State Laws · NJ
New Jersey Gun Laws
Effective as of December 22, 2022 (A4769, post-Bruen carry reform). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed Carry
New Jersey requires a Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH) for concealed carry. Following the Bruen decision, New Jersey enacted A4769 to comply while adding new restrictions. The permit is issued by the county superior court after application through local police. Applicants must demonstrate familiarity with firearms through training, pass a background check, provide character references, and be at least 21 years old. The permit is valid for two years.
Key statute: N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4 — governs permits to carry handguns.
Open Carry
Open carry is effectively prohibited in New Jersey. The carry permit authorizes concealed carry only.
Who Cannot Carry
New Jersey has some of the most restrictive eligibility criteria in the nation. Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons convicted of certain disorderly persons offenses (including domestic violence), persons confined for mental disorder, persons with substance abuse history, minors, persons subject to restraining orders, and persons who have had a firearm seized under the state's red flag law.
Prohibited Locations
New Jersey designates extensive sensitive places: government buildings, courts, schools and colleges, childcare facilities, parks and beaches, entertainment venues, restaurants and bars, hospitals and healthcare facilities, public transit, shelters, museums, libraries, casinos, airports, and any private property that does not display signage expressly permitting firearms. Many of these restrictions are subject to ongoing federal litigation.
Purchase Requirements
New Jersey requires a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC) for all long gun and ammunition purchases, and a separate Permit to Purchase a Handgun for each handgun acquisition. All sales require a background check through the state NICS system. There is no waiting period beyond the permit processing time (which can take weeks to months). New Jersey has an assault weapons ban and a magazine capacity limit of 10 rounds. All firearms must be registered.
Citations
N.J.S.A. 2C:39 (weapons); N.J.S.A. 2C:58 (licensing and registration); A4769 (2022 post-Bruen legislation).
Look up statutes at New Jersey Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →New Jersey statutes
New Jersey Legislature →This link goes to New Jersey's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.