Individuals who purchase firearms and want to carry them for personal protection may require a concealed carry permit. Most adult New Jersey residents who can pass a criminal background check have the right to purchase a handgun. If they want to carry it in public, they may need to secure a permit from the state to do so legally.
Illegally possessing a firearm is a “crime of the second degree” that carries between five and ten years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines. It is critical to ensure compliance with the law before attempting to concealed carry a pistol or other handgun in the Garden State.
What are the requirements when buying a handgun?
When purchasing a handgun, buyers must acquire a Firearms Purchaser Identification (FPID) card and undergo a federal criminal background check, even if purchasing a handgun from a private individual. New Jersey residents can only legally purchase firearms from licensed dealers or other residents of New Jersey. The seller sends information about the sale to the New Jersey State Police Firearms Investigations Unit.
If the buyer intends to carry the handgun in public, they need state authorization, as New Jersey does not allow open carry. New applicants who have not secured a Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH) must complete a course and be at least 21 years old. The course involves both classroom instruction and live-firing tests.
New Jersey is a shall-issue state, which means that everyone who qualifies and follows the right process should receive a New Jersey PCH. A PCH only applies to handguns — not to larger firearms, such as rifles and shotguns. There are limits to where those with a New Jersey PCH can carry their handguns. Restricted locations include bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, as well as state and national forests, parks and wildlife management areas.
In some cases, individuals who have made reasonable attempts to comply with the law or who misunderstood New Jersey’s lack of concealed carry reciprocity could end up facing charges for conduct with a handgun that they believed was legal. Understanding the law before an arrest occurs is the best option, but those facing weapons charges may need to discuss the case promptly with a New Jersey criminal defense attorney.