New Jersey Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Everything you need to know about owning a firearm in the state of New Jersey

New Jersey Reciprocity Map

Last Updated on March 12, 2024

New Jersey Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview

8.9M

STATE POPULATION

LICENSES ISSUED

0.01%

LICENSE PERCENTAGE

STATES HONORED

MINIMUM AGE FOR NJ CCW

YEARS LICENSE VALID

RECIPROCATING STATES

CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY

CC CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Becoming a responsible firearm owner takes understanding the gun rights and state laws that apply to you as a New Jersey resident. The state is home to 8.9 million people, but only around 1,000 are licensed to concealed carry. This equates to roughly 0.01% of the population.

New Jersey concealed carry licenses are valid for a year, and individuals must be 21 years or older to qualify. How your gun rights translate across state lines is known as reciprocity, and it’s an important aspect of New Jersey concealed carry. The state’s license is honored by NJ CCW reciprocity agreements with 26 others; however, New Jersey does not honor licenses or permits from any other state.

You need a firearms education partner you can trust if you’re interested in obtaining your New Jersey concealed carry license. Concealed Coalition has trained over a million U.S. citizens on how to carry their weapons safely and effectively. Contact us to find online or local training to get your license.

Summary of New Jersey Gun Laws

Your New Jersey Gun Rights

New Jersey is now a shall-issue state with concealed weapons permits issued at the local level by municipal police departments or NJ State Police. Applicants must first obtain the approval of their local police chief, then must present his or her application to a superior court judge.

Buying a firearm from a licensed dealer requires a criminal background check and a Firearms Purchaser Identification card; the latter is also necessary to buy ammo. The same card and background check by a licensed dealer are required if purchasing a firearm from a private individual.

Gun rights can differ by location, both nationally and sometimes even within your state. This is why having a working understanding of your home rules really matters. The following information is subject to change, so New Jersey residents should always contact the New Jersey state police or their municipal police department for the latest information on gun laws.

Open Carry in New Jersey

Open carry is not allowed in New Jersey per “One permit shall be sufficient for all handguns owned by the holder thereof, but the permit shall apply only to a handgun carried by the actual and legal holder of the permit and, except as otherwise provided in subsection b. of section 6 of P.L.2022, c.131 (C.2C:58-4.5), shall not be construed to authorize a holder to carry a handgun openly, provided that a brief, incidental exposure of a handgun while transferring it to or from a holster or due to the shifting of the person’s body position or clothing shall be deemed a de minimis infraction within the contemplation of N.J.S.2C:2-11.”N.J. Stat. § 2C:58-4

Concealed Carry in New Jersey

Concealed carry in NJ is only legal with a PCH and following the completion of a state-approved firearms course.

Self Defense Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey doesn’t require firearms owners to retreat if in danger or under attack. It also observes the Castle Doctrine.

Use of Force

This is permitted provided the user believes it’s necessary to protect themselves from someone using equal force against them. It may also be used to defend a third party who would be justified in using that force to protect themselves. It’s further permitted in defense of personal property, premises, and dwellings (or those of a third party).

Use of Deadly Force

This is permitted when the user reasonably believes it’s necessary to protect themselves or a third party from great bodily harm or death. It may also be used to prevent arson, property destruction, criminal theft, burglary, or robbery.

Deadly force is also allowed against an intruder in your dwelling when under the reasonable belief that it was necessary for protection. It’s always better from a legal standpoint to have asked the intruder to disarm or leave before choosing to use deadly force.

Protecting Yourself After Use of Force

Read the state’s use of force laws to understand all legal expectations and exceptions before considering any defensive action. This will help legally protect you in the event you had to act forcefully.

The New Jersey state police firearms information page is another good resource to consult for the latest concealed carry information. Firearms training is a reliable way to gain legal awareness and situational judgment.

Concealed Coalition has trained over a million people to become responsible, certified gun owners. Classes are available locally and online.

New Jersey Gun Laws by Statute

Concealed Coalition is dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding gun ownership and promoting a culture of understanding, responsibility, and confidence. Our certified instructors are qualified across multiple states, and our online or local training classes provide convenient learning environments run by instructors who care.

Quick Links

CONCEALED CARRY BASICS IN NEW JERSEY

QUESTION

ANSWER

Does New Jersey recognize constitutional carry?

No.

Is open carry permitted in New Jersey?

Open carry is not allowed in new jersey per “One permit shall be sufficient for all handguns owned by the holder thereof, but the permit shall apply only to a handgun carried by the actual and legal holder of the permit and, except as otherwise provided in subsection b. of section 6 of P.L.2022, c.131 (C.2C:58-4.5), shall not be construed to authorize a holder to carry a handgun openly, provided that a brief, incidental exposure of a handgun while transferring it to or from a holster or due to the shifting of the person’s body position or clothing shall be deemed a de minimis infraction within the contemplation of N.J.S.2C:2-11.” N.J. Stat. § 2C:58-4

If New Jersey requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?

New Jersey is a shall-issue state.

What is the minimum age in New Jersey to get a concealed carry license?

Per NJ concealed carry laws, the minimum age to concealed carry in New Jersey is 21 years old.

Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in New Jersey with a concealed carry license (or under permit-less carry if applicable)?

No.

Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in New Jersey?

Yes, when 18 or older. These are not permitted on the grounds of educational establishments without permission from the governing body.

Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in New Jersey?

Yes, when 18 or older and with content restrictions.

Does New Jersey have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

No more than 10 rounds unless you’re a law enforcement officer.

Does New Jersey have ammunition restrictions?

A Firearms Purchaser ID card is necessary to buy ammo, and no one under 21 may buy or possess ammo. Armor-piercing and hollow-point rounds are prohibited, with certain exceptions for sports shooting.

CONCEALED CARRY LOCATIONS IN NEW JERSEY

QUESTION

ANSWER

Where can't I carry a concealed firearm in New Jersey?

NJ concealed carry restrictions prohibit CC in or on:

Any location prohibited by state regulation or law, or by federal law
Casinos
A vehicle without a firearms permit
Cruises to the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island
State parks
Educational institutions
National or state forests and wildlife management areas
Private property against the wishes of the owner

Firearms owners should never consider any list of restricted locations exhaustive. Call ahead to ask about the firearms policy of any intended destination.

Where can I carry a concealed firearm in New Jersey?

New Jersey concealed carry is permitted in:

Bars and restaurants (with permission)
Places of worship (with permission)
In a vehicle while in possession of a firearms license/permit
At your place of business
At roadside rest areas
In your residence or on land you own

It’s important, as with prohibited locations, not to presume permission. Call ahead to make sure.

Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in New Jersey?

Yes, NJ conceal carry rules allow you to carry in a vehicle with a valid New Jersey concealed carry license.

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in New Jersey?

Yes, with a license.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forest and Wildlife Management Areas in New Jersey?

No, according to NJ Admin. Code § 7:2-2.17(b)

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in New Jersey?

Private owners of these establishments may allow or prohibit concealed carry. Be sure to respect their rules.

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in New Jersey?

Hotels are private businesses and can set their own rules. Concealed carry licensees should always check with the hotel to clarify their position in advance.

Does New Jersey have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

This is not defined under New Jersey concealed carry laws, making it essential to consult with your employer before attempting to do so.

IMPORTANT GUNS LAWS IN NEW JERSEY

QUESTION

ANSWER

Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in New Jersey?

There is no duty to inform an officer.

Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in New Jersey? If, yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If, no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

No.

Does New Jersey have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Yes.

Does New Jersey have a red flag law?

Yes.

Does New Jersey state law define brandishing?

No, but it defines menacing and reckless behavior.

Does New Jersey have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?

This is not explicitly addressed.

Does New Jersey issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?

Yes.

Does New Jersey allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

No.

HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION IN NEW JERSEY

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in New Jersey?

Yes.

Are background checks required for private gun sales in New Jersey?

Yes. A permit to purchase a handgun and a background check conducted through a federally licensed firearms dealer are required to buy a handgun.

Does my current New Jersey concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase firearm?

No.

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in New Jersey?

Yes, a minimum of seven days.

Do handguns need to be registered in New Jersey?

All firearms purchases are automatically registered with the New Jersey State Police Firearms Investigation Unit.

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in New Jersey?

21 years old.

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home in New Jersey without a license?

Yes.

Acquiring a Concealed Carry License in New Jersey

Quick Links

NEW JERSEY CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION

Concealed Carry Requirements to Register for a License in New Jersey

An applicant must:

Be at least 21 years old
Be a person of good character
Have demonstrated he or she is familiar with the safe handling and use of handguns
Not be subject to any of the disabilities set forth under state law to obtain a permit to purchase a handgun or a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card
Have demonstrated a justifiable need to carry a handgun
Have references from 3 persons who have known applicant for a minimum of 3 years

Fees:

Initial Permit and Renewals $50

Valid For:

2 years.

Processing Time:

60 days.

Applications:

Link to CCW Application.

Non-Resident Concealed Carry License:

Out-of-state residents must apply to the New Jersey State Police station nearest to their geographic location using the same process as residents.

Name & Address Changes:

Contact your local municipal police department or closest NJ State Police Office for their process.

Lost or Stolen Licenses:

Contact your local municipal police department or closest NJ State Police Office for their process.

Residency Changes:

If a person with a New Jersey concealed weapons permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires provided you submit the above referenced Name/Address change form.

NEW JERSEY CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

Step One:

Complete a firearm training course if required.

Step Two:

Download and complete the CCW Application.

Step Three:

Obtain three references (must have known the applicant for a minimum of 3 years).

Step Four:

Complete the application form in triplicate and have all three notarized.

Step Five:

Have 4 passport-style photographs taken.

Step Six:

Take the notarized applications to your local state police station along with the following:

Four color passport-sized photographs
Completed Consent For Mental Health Search form
A written justifiable reason for the issuance of a permit to carry a handgun
Firearms training certificate.

Pay the fee.
Your fingerprints will be taken.

Step Seven:

You will be notified within 60 days if your application has been approved or denied.

Step Eight:

If the application has been approved by the chief police officer or the superintendent, you must present it to the Superior Court of your county, (or to the Superior Court in any county where you intend to carry a handgun, in the case of a nonresident or employee of an armored car company). The court shall issue the permit to the applicant if, but only if, it is satisfied that the applicant is a person of good character who is not subject to any of the disabilities set forth in section 2C:58-3c.

Pay the fee.

NEW JERSEY CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS

Overview:

The process is the same as the initial application in that the applicant must again convince the superintendent they have a pressing and legitimate need for a firearm. They must also retake and pass a qualifying firearms competency course. You can download the renewal application to get started.

Step One:

It’s necessary to obtain three notarized copies of this document and submit it with three references. Referees must have known the applicant for at least three years. The following are also necessary:

A completed Consent for Mental Health Records Search form
Four color passport-quality photos
Your firearms training certificate
Written reason why the applicant feels a firearm is necessary

Step Two:

Fingerprints will also be taken, and a fee charged. A secondary fee will be charged if the application is then approved in state Superior Court.

Concealed Carry for Law Enforcement Officers and Retired LEOs

The federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) allows active and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs and RLEOs) to concealed carry anywhere in the U.S. with some restrictions. New Jersey RLEO’s are not allowed to carry hollow-point bullets, for example. New Jersey has its own Retired Law Enforcement Officer Program (RPO) with several approved shooting ranges.

The state superintendent supervises a twice-annual firearms qualification test, which RLEOs must pass satisfactorily for the firearm they wish to carry. The test requirements are available on the state site. RLEOs can apply here for their initial application and here for their renewals.

Firearms Training & Competency

The certified instructors at Concealed Coalition will teach you the applicable laws for your state and how to carry and fire a firearm safely. Training is available across the U.S. and online, so contact us to sign up or ask any questions.

It’s necessary to complete a state-approved firearms training program for New Jersey concealed carry. There are many ways to gain these firearm skills via:

NRA Training

The NRA offers training at a wide range of locations. Use the local training locator to find specific lessons.

Hunter Safety Courses

New Jersey’s Division of Fish and Wildlife offers online hunter education courses that cover firearms safety and proficiency and require passing a 100-question quiz and a live-fire test.

Firearms Safety Courses From Other Providers

Public and private institutions, individuals, colleges, or law enforcement agencies often provide firearms training. Contact your local law enforcement agency for guidance if you’re unsure about any of these courses providing legitimate firearms training.

A Firearms Training Course With a State-Certified Instructor

Concealed Coalition offers firearm training to help you gain a concealed carry license. Our highly trained instructors provide actionable lessons based on their extensive practical experience to ensure you gain tested and reliable skills.

DD Form 214 or Military Orders for Active or Former Military Members

The military issues document DD 214 when discharging a service member from active duty or when one has completed at least 90 consecutive days of active-duty training. There’s nothing in New Jersey firearms application procedure classifying a DD 214 as proof of firearms competency; however, it does qualify disabled veterans for a free license to hunt and fish.

Get Certified for a New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Today

Our network of firearms professionals are holding training classes and in-person certification courses throughout New Jersey. Use our certification locator to enroll in an upcoming firearms training course near you today, or visit our New Jersey concealed carry permitting resource for online certification.

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Did we miss something?

If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved promptly. Your feedback matters to us, and we greatly appreciate you helping us make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners! The information contained on this website is provided by Concealed Coalition as a service to its members and the public. The information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our goal is to provide thorough, up-to-date information regarding concealed carry laws, reciprocity, and requirements. We make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. At the time of publishing the information contained in this page was correct and up-to-date. However, laws are constantly changing, and as a result, nothing contained on this website should be considered legal advice. Please consult a lawyer should you require legal advice regarding concealed carry and gun laws in your state. Did you know our membership includes a pre-paid legal protection plan? Sign up today and gain access to 24/7 coverage from a team of legal experts.

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