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.

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.

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.

State Laws for Selling a Gun in New Jersey

Minimum Age to Purchase

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.

Permit for Purchase

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. [1]

Register a Gun

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. 

Open Carry Permit

Open carry is allowed only with a PCH. However, it is generally not practiced except by security officers and others who carry firearms for work.

New Jersey code mandates that no person can carry a handgun without a permit to carry a handgun (PCH), [2] except for certain persons. [3]

Concealed Carry Permit

A concealed firearm requires 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.

How to Apply

An individual can apply for a PCH at their local police station. 

Step 1 – Fill Out Application

Complete an Application for Permit to Carry a Handgun. This form must be notarized.

Step 2 – Get Trained

Submit proof that you are competent in using a handgun and have completed firearm training in compliance with. [4]

Step 3 – Take Photos

Attach two passport-style photos to your application.

Step 4 – Submit References

Note three personal references not related to you by blood or law.

Step 5 – Consent to Health Records Search

Submit a completed Consent for Mental Health Records Search Form 

Step 6 – Get Fingerprinted

All applications must submit to fingerprinting.

Step 7 – Pay Fees

You must submit payment of application fees with your documentation.

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

Gun Reciprocity

New Jersey does not extend reciprocity in accordance with. [5] 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.

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, DC
• Wisconsin

Restrictions on Firearm Ownership

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

• No person is permitted to purchase or receive a rifle or shotgun unless they have a valid firearms purchaser identification card. [6]
• 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.
• No person is permitted to purchase or receive a handgun unless permitted to buy it. [7]
• An exception is if the purchaser is a licensed or registered retail or wholesale dealer.

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

• 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 purchases in New Jersey apply. [8]