NEW JERSEY GUN LAWS
Quick Facts
- Carry In Vehicle
- Must Notify Officer
- Carry In State Parks Allowed
- No Weapons Signs Enforced
- Open Carry Permitted
- Carry In Liquor Establishments
- Constitutional Carry
See Details
No
See Details
See Details
No
Yes
No
New Jersey Reciprocity Map
Permit Honored
Permit not honored
Residential permits only
Issuing state
Permit Information
New Jersey gun laws are some of the most restrictive in the United States. It is a “May Issue” state so a person must demonstrate a justifiable need to carry a firearm. In reality it acts more like a “No Issue” state for regular citizens as permits are very difficult to obtain. Some of these restrictive laws are being tested in the courts. Permits are issued to both residents and non-residents. A firearms training course is required for new applicants and they must be at least 21 years or older.
COST OF
STATE PERMITS
RESIDENT
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia
NON-RESIDENT
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia
New Jersey does not honor permits from any other states.
New Jersey CCW Permit
New Jersey is a “May Issue” state. Residents only.
The permit is valid for 2 years.
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Is a person of good character.
- Has demonstrated he or she is familiar with the safe handling and use of handguns.
- Has demonstrated a justifiable need to carry a handgun.
- Have references from three persons who have known applicant for a minimum of three years.
- Federal Law – Prohibits the following persons
Follow these steps to obtain a permit
- Complete your firearm training course.
- Download the application from under the FORMS tab.
- Obtain three references, must have known the applicant for a minimum of three years
- Complete the application form in triplicate.
- All original copies must be notarized.
- You will need the following documents;
- Completed application form
- Four color passport size photographs
- Completed Consent For Mental Health Search, form
- Submit in writing a justifiable reason for the issuance of a permit to carry a handgun
- Firearms training certificate
- A money order for $50.00 payable to, “Treasurer – State of New Jersey
- Present these to your local state police station.
- Your fingerprints will be taken.
- You will be notified within 60 days by mail if your application has been approved or denied.
New Permits: $50
Renewal: $50
OFF LIMIT AREAS
Where You Cannot Carry
- Casino
- State Parks
- School, college, university or other educational institution
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Where You Can Carry
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state – except those listed below
Details on New Jersey Gun Laws
If you reside in New Jersey, you must apply with the municipal police department where you reside. If the municipality where you reside is serviced by the New Jersey State Police, you must apply at the station which covers your municipality. Out of state residents must apply to the New Jersey State Police station nearest to their geographic location. Armored car employees must apply with the New Jersey State Police, regardless of where they reside.
New Jersey does not have laws which allow individuals with valid permits to carry a handguns from other states to carry a handgun in New Jersey.
60 Days
The application for a concealed carry permit/license must be processed within 60 days of the application being received.
NO – Must Inform Officer on Contact By Law
There is nothing in New Jersey gun laws that state you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. The law is also silent about carrying a permit.
GunsToCarry always recommends that you carry your permit, together with photo ID, at all times during which you are in actual possession of a concealed handgun.
?
Have not been able to locate any information on NO WEAPONS signs.
GunsToCarry recommends that you do not enter a property displaying a “No Weapons” sign whether the law is for or against signage. If asked to leave a property and you refuse to do so then you are breaking the law and put yourself at risk of being charged.
YES/NO – Without a Permit/License
Carrying a loaded handgun inside any vehicle without a permit/license in New Jersey is illegal. Unless the handgun is unloaded and contained in a closed and securely fastened case, or locked in the trunk.
NO – Without a Permit/License
Open carrying a handgun without or with a permit/license in New Jersey is illegal. Your permit/license gives you the right to carry a concealed firearm, and you must carry it concealed.
But note there is actually no law that bans open carry in New Jersey.
YES – In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol
“Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol
YES/NO
You are permitted to carry in state forests, WMA’s and roadside rest areas. You cannot carry in state parks.
New Jersey Contacts
New Jersey State Police
Hours
Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Contact
Address P.O. Box 7068
City West Trenton, NJ 08628
Phone 609-882-2000