Who Can and Cannot Own a Gun?

Who Cannot Own a Gun?

While the Second Amendment of the Constitution gives citizens the right to bear arms, states can make their own regulations regarding who may own a firearm. The following people cannot obtain a firearm in New Jersey:

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

Applying for a Permit

In the state of New Jersey, there are two different types of gun permits that a person can apply for in order to go forward with purchasing one. While the two permits are completely different, there is only one application for them. The two permits include the following:

• Handgun Purchase Permit: Known as HPP, this is to apply for the purchase of handguns.
• Firearm Purchaser Identification Card: Known as FPID, this permit is needed to purchase a rifle, long gun, or shotgun.

What Do I Need for My Application?

When a resident of New Jersey is filling out their application, they are required to include certain documentation in order to complete it. This includes the following:

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

License to Carry

In order for an individual to carry a firearm on their person, they are required to obtain a separate license. This matter is generally discretionary. The state of New Jersey requires all applicants for open carry to provide a justifiable reason for why they need to carry a firearm. This can be difficult to do unless they have a job that requires them to carry a gun or if there are any physical threats made against them.