First Steps for New NJ Gun Owner
Updated 4/24/24
Key Terms:
Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC)- also known as FID or colloquially as gun or firearm license. To purchase any gun in NJ you need a FID. Application is done through NJFARS portal and issued by local pd. Required to purchase handgun ammunition. Can buy as many long guns as you want with FPIC
Permit to Purchase a Handgun- NJ limits handgun purchases to 1 every 30 days. In addition to FID, you need a valid permit to purchase a handgun. Application is done through NJFARS portal and issued by local pd. Valid for 6 months and can only use 1 every 30 days
NICS- name of the background check conducted when buying any gun
ORI- identifying number for local police department. Needed for NJFARS Portal
2A- 2nd Amendment
FFL- Federal Firearms License. Authorized to conduct transfers of firearms. All sales in NJ are through FFL
NOTE: Marijuana is still ILLEGAL at the Federal level. Using marijuana and/or having a medical marijuana card is a disqualifier for firearms even though it is legal under state law. If you own or plan to own firearms do not use Marijuana. A lot of dispensaries require you to scan your ID which goes into a database that can be used against you.
Note: If you plan on moving in between the time you apply for a permit and purchase a handgun, you might want to wait to submit for FID. You will have to do a change of address and get a new FID on NJFARS after you move within 30 days of moving.
FID Process
Must not be a prohibited person for firearms under federal and NJ law
Get a passport photo. Need a digital copy to upload to NJFARS.
Get local PD ORI. Can be found by searching pd name and firearms. Usually listed on their website in the firearms section. Another source for ORI numbers New Jersey ORI Numbers - Best Gun Range NYC and NJ Area
Get contact info for 2 references. Name, address, phone number, email, years known. Must be non-family and known for at least 3 years.
Go to NJFARS Portal https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/FARS
Follow Portal instructions. For initial applications select Initial FID and/or Permit to Purchase a Handgun. For Permit to Purchase a Handgun apply for as many handguns you wish to buy in 6 months. Max of 6
Go through states mandated firearm training slideshow.
Fill out the rest of the information.
Complete the application. Check all info twice.
Save the confirmation number after submitting.
Schedule fingerprinting. https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/2F164B . Take State issued ID when you go to appointment
Call PD or inquire about how to pay the fee for license and pistol permits. Some departments require in person payment. Others have online payment portals.
Follow up with PD about 3-4 weeks after completed application (submitted and fingerprinted).
You will receive an approval email with a link to download your E-FID and approval of Permit to Purchase a Handgun. The purchase permits are electronic now and can be accessed by FFL.
Purchasing a Gun
Long guns (Rifle/shotgun)
Need FID
Go to gun shop and find gun you want/order online and ship to FFL
Fill out Form 4473 and do NICS check
When NICS is approved then go pick up your gun.
You will also complete Certificate of Eligibility
No legal limit on amount of long guns purchased
Handgun
Need FID and Permit to Purchase Handgun
Go to gun shop and find gun you want/order online and ship to FFL
Fill out Form 4473 and do NICS check
When NICS is approved then go pick up your gun.
Only 1 every 30 days
Permit to Carry
https://gunforhire.com/nj-ccw-permit/
Qualification
Most ranges offer qualifications
Recommended- Gun for Hire, ROC Training
Fingerprinting
Done through Identogo
Service code: 2F164B
Case # provide by PD
Some PD will not provide Case #. In this case use their ORI
Next Steps
Training
Take NRA Basic Pistol,Rifle or Shotgun
Can be taken while waiting on a gun license. Doesn’t require you to own a gun
Good basics course on firearms safety and handling
Prerequisite for next levels of training such as holster draw classes and Carbine 101,201 classes
NRA Basic Pistol can be used to apply for Florida non-resident carry permit
Recommended trainers: Gun For Hire, ROC Training
Research NJ Gun Laws
Watch Youtube videos on Firearms safety and manipulation
I have attached a link to my playlist for new gun owners. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLexGY80iSNBHdkqr1Q6o5lTCn57ATD8p_
After clearing and double and triple checking the gun is clear then you work on manipulations on the weapon at home
Recommended Channels
Sikh Armory
Warrior Poet Society
USCCA
Honest Outlaw
Prep Medic
Tactical considerations
TFB TV
Tactical Hyve
Gun For Hire
Many other good channels out there
Basic Manipulations to Know
Pistol
Basic grip and trigger discipline
How to unload and make safe
How to load
Racking the slide
Mag release
Locking Slide to the rear
Rifle
Basic grip and trigger discipline
How to unload and make safe
How to load
Charging the gun. Using the charging handle
Mag Release
Lock bolt to the rear
Shotgun
Basic grip and trigger discipline
How to unload and make safe
How to load
Manipulating the pump for a pump action
How to charge on a semi auto
How to open the action on a break action
Non-lethal Training
Train in non-lethal defense methods
Atienza Kali Pen/Knife
Pepper Spray/Mace
Stun Gun
Medical
Take stop the bleed classes
Need to know how to do basic trauma treatment such as tourniquet or direct pressure
Has real world application beyond the EDC/CCW world.
People cut themselves,get in car accidents, etc. all the time.
A laceration of a major artery can lead to death by bleeding out in 3-4 mins. 30 seconds - 1 min you start to pass out and lose control of motor function
Hemorrhaging requires quick and effective action
Build out or buy trauma/IFAK kits and stage in vehicles, home, etc.
Training in medical could save yours or someone else life
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLexGY80iSNBEWMXADRtIc92qKPV1AcuQt
Home Defense Plan
Need to develop a plan for defending the home against intruders
Fortify the home
Use a combination of tools to get early detection and deterrence
Cameras, lights, alarms, habits
Build good home defense habits
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLexGY80iSNBEPLWaF26oT5DA1iGfrq0Dm
Legal
US Lawshield
Absolute must for NJ gun owners
Prepaid legal defense fund and only one available in NJ
Discharging your weapon can lead to civil or criminal trials
If you discharge your weapon there is a chance you will be charged
Trials and lawyers are expensive
US Lawshield is a legal defense fund that is a monthly subscription
Elements of Self Defense
What to do when you use your weapon in self defense
Call 911
911 in the US starts recording the second you dial
911 calls are admissible in court and will be used against you in court
911 operators are trained to keep you talking. Don’t talk.
Say there has been a shooting, provide address, then hang up
Police Arrive
Ask to be taken to the hospital
Self defense scenarios cause adrenaline dumps
Elevated heart rate can lead to heart attack
Get checked out medically
Don’t Talk to police
Ask for a lawyer and shut up
Police are not your friends in this scenario
What you say to them can get you jammed up
Asking for a lawyer and asserting the right to silence invokes constitutional protections of rights of the accused.
Police are agents of the state conducting an investigation against you
You have no obligation to help in an investigation against yourself
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLexGY80iSNBEhFhwcpO9TSIubj2whJEZT
Memberships/Organizations
US Lawshield
See above
NRA
Premier national gun rights and training organization
Required for some range memberships
ANJRPC
Premier state gun rights organization
Leader in 2A legislation/litigation
On retainer lawyers to answer question
Sends out alert emails and updates on laws
Other 2A advocacy Groups
Podcasts
Gun For Hire Radio
Gun Lawyer by Evan Nappen
Bearing Arms Cam&Co
The Dirty Civilian Podcast