Frequently asked Questions
The Readington Township Police is not authorized to provide legal advice to
private parties. The following is for informational purposes only.
New Jersey firearm laws and procedures may be derived from state and federal statutes, state and federal administrative codes, New Jersey Attorney General guidelines and case law. Please note that this information and these references may not be exhaustive in addressing your issue.
The state criminal statutes sections that pertain to firearms can be found in New Jersey Title 2C, Chapter 39. Firearms, Other Dangerous Weapons and Instruments Of Crime (N.J.S. 2C:39-1 et seq.) and Chapter 58. Licensing and Other Provisions Relating to Firearms (N.J.S. 2C:58-1 et seq.).
The state administrative codes sections that pertain to firearms can be found in New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 54. Firearms and Weapons (N.J.A.C. 13:54-1 et seq.).
On August 19, 1996, the New Jersey State Attorney General issued guidelines regarding the "Substantially Identical" provision in the State's assault firearms laws, N.J.S. 2C:39-1w(2). These guidelines define, in addition to the firearms specifically enumerated as assault firearms in N.J.S. 2C:39-1w(1), those firearms which are manufactured under any designation which are also classified as assault firearms.
Because the Readington Township Police is not authorized to provide legal advice to private parties, you may wish to consult with independent legal counsel or conduct your own research.
Again, please note that this information and these references may not be exhaustive in addressing your issue. As a courtesy, the Readington Township Police has provided to you with links to the New Jersey legislature website to Chapters 39 and 58 of New Jersey Title 2C. Additionally, copies of the New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 54 , and the New Jersey State Attorney General guidelines regarding the "Substantially Identical" provision in the State's assault firearms laws are being provided to you.
1) What forms are required to apply for an Initial NJ Firearms ID card or Initial Firearms ID card and Handgun Permit(s):
Go to: https:/www.njportal.com/njsp/FARS follow instruction and complete the application, Readington Twp residents only will need to enter the following ORI # (NJ0102200) to complete the application.
All first-time applicants for a Firearms ID Card MUST be fingerprinted. The fingerprint process will be completed by Idento (MorphoTrust). The required form needed to get fingerprinted is available after completing your application Online at https:/www.njportal.com/njsp/FARS.
Once you are fingerprinted and have submitted your application online, you will be contacted by the Readington Township Police upon the completion of your application. You will need to bring payment to receive your Firearms ID card and/or permits.
You may be contacted by the Readington Township Police if there is a question or concern with your application which requires more information. Please ensure you provide the best phone number to reach you to help expedite this process.
2) What forms are required for a Duplicate NJ Firearms ID card and/or Handgun permit(s):
Go to: https:/www.njportal.com/njsp/FARS follow instruction and complete form, Readington Twp Residents only will need to enter the following ORI # (NJ0102200) to complete the form.
If you have already been issued a Firearms ID card or permit to purchase a handgun in New Jersey, you will need to enter you SBI# which is found on the front of your firearms ID card. If you do not have your SBI# you must contact the Readington Township Police or the NJ State Police Firearms unit to receive your SBI# to complete your application.
Once you have submitted your application online, you will be contacted by the Readington Township Police upon the completion of your application. You will need to bring payment to receive your Firearms ID card and/or permits.
You may be contacted by the Readington Township Police if there is a question or concern with your application which requires more information. Please ensure you provide the best phone number to reach you to help expedite this process.
3) How long does the process usually take once all forms are submitted?
Approximately 30 days
4) Is there a limit on the number of handgun permits I can apply for?
NO, If you are applying for a Handgun Purchase Permit, there is no limit on the quantity of permits you may apply for. However, you may only purchase one handgun every 30 days, unless you qualify for an exemption, under 2C:58-3. ALL TRANSFER OF FIREARMS MUST BE DONE THOUGH A FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSE HOLDER. (exceptions found in N.J.S.A 2C:58-3)
5) Is there a limit to the number of Rifles or Shotguns that I can purchase at one time?
NO, there is currently no limit to the number of rifles or shotguns you can transfer at one time but a Certificate of Eligibility needs to be complete for each transfer and ALL TRANSFER OF FIREARMS MUST BE DONE THOUGH A FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSE HOLDER. (exceptions found in N.J.S.A 2C:58-3)
6) How do you buy handguns, including bb, pellet, and black powder handguns?
A Permit to Purchase a Handgun must be completed on each handgun transferred in the State of New Jersey. Apply for a permit to purchase a handgun online. ALL TRANSFERS OF FIREARMS MUST BE DONE THOUGH A FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSE HOLDER. (exceptions found in N.J.S.A 2C:58-3)
7) How do you buy rifles and/or shotguns, including bb, pellet, and black powder rifles?
A Firearms Purchaser Identification Card, plus one additional form of photo identification, and a Certificate of Eligibility is needed to purchase rifles and/or shotguns, including bb, pellet, and black powder rifles. ALL TRANSFER OF FIREARMS MUST BE DONE THOUGH A FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSE HOLDER. (exceptions found in N.J.S.A 2C:58-3)
8) What are the fees due the police department?
The cost for an Initial ID card is $5.00 and each handgun permit is $2.00. These fees must be paid when you receive your permits/ID card. Personal check, money order or cash, only in the exact amount, is accepted. There is no fee for a duplicate ID card.
9) Will I be contacted when my ID card/permit is ready?
Yes – using the home/Cell telephone number entered on your application. You may also be contacted by the Readington Township Police if there is a question or concern with your application which requires more information. Please ensure you provide the best phone number to reach you to help expedite this process.
10) How do you transport firearms?
All firearms transported into the State of New Jersey:
- Shall be carried unloaded and contained in a closed and fastened case, gunbox, securely tied package, or locked in the trunk of the automobile in which it is being transported, and in the course of travel, shall include only such deviations as are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.
- The firearm should not be directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. 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.
For additional exemptions refer to Title 2C, Chapter 39, namely 2C:39-6g.
11) If I inherit a firearm what must I do?
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3j, a firearm purchaser identification card and/or a handgun purchase permit shall not be required for the passing of a firearm upon the death of an owner thereof to his/her heir or legatee, whether the same by testamentary bequest or by the laws of intestacy. The firearm must be legal to possess in New Jersey and the person receiving the firearm shall not be prohibited by N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3c before receiving the firearm. If the heir or legatee does not qualify to acquire and possess the firearm, then ownership may be retained for a period not to exceed 180 days provided the firearm is transferred to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality or the superintendent during such period.
12) I have moved to New Jersey from another state. May I continue to possess my firearm(s)?
Firearms which have been legally acquired in another state and are legal to possess in New Jersey may be brought to New Jersey by the owner when residency is established. The owner may VOLUNTARILY register the firearm(s) by completing a Voluntary Form of Firearms Registration, however the owner is not obligated to do so.
13) How do I apply for a permit to carry a firearm?
- If you reside in Readington Township, you must apply with the Readington Township Police Department.
- 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.
- Retired Law Enforcement Officers must apply with the New Jersey State Police Firearms Unit, regardless of where they reside.
