New Jersey Concealed Carry Laws & Information

We try to stay as up to date as possible, but always check with local law enforcement to be sure about which states honor your states permit.

The following states have permitless carry. This means that if you can legally possess a firearm in that state you can carry it concealed without a permit/license. You still have to abide by all conceaeled carry laws in that state. Please note that the last three states only allow residents to carry without a permit/license. Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, Idaho (Residents Only), North Dakota (Residents Only), Wyoming (Residents Only).

Information compiled from various state government and private sites from around the web.

Reciprocity: How This State Honors Other States Permits & Licenses

New Jersey does not honor any other states Permit/Licenses.

How to Apply for a New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit

The Gun laws in the New Jersey code can be found in Chapters 39 and 58.

You can check the New Jersey Administrative Code as it pertains to firearms. 13-54

Admin Code § 13:54-2.3 Criteria for the issuance of a permit to carry a handgun

(a) No application for a permit to carry a handgun shall be approved by a chief police officer of a municipality, the Superintendent or the Superior Court, unless the applicant:

1. Is a person of good character who is not subject to any of the disabilities which would prevent him or her from obtaining a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card as provided in this chapter;

2. Has demonstrated that at the time of the application for the permit he or she is thoroughly familiar with the safe handling and use of handguns; and

3. Has demonstrated a justifiable need to carry a handgun.

Admin Code § 13:54-2.4 Application for a permit to carry a handgun

(a) Every person applying for a permit to carry a handgun shall furnish such information and particulars as set forth in the application form designated SP 642. The application shall be signed by the applicant under oath and shall be endorsed by three reputable persons who have known the applicant for at least three years preceding the date of application, and who shall also certify thereon that the applicant is a person of good moral character and behavior. Applications can be obtained at police departments and State Police stations.

(b) Each applicant shall demonstrate a thorough familiarity with the safe handling and use of handguns by indicating in the space provided therefor on the application form, and on any sworn attachments thereto, any relevant information. Thorough familiarity with the safe handling and use of handguns shall be evidenced by:

1. Completion of a firearms training course substantially equivalent to the firearms training approved by the Police Training Commission as described by N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6j;

2. Submission of an applicant's most recent handgun qualification scores utilizing the handgun(s) he or she intends to carry as evidenced by test firings administered by a certified firearms instructor of a police academy, a certified firearms instructor of the National Rifle Association, or any other recognized certified firearms instructor; or

3. Passage of any test in this State's laws governing the use of force administered by a certified instructor of a police academy, a certified instructor of the National Rifle Association, or any other recognized certified instructor.

(d) Each application form shall also be accompanied by a written certification of justifiable need to carry a handgun, which shall be under oath and which:

1. In the case of a private citizen shall specify in detail the urgent necessity for self-protection, as evidenced by specific threats or previous attacks which demonstrate a special danger to the applicant's life that cannot be avoided by means other than by issuance of a permit to carry a handgun. Where possible the applicant shall corroborate the existence of any specific threats or previous attacks by reference to reports of such incidents to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

(e) The completed application together with two sets of the applicant’s fingerprints and fees as established by N.J.A.C. 13:59 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.5 et seq., four photographs (1 1/2 x 1 1/2 square), a consent for mental health records search form designated SP 66, and a permit fee of $ 20.00 payable to the County Clerk where the permit is to be issued shall be submitted to the chief police officer of the municipality in which the applicant resides, or the Superintendent:

1. If there is no full time police department in the municipality where the applicant resides; or
2. If the applicant is a non-resident of this State or if the applicant is an employee of an armored car company.

Applying for a Permit to Carry a Handgun (initial and renewal application)

1. Complete a State of New Jersey Application For Permit To Carry A Handgun, form S. P. 642 (Rev. 02/09) in triplicate. All references must know the applicant for a minimum of three years prior to the date of the application.
2. All original copies must be notarized.
3. Submit four color passport size photographs with your application package.
4. Complete the Consent For Mental Health Search, form SP-66 (Rev. 01/15).
5. Submit in writing a justifiable reason / need for the issuance of a permit to carry a handgun. This must be detailed. Armored car guards shall obtain this from the C.E.O. of the company they are employed by. This shall also be notarized.
6. Written proof of qualification with the handgun(s) you intend on carrying if your application is approved. This must be recent at the time of the application and must also be obtained from a certified firearms instructor.
7. A money order in the amount of $50.00 payable to, “Treasurer - State of New Jersey.

Even now, it is very difficult to get a New Jersey Permit to Carry.

How to Obtain A Non-Resident New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit

Out of state residents must apply to the New Jersey State Police station nearest to their geographic location. Armored car employees must apply with the New Jersey State Police, regardless of where they reside.

Places You Can Not Carry Even With a New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit

2C:39-5 e. Firearms or other weapons in educational institutions

(1) Any person who knowingly has in his possession any firearm in or upon any part of the buildings or grounds of any school, college, university or other educational institution, without the written authorization of the governing officer of the institution, is guilty of a crime of the third degree, irrespective of whether he possesses a valid permit to carry the firearm or a valid firearms purchaser identification card.

N.J.A.C. 13:69D-1.13 Firearms; Possession Within Casino or Casino Simulcasting Facility

(a) No person, including the security department members, shall possess or be permitted to possess any pistol or firearm within a casino or casino simulcasting facility without the express written approval of the Division provided that employees and agents of the Division may possess such pistols or firearms at the discretion of the director of the Division. At the request of the casino licensee's security department and upon its notification to the State Police, a law enforcement officer may, in an emergency situation, enter a casino or casino simulcasting facility with a firearm.

(b) To obtain approval for the possession of a pistol or firearm within a casino or casino simulcasting facility, a person shall be required to demonstrate that:

1. He or she has received an adequate course of training in the possession and use of such pistol or firearm;

2. He or she is the holder of a valid license for the possession of such pistol or firearm; and

3. There is a compelling need for the possession of such pistol or firearm within the casino or casino simulcasting facility.

(c) Each casino licensee shall cause to be posted in a conspicuous location at each entrance to the casino and casino simulcasting facility a sign that may be easily read stating:

"By law, no person shall possess any pistol or firearm within the casino or casino simulcasting facility without the express written permission of the Division of Gaming Enforcement."

See Preemption Section. Cities and Towns can have ordinances concerning firearms. The state gives them this authority.

The United States Court of Appeals For the Third Circuit has ruled that Section 926A of Title 18 of the United States Code only protects those traveling by vehicle and does not cover a person transporting a firearm through an airport terminal to board an aircraft with an unloaded secured firearm in a locked box to be declared and in checked baggage to the airline. See Court ruling here.

Possession and Transportation of Hollow Point Ammo

2C:39-3. Prohibited Weapons and Devices.

f. Dum-dum or body armor penetrating bullets.

(1) Any person, other than a law enforcement officer or persons engaged in activities pursuant to subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-6, who knowingly has in his possession any hollow nose or dum-dum bullet, or

(2) any person, other than a collector of firearms or ammunition as curios or relics as defined in Title 18, United States Code, section 921 (a) (13) and has in his possession a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, who knowingly has in his possession any body armor breaching or penetrating ammunition, which means:

(a) ammunition primarily designed for use in a handgun, and

(b) which is comprised of a bullet whose core or jacket, if the jacket is thicker than.025 of an inch, is made of tungsten carbide, or hard bronze, or other material which is harder than a rating of 72 or greater on the Rockwell B. Hardness Scale, and

(c) is therefore capable of breaching or penetrating body armor, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. For purposes of this section, a collector may possess not more than three examples of each distinctive variation of the ammunition described above. A distinctive variation includes a different head stamp, composition, design, or color.

(2) a. Nothing in subsection f. (1) shall be construed to prevent a person from keeping such ammunition at his dwelling, premises or other land owned or possessed by him, or from carrying such ammunition from the place of purchase to said dwelling or land, nor shall subsection f. (1) be construed to prevent any licensed retail or wholesale firearms dealer from possessing such ammunition at its licensed premises, provided that the seller of any such ammunition shall maintain a record of the name, age and place of residence of any purchaser who is not a licensed dealer, together with the date of sale and quantity of ammunition sold.

As with other ammunition and firearms, a sportsman would have to comply with the provisions of N.J.S.A 2C:39-6 (f) and (g) when transporting hollow nose ammunition to a target range. The ammunition should be stored in a closed and fastened container or locked in the trunk of the motor vehicle in which it is being transported. The course of travel should be as direct as possible when going to and leaving from the target range with "only such deviations as are reasonably necessary under the circumstances." N.J.S.A 2C:39-6 (g).

2C:58-6.1 Possession of Firearms By Minors; Exceptions

14. a. No person under the age of 18 years shall purchase, barter or otherwise acquire a firearm and no person under the age of 21 years shall purchase, barter or otherwise acquire a handgun, unless the person is authorized to possess the handgun in connection with the performance of official duties under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-6

Do “No Gun Signs” Have the Force of Law?

In the meantime, there is "No Gun Signs' have force the law in New Jersey.

Open Carry (Without a Valid Permit/License)

Open Carry is illegal in New Jersey. There is no law against Open Carry but you must have a “License to Carry a Firearm Concealed” to carry a firearm in New Jersey. The License is to carry a firearm concealed. So the License give you the ability to carry only a concealed firearm and not to open carry a firearm. So you have to have a license to carry any firearm in New Jersey and that license is for only carrying a firearm concealed.

RV/Car Carry Without a New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit

It is illegal to have any loaded firearm inside any vehicle in New Jersey without a valid Permit/License. (See Places off Limits about ammo specifications). In New Jersey, it is not advisable to take a firearm unless you are very familiar with all their firearm laws.

Here is what the NRA says about New Jersey

New Jersey has highly restrictive firearms laws. The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that anyone traveling within the state is deemed to be aware of these regulations and will be held strictly accountable for violations. (End NRA Statement)
New Jersey Law also states that before possessing or transporting any rifle or shotgun without first having obtained a New Jersey firearms purchaser identification card (FPIC), or possessing or transporting any handgun without first having obtained a New Jersey handgun carry permit is a violation of their law.
You can transport it from place of purchase to home. Home to a Certified Shooting Range. Going hunting but must have a valid hunting license. You just can’t have it in your vehicle. Again the law says you must have a FPIC or New Jersey Carry Permit to even transport firearms in New Jersey. From all I read and have heard someone from outside NJ must have a very good reason to transport a firearm into New Jersey and better have the proper paperwork.

So Called Assault Weapons in New Jersey

More than 50 specified firearms or their copies (§ 2C:39-1w(1), (2));
A semi-automatic shotgun with either a magazine capacity exceeding six rounds, a pistol grip, or a folding stock (§ 2C:39-1w(3));
A semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 15 rounds (§ 2C:39-1w(4)); and
A part or combination of parts designed or intended to convert a firearm into an assault firearm, or any combination of parts from which an assault firearm may be readily assembled if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person (§ 2C:39-1w(5)).

From the New Jersey State Police

All firearms transported through the State of New Jersey:

The following guidelines are provided in order to assist law enforcement officers in applying New Jersey's firearms laws to persons who are transporting firearms through the State of New Jersey.

I. New Jersey laws governing firearms permits, purchaser identification cards, registration and licenses do not apply to a person who is transporting the firearm through this State if that person is transporting the firearm in a manner permitted by federal law, 18 U.S.C.A. 926A.

II. This federal law permitting interstate transportation of a firearm applies only if all of the following requirements are met:

A. The person's possession of the firearm was lawful in the state in which the journey began;
B. The person's possession of the firearm will be lawful in the state in which the journey will end;
C. The person is transporting the firearm for lawful purpose
D. The firearm is unloaded
E. The firearm is not directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle
F. The ammunition is not directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle
G. If the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the passenger compartment, the firearm and ammunition must be in a locked container other than the vehicle's glove compartment or console;
H. The person is not:

1. a convicted felon
2. a fugitive from justice an addict or unlawful user of drugs, or
3. an illegal alien

I. The person has not:

1. been adjudicated to be a mental defective
2. been committed to a mental institution
3. been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces, or
4. renounced his United States Citizenship

III. A person who is transporting a firearm though the State of New Jersey in the manner permitted by person's possession 18 U.S.C.A. 926A, see Section II above, need not give notice.

IV. Procedures for Investigation of Conduct Involving the Possession or Transportation of Firearms:

A. An officer who reasonably suspects that a person is transporting a firearm in violation of New Jersey law should make reasonable inquiries in order to confirm or dispel that suspicion.
B. In a case where circumstances reasonably indicate that the person's possession and transportation of the firearms may be permitted by 18 U.S.C.A. 926A, the officer should make reasonable inquiries in order to determine whether the person's possession is permitted by that federal law.
C. If reasonable inquiries lead an officer to conclude that the person's possession is lawful under either New Jersey law or 18 U.S.C.A. 926A, as described above in Section II, the officer should promptly allow the person to proceed.
D. Whenever an officer has probable cause to believe that a person's possession of a firearm is in violation of New Jersey law and not permitted by 18 U.S.C.A. 926A, as described above in Section II, then the officer should make an arrest.

Must Inform Officer Immediately on Contact By Law?

In New Jersey, not necessarily, because the law does not require you to inform an Officer that you have a permit/license to carry.

Concealed Carry In State Parks//WMA/Road Side Rest Areas & St. /Nat. Forests

Carry is Allowed in these Areas:

State Parks: NO 7:2-2.17
State/National Forests: YES
State WMA’s: YES
Road Side Rest Areas: YES

State Preemption

Article 4, § VII, par. 11 Of The New Jersey State Constitution Confers Broad Powers On Municipalities And Counties:

The provisions of this Constitution and of any law concerning municipal corporations formed for local government, or concerning counties, shall be liberally construed in their favor. The powers of counties and such municipal corporations shall include not only those granted in express terms but also those of necessary or fair implication, or incident to the powers expressly conferred, or essential thereto, and not inconsistent with or prohibited by this Constitution or by law.

40:48-1. Ordinances; general purpose. The governing body of every municipality may make, amend, repeal and enforce ordinances to:

18. Regulate and prohibit the sale and use of guns, pistols, firearms, and fireworks of all descriptions;

40:48-2. Other necessary and proper ordinances
Any municipality may make, amend, repeal and enforce such other ordinances, regulations, rules and by-laws not contrary to the laws of this state or of the United States, as it may deem necessary and proper for the good government, order and protection of persons and property, and for the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants, and as may be necessary to carry into effect the powers and duties conferred and imposed by this subtitle, or by any law.

40:41A-28. Municipal powers
Nothing in this act shall be construed to impair or diminish or infringe on the powers and duties of municipalities under the general law of this State. It is the intent of this act only to permit municipalities to employ services and facilities of the county for more effective, efficient, and adequate provision of services if and when municipalities may deem it desirable to do so. Municipalities are and shall remain the broad repository of local police power in terms of the right and power to legislate for the general health, safety and welfare of their residents.

State statutes treat municipalities and counties differently in terms of their local regulatory authority.

Municipal Regulatory Authority: New Jersey explicitly authorizes municipalities (defined to include cities, towns, townships, villages and boroughs, but not counties) to "regulate and prohibit the sale and use of guns, pistols, firearms, and fireworks of all descriptions." N.J. Rev. Stat. § 40:48-1, subdivision 18 ("section 40:48-1(18)"). Municipalities may also enact ordinances, regulations, rules and by-laws that are consistent with state and federal law for, inter alia, the "preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants." Section 40:48-2. Municipalities are described under state law as broad repositories "of local police power in terms of the right and power to legislate for the general health, safety and welfare of their residents." Section 40:41A-28.

Laws Regarding Deadly Force

Title 2C Chpt. 3 The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice

2C:3-1. Justification an Affirmative Defense; Civil Remedies Unaffected
2C:3-2. Necessity and other justifications in general
2C:3-3. Execution of public duty
2C:3-4 Use of force in self-protection
2C:3-5. Use of force for the protection of other persons
2C:3-6. Use of force in defense of premises or personal property
2C:3-7. Use of force in law enforcement
2C:3-8. Use of force by persons with special responsibility for care, discipline or safety of others
2C:3-9. Mistake of law as to unlawfulness of force or legality of arrest; reckless or negligent use of excessive but otherwise justifiable force; reckless or negligent injury or risk of injury to innocent persons
2C:3-10. Justification in property crimes
2C:3-11. Definitions

Laws Regarding Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns, and Higher Capacity Magazines

For Large Capacity Feeding Devices

2C:39-1. Definitions.
y. "Large capacity ammunition magazine" means a box, drum, tube or other container which is capable of holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition to be fed continuously and directly there from into a semi-automatic firearm.

2C:39-9 Manufacture, transport, disposition and defacement of weapons and dangerous instruments and appliances.
h. Large capacity ammunition magazines. Any person who manufactures, causes to be manufactured, transports, ships, sells or disposes of a large capacity ammunition magazine which is intended to be used for any purpose other than for authorized military or law enforcement purposes by duly authorized military or law enforcement personnel is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.

For Chemical Sprays

2C:39-6 (i) Any non-felon 18 or over may possess for the purpose of self-defense “one pocket-sized device which contains and releases not more than three-quarters of an ounce of chemical substance not ordinarily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury, but rather is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or disability through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air”.

For Stun Devices/Electric Weapons

2C:39-3(h) & 2C:39-9(d) - Must be 18 years of age to Possess or Buy. 2C:39-4(d), 2C:39-4.1 & C:39-5(d) - Must possess with a purpose to use it unlawfully. 2C:39-5(e)(2) —possession of a stun gun while in or upon any part of the buildings or grounds of any school, college, university or other educational institution without the written authorization of the governing officer of the institution.

The New Jersey 2^nd Amendment Society filed a lawsuit and the US District Court Ruling on 4/25/17 stated Stun Devices were legal to possess in New Jersey. SCOTUS had ruled earlier that they could not be banned. On 10/24/17 the NJ AG sent a Memorandum Letter to two members of the NJ House and Senate you should read. You should also read the NJ 2nd Amendment Society Information Post on the Court Ruling.

Airport Carry and Other Misc. Information

Airport Carry: No laws found.

Training Valid for: No Set Time Period

Time Period to Establish Residency: No Time Period Specified

Minimum Age for Permit/License: 21

Permit/License Info Public Information: NO

State Fire arm Laws: 2C-58-1 thru 2C-58-18 & 2C:39-5 Administrative Code Title 13 Chpt. 54

State Deadly Force Laws: 2C-3-1 thru 2C-3-10

State Knife Laws: 2C-39-1 & 2C-39-3 & 2C-39-6 & 2C-39-9.1

Chemical/Electric Weapons Laws: 2C-39-3 (Elec) & 2C-39-6 & 2C-39-9

Body Armor Laws: 2C-39-13

Does Your Permit Cover Other Weapons Besides Firearms? NO 2C:58-4

Is carrying of a Concealed Firearm with Permit/License for Defensive Purposes Only While Hunting Legal? NO, according to New Jersey General Hunting Regulations, it is Unlawful to have both a firearm and bow in possession or under control while hunting.

What Does New Jersey Consider A Loaded Firearm?

New Jersey does not define Loaded. Their firearm laws use the word Loaded or Unloaded but doesn’t give a definition. When a state does not define Loaded or Unloaded, it is recommended that all firearms must not contain any ammo either in a fixed cylinder, fixed magazine or Tube. That all detachable magazines do not contain any ammunition.

New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Hunting Regulations state that it is Illegal and a violation of the law to: Transport an uncased firearm in or on a motor vehicle or ATV or transporting a cocked crossbow in or on a motor vehicle or ATV.

State Emergency Powers

New Jersey Office of Emergency Management has control when a State of Emergency is declared by the Governor. They have so many directives and Executive Orders in place it is very difficult to follow them. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management website can be viewed here.

New Jersey A.C. 13:54-6.7 Regulations during a civil disturbance or declared emergency period

(a) In the interest of the public health, safety and welfare, firearms dealers shall discontinue the sale of firearms and ammunition upon notification by the Superintendent or the chief of police of the municipality where the firearms dealers' business is located, that a civil disturbance or other emergency exists.

(b) Those businesses affected shall not resume the sale of firearms or ammunition until such time as the Superintendent or the chief of police of the municipality determines that the civil disturbance or other emergency no longer exists.

(c) All dealers located in the area affected by such disturbance or emergency shall be required to comply with one of the following:

1. Arrange with the chief police officer of the municipality for appropriate security of firearms and ammunition; or
2. Remove all firearms and ammunition from the business premises to a secure location.

(d) Failure of the dealer to comply with any of the above requirements may result in the revocation of the license of such dealer. HISTORY: Amended by R.2015 d.094, effective June 15, 2015.

Federal Law can apply if the state is receiving monetary and/or other assistance from the Federal Government. See US Code 42-5207 for Federal Law as it applies to States of Emergencies. The state quoted code may also not be all of the law on Emergency Powers held by the state. You should read the entire code on Emergency Powers etc for this state by following the link to the state code.

Minimum Age for Possessing and Transporting of Handguns

New Jersey: 21 Years Old

2C:58-6.1

This is the minimum age for possessing and transporting a handgun unloaded and secured in a vehicle without any type of permit/license to carry firearms. Some states (and counties) require Firearms Identification Cards, and/or registration.

In some states Possession and Transportation can be very restrictive in that you can only possess and transport a handgun to and from a Shooting Range, Gun Shop, property you own or other places you can legally possess a handgun. Some states do not have this restriction.