Explore comprehensive information on New Jersey's gun laws. Learn about permits, firearm registration, ownership, carry laws, assault weapons, magazine capacity restrictions, NFA weapons, background checks, and the Red Flag law. Stay compliant and safe.
Subject/Law
Long guns
Handguns
Relevant statutes
Notes
State permit required to purchase?
Yes
Yes
A lifetime purchaser identification card is required for purchase of rifles and shotguns, as well as for purchases of handgun ammunition. A permit to purchase a handgun, valid for 90 days is required for each handgun purchase. Only one handgun can be purchased within a 30-day period. According to judicial ruling, purchase permits/identification cards are supposed to be granted on a “shall-issue” basis.
Firearm registration?
No
Yes
The NJ State Police Firearms Investigation Unit (NJSP FIU) maintains a record of all handgun transfers, except for inherited firearms willed to the transferee, or firearms brought to the state by new residents moving to the state. Firearm registration is voluntary, but since handgun purchase permits are also a form of register, there is de facto mandatory handgun registration for handguns purchased in-state. Purchases by NJ residents must either be from a licensed dealer in NJ or a private individual who is a resident of NJ. In both dealer purchases and private sales, a copy of the purchase permit is sent to the NJSP FIU. A NICS background check at the point of sale is only required for purchases from dealers.
Owner license required?
No
No
Purchaser Identification Card required to purchase firearms in state. License is not required to own or possess firearms at exempt locations,[93] only to purchase. Firearm must be compliant and/or brought into compliance with NJ law before entering NJ.
New Jersey calls its permit a "permit to carry a handgun" and is a "shall-issue" by judicial ruling for concealed firearm carry. It must be approved by both the municipality's police chief and a NJ judge, whereas the applicant will not know who denied the $200 application to carry.
Permit required for open carry?
No
Yes
Open carry is allowed only with a permit to carry a handgun and is generally not practiced except by security officers and others who carry firearms on duty. While it is technically legal to carry long guns with a valid Firearm Purchaser ID card, it is generally frowned upon by law enforcement, except when hunting. One can expect to be detained and questioned in most places if carrying in this manner. However, open carry of loaded long guns is not permitted.
State preemption of local restrictions?
No
No
There is limited state preemption for some firearm laws.
New Jersey prohibits the possession of certain named firearms or "substantially identical" firearms deemed to be assault firearms, including possession of parts from which an assault firearm may be readily assembled. Firearms classed as assault firearms but acquired before May 1, 1990 and registered with the state are legal to possess. Police officers may possess assault weapons for duty purposes and may possess personal assault weapons with recommendation by their agency.
Magazine capacity restriction?
Yes
Yes
Magazines are limited to 10 rounds for semi-automatic pistols and rifles, and 6 rounds for semi-automatic shotguns. Tubular fed fixed magazine .22s exempt.
Possession of short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, destructive devices, and suppressors are prohibited to the average citizen. Law is silent on AOWs. Possession of a machine gun requires a state license, which is granted on a may issue basis by a county superior court judge. Machine gun licenses are extremely difficult to obtain.
Background checks required for private sales?
Yes
Yes
Private firearm sales require a background check conducted through a federally licensed gun dealer except for temporary transfers,[97] transfers between law enforcement officers, or transfers between immediate family.[98]
Red flag law?
Yes
Yes
A judge may issue a gun violence restraining order authorizing the police to confiscate a person's firearms if the judge determines that the person poses a significant risk of personal injury to himself or others. In recent practice, New Jersey has extended that petition to anyone to Red Flag a gun owner.
Gun Laws by State: New Jersey
Understanding Gun Laws in New Jersey
Gun laws vary greatly from state to state, and it's important to understand the specific regulations in your area. Today, we're focusing on the gun laws in New Jersey. Whether you're a resident or planning a visit, knowing these laws can help you stay compliant and safe.
Permits and Purchasing
In New Jersey, a state permit is required to purchase both long guns and handguns. For long guns, a lifetime purchaser identification card is required. This card is also necessary for purchasing handgun ammunition. If you're looking to buy a handgun, you'll need a permit valid for 90 days. However, keep in mind that you can only purchase one handgun within a 30-day period. According to judicial rulings, these permits and identification cards should be granted on a “shall-issue” basis.
Firearm Registration
While there's no requirement for registering long guns in New Jersey, handguns must be registered. The New Jersey State Police Firearms Investigation Unit (NJSP FIU) keeps a record of all handgun transfers, with a few exceptions. These exceptions include inherited firearms willed to the transferee, or firearms brought to the state by new residents. Although firearm registration is voluntary, handgun purchase permits act as a form of register, creating a de facto mandatory handgun registration for handguns purchased in-state.
Ownership and Carry Laws
While there's no license required to own a firearm in New Jersey, a Purchaser Identification Card is required to purchase firearms in the state. However, a permit is required for concealed carry of handguns. This permit, referred to as a "permit to carry a handgun," must be approved by both the municipality's police chief and a New Jersey judge. Open carry is also allowed only with a permit to carry a handgun and is generally not practiced except by security officers and others who carry firearms on duty.
Assault Weapon Laws and Magazine Capacity Restrictions
New Jersey has laws in place regarding assault weapons. The state prohibits the possession of certain named firearms or "substantially identical" firearms deemed to be assault firearms. This includes possession of parts from which an assault firearm may be readily assembled. There are also restrictions on magazine capacity, limiting semi-automatic pistols and rifles to 10 rounds, and semi-automatic shotguns to 6 rounds.
NFA Weapons and Background Checks
NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons are restricted in New Jersey. Possession of short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, destructive devices, and suppressors are prohibited to the average citizen. Machine gun licenses are extremely difficult to obtain. In terms of private sales, background checks are required and must be conducted through a federally licensed gun dealer.
Red Flag Law
New Jersey has a Red Flag law in place. This law allows a judge to issue a gun violence restraining order, authorizing the police to confiscate a person's firearms if the judge determines that the person poses a significant risk of personal injury to himself or others.
Understanding and following these laws is crucial for responsible gun ownership in New Jersey. Always remember to stay safe and informed.
