Legal Templates

New Jersey Firearm Bill of Sale

Create a New Jersey firearm bill of sale from our attorney-drafted legal document builder so you can document your transaction details.

Updated March 28, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

Use our New Jersey Firearm Bill of Sale as legal proof of the transfer of firearm ownership.

Legal Templates guides you through writing the bill of sale to document all your transaction details.

Table of Contents

What Is a New Jersey Firearm Bill of Sale?

A New Jersey firearm bill of sale is a record that shows a transfer of firearm ownership took place.

It is important to ensure that the firearm bill of sale is complete and that all required documentation is obtained to provide a legal and complete sale.

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in New Jersey?

Every state has its laws and regulations governing the sale of firearms. New Jersey firearm laws are on the stricter end of the legislative spectrum.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in New Jersey

Unless you sell a firearm to close family members, law enforcement personnel, or a licensed gun collector, the private sale in New Jersey must involve a licensed retail dealer or a permit to purchase (NJ Rev. Stat. § 2C:58-3).

Does the Law in New Jersey Require a Firearm Bill of Sale?

A firearm bill of sale is not required in New Jersey. However, a firearm bill of sale is essential when transferring ownership.  

It serves as a legal document in case there is any dispute later over the validity of the transaction.

Firearm Inheritance Laws in New Jersey

Under New Jersey law (NJ Rev. Stat. § 2C:58-3(j)), a firearm purchase permit and/or firearms purchaser identification card is not required to pass on a firearm upon the death of an owner to their heir or legatee either by testamentary bequest or by the laws of intestacy.

NJ Rev. Stat. § 2C:58-3C to receive the firearm cannot otherwise be prohibited by the heir or legatee.

If the heir or legatee is not eligible to possess the firearm, they can retain it for up to 180 days. 

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Sale in New Jersey

In New Jersey, specific documentation and registration are required of both the seller and buyer before the sale is valid:

Firearms Purchaser Identification Card

Under NJ Admin. Code § 13:54-1.3(a), no person is permitted to purchase or receive a rifle or shotgun unless they have a valid firearms purchaser identification card.

An exception is if the buyer is a licensed or registered retail or wholesale firearms dealer.

Or, if the firearm is an antique rifle or shotgun, then a firearms purchaser identification card is not required.

Permit To Purchase

Also, under New Jersey law (NJ Admin. Code § 13:54-1.3(b)), no person is permitted to purchase or receive a handgun unless permitted to buy it.

An exception is if the purchaser is a licensed or registered retail or wholesale dealer.

Additional New Jersey Gun Laws

This section will discuss other New Jersey laws regarding firearms. 

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in New Jersey?

The following persons are prohibited from owning a firearm under New Jersey law: 

  • Age. A person must be at least 18 years old for a firearms purchaser identification card and at least  21 years old for a handgun permit.
  • Convicted of a Crime. Anyone convicted of a crime or its felony counterpart in any other state or a disorderly person’s offense in New Jersey or the equivalent in another state.
  • Mental disorder. Any person committed to a mental illness or undergoing treatment may not own a firearm in New Jersey.
  • Physical defect or disease. Any person with a physical defect or illness that would make it unsafe to operate a firearm is not permitted to have one.
  • Drug or substance abuse. Anyone with a drug, alcohol, or substance abuse problem cannot purchase a firearm in New Jersey unless they provide documentation by a medical professional or other proof that they are not suffering mentally because of the disability.
  • Public health, safety, or welfare. Gun ownership is restricted for those for whom the issuance of a gun would not be in the interest of public health, safety, or welfare because they lack the essential character of temperament to operate a firearm competently. 
  • Restraining Order. If a person is subject to or has violated a temporary or final domestic violence restraining order, they will be prohibited from possessing a firearm.
  • Juvenile Offense. Certain juvenile offenses prohibit an individual from purchasing a firearm.

Other prohibitions on firearm purchase in New Jersey are found in N.J. Rev. Stat. § 2C:58-3. 

Does New Jersey Have a Waiting Period for Gun Sales?

New Jersey law prohibits the sale of a firearm to an individual unless seven days have passed since the date that they applied for the firearm permit. 

Thus, a de facto seven-day waiting period exists to purchase a firearm.

Can You Buy a Firearm in New Jersey Without Registering It?

Actual registration of a gun in New Jersey is not required.

However, all individuals who buy a firearm in New Jersey must have been issued a permit. This serves as the register of firearms in New Jersey. 

Does a Firearm Bill of Sale Have To Be Notarized in New Jersey?

No, a New Jersey firearm bill of sale does not have to be notarized.

Concealed and Open Carry Laws in New Jersey

NJ Admin. Code § 13:54-2.2 mandates that no person can carry a handgun without a permit to carry a handgun (PCH), except for certain persons described in N.J. Rev. Stat. § 2C:39-6.

Both concealed and open carry of a firearm require a PCH.

Specific transports do not require a PCH, such as a transfer from one’s residence to a business or a transfer from one’s residence or business to repair the firearm.

But New Jersey transport laws must be followed. This law mandates the firearm must be unloaded and in a closed and locked case, in a gun box, tied package, or in the trunk of the car.

An individual can apply for a PCH at their local police station. The individual must provide the following:

The PCH is valid for two years, and then the individual must repeat the application process.

New Jersey Reciprocity

Reciprocity to carry a firearm refers to the agreement states can have with each other in which they agree to recognize the other state’s carry permits.

Many states recognize other states’ permits. Others have no reciprocity laws.

Reciprocity in New Jersey for Out-of-State Carry Permits

New Jersey does not extend reciprocity. In other words, it does not recognize the firearms permits of other states.

For example, New Jersey would not recognize a New York carry permit.

Reciprocity for New Jersey Carry Permits in Other States

On the other hand, some states do recognize New Jersey carry permits, some with restrictions. Other states do not recognize New Jersey carry permits.

States that currently recognize New Jersey carry permits:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana 
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • Virginia

States that currently recognize New Jersey carry permits with restrictions:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona 
  • Iowa
  • Kansas 
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee 
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • West Virginia
  • Wyoming

States that do not recognize New Jersey carry permits:

  • California 
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Washington
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Wisconsin

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in New Jersey

The following steps will guide writing a firearm bill of sale in New Jersey.

Step 1 – Research Your Local Firearm Laws

The first step is to research the firearm laws in your state. New Jersey firearm laws can be strict, so ensure you fully understand them. 

Step 2 – Do a Background Check

New Jersey law requires a background check for all firearm sales with licensed dealers, not private sellers.

However, all buyers of firearms must have either a firearm permit or a firearms purchaser identification card, both of which require a background check. 

Step 3 – Ask for a License or Permit

To transfer a firearm, ensure the buyer has the proper firearms purchaser identification card or a permit to purchase a gun.

Step 4 – Arrange an In-Person Exchange

It is always better to conduct firearm transfers in person to ensure that the sale is not a scam and that all licenses, permits, transfer documents, and party identities are verified.

Step 5 – Fill In the Parties Involved in the Firearm Sale

Include the following information for both the buyer and the seller:

  • Full name
  • Address (street and number, city, state, and zip code)
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Driver’s license or other state identification

Step 6 – Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale

Fill out the details of the firearm being purchased, including the following:

  • Make
  • Model
  • Manufacturer
  • Serial number

Step 7 – Note the Details of the Firearm Sale

Also, be sure to include the sale price of the firearm as well as the date of sale.

Summary

New Jersey firearm laws are strict and can be complex. Careful adherence to the laws and complete documentation is imperative.

Use our New Jersey firearm bill of sale for your transfer in the Garden State.

New Jersey Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of a New Jersey firearm bill of sale.

new jersey firearm bill of sale