How to Legally Obtain a Firearm in the State of New Jersey

New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States. Because of this, obtaining a firearm permit is no easy task. It is important to understand New Jersey’s gun laws in order to be a responsible gun owner and to avoid gun violations. If you would like to learn more about gun laws in New Jersey or are interested in obtaining a firearm, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Kevin T. Conway.

Am I eligible to own a firearm in New Jersey?

The state of New Jersey takes gun laws very seriously compared to other states in the United States. As a result, New Jersey has a list of individuals who cannot purchase a gun. In New Jersey, you are prohibited from obtaining a permit or purchasing a gun if you fall under any of the following categories:

Minors under the age of 18
Those who are drug dependent
Those convicted of aggravated assault, arson, burglary, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, robbery, or sexual assault
Those committed for mental disorder unless there is satisfactory proof that they no longer suffer from a disorder that disables them from handling a firearm
Those convicted of the unlawful use, possession, or sale of controlled dangerous substances
Those who have physical defects that make them unsafe to handle a firearm

What types of gun permits are available to me in New Jersey?

There are two different types of gun permits in New Jersey. They are as follows:

Handgun Purchase Permit: This is known as HPP, and is used to apply for the purchase of a handgun.
Firearm Purchaser Identification Card: This is commonly referred to as FPID, and is used to purchase a rifle, long gun, or shotgun.

What documents do I need to apply for a firearm permit?

In order to apply for a firearms permit, you will need to submit the following documentation:

A passport
A driver’s license
2 references
An executed Consent for Mental Health Records Search

How can I obtain a license to carry?

It is important to understand that in New Jersey, the ability to obtain a firearm permit and purchase a gun does not allow you to legally carry a gun. A license to carry is a separate permit that must be applied for. New Jersey is very strict when it comes to open carry, making this a license that is very difficult to obtain. Applicants must provide a justifiable reason as to why they need to carry a gun, which is not easy in New Jersey. In some cases, if they have a job that requires them to carry a gun or if there are any physical threats made against them, it may be easier to obtain a license to carry.

CONTACT OUR FIRM

Kevin T. Conway is an experienced Bergen County criminal attorney handling DUI, DWI, traffic violations, violent crimes, sex crimes, illegal gun possession, shoplifting, and juvenile crimes. Attorney Conway is also experienced in commercial law matters, zoning law, and estate planning. If you need an aggressive criminal lawyer, contact The Law Office of Kevin T. Conway for a free consultation.