How To Buy A Gun In NJ | NJ2AS

The Police Departments now accept online applications for Firearms Identification Cards and Handgun Purchaser Permits.  Please visit the web site www.njportal.com/NJSP/fars and complete the online application. You must contact your police department first to receive their ORI number. Please check their website first to see if they have it listed there.

Once the forms are complete and your references return their questionnaires, you should be issued your Firearms Purcharser’s ID card within 30 days. Many citizens report that it may take up to 6 months or longer to receive your FID card depending on the police department you filed with.

After you are issued your card, you may purchase a long gun (shotgun, rifle, black powder rifle, or BB gun). If you wish to purchase a hand gun (including a BB handgun), you must apply for a Permit to Purchase a Handgun. These permits are only good for 90 days, but may be extended an additional 90 days for a total of no more than 180 at the discretion of your local police chief. You may only purchase one hand gun per month (every 30 days). Each hand gun requires its own permit. The application for a Permit to Purchase a Handgun is the same as applying for your initial Firearms ID card except finger prints are not required. 

When you go to the firearms retailer, you will need to fill out the ATF from and submit to an additional background check performed by NJ NICS, which is NJ’s version of the National Instant Background Check system. As of April 1, 2013, NJ NICS may take up to 12 days to clear you to purchase a firearm in NJ. (Nationally, these checks are returned within 20 minutes but since NJ uses it’s own system, delays may take place). 

Should you wish to purchase ammunition, it will be necessary to show your drivers license to purchase shotgun or rifle rounds. To purchase handgun ammunition, you will need to show your firearms ID card, or a copy of your Permit to Purchase a Handgun. 

Please see the information below taken from N.J.A.C Title 13 Chapter 54 on obtaining a Firearms ID Card in NJ.