal: Permits last 2 years, cost $20, with retraining often required.
Reciprocity: New Jersey honors no out-of-state permits; few states recognize NJ permits.
New Jersey effectively bans open carry of firearms in public (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5). Permits are required and almost never issued for open carry. Exceptions exist for hunting or ranges with a permit. Violations are felonies (3-5 years).
Sources: [1]
New Jersey bans assault firearms (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1(w)), large-capacity magazines (>10 rounds, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(j)), and silencers (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(c)). Machine guns and short-barreled rifles/shotguns are prohibited unless ATF-registered, with strict state limits. Ghost guns require serialization (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9(n)). Violations are felonies (3-10 years).
Costs: Serialization costs $50-$100.
New Jersey follows FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A), but transport is strict—firearms must be unloaded, locked, and ammo separate (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6(f)). No stopping allowed beyond gas/food. Violations can lead to felony charges (3-5 years).
Sources: [1]
New Jersey requires a Firearms Purchaser ID Card (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3) and handgun permits ($2 each). Buyers must pass background checks, wait 7 days, and are limited to one handgun per 30 days. Private sales need a dealer. Violations are felonies (3-5 years).
Costs: ID Card: $5, fingerprints: $60, permits: $2 each.
Processing Time: 30-90 days.
Sources: [1]
New Jersey requires registration of handguns and assault firearms (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3). Ghost guns must be serialized (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9(n)). Lost/stolen guns must be reported within 36 hours (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-16). Violations are felonies (3-5 years).
Costs: Registration fees vary ($5-$25).
Sources: [1]
New Jersey requires firearms to be stored locked or inaccessible to minors (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-15). Violations involving child access can lead to felony charges (3-5 years).
Sources: [1]
New Jersey has a limited Castle Doctrine (N.J.S.A. 2C:3-4). Deadly force in the home is allowed only if retreat isn’t possible. Outside, retreat is required if safe. Excessive force can lead to manslaughter (5-10 years).
Sources: [1]