Purchase Permits
Firearm Purchaser Identification Card
In order to purchase a rifle, shotgun or antique cannon, other than an antique rifle or shotgun, a firearms purchaser identification card (FPIC) must be obtained. Applications should be submitted to the chief of police in the municipality in which the applicant resides, or to the State Police station if the applicant’s municipality is served by the State Police.
Applicants who are denied a firearm purchaser identification card by the chief of police or the State Police are entitled to appeal the decision to the Superior Court. The applicant must file a written notice of appeal (letter) within 30 days of the denial to the Superior Court of the county in which he/she resides, or to the Superior Court of the county in which the application was denied if a non-resident. The appeal hearing should be held within 30 days of the filing. An application denied by a Superior Court judge may be appealed to the Appellate Division.
Permit to Purchase a Handgun
In order to purchase a handgun — defined as a pistol, revolver, or other firearm originally designed or manufactured to be fired by the use of a single hand — a permit is required. The application procedure is similar to the FPIC described above. The appeal process of a denial by a chief of police or the State Police is also the same as above. A permit to purchase a handgun is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, and may be renewed for an additional 90 days for good cause shown. An application denied by the Superior Court may be appealed to the Appellate Division.
NJ Gun Permit Attorney 
What’s the case law on the 30 Day statutory limit to issue a permit? I already have my FPIC but want to purchase a handgun. The application has been approx 45 days and the Chief says too bad “Statute allows me more time”. I know its not there, but there appears to be some wiggle room as to “when” the clock starts.
Any case law?
Paul
Yes, I’ll post the case as a new blog post. Look for it tonight. I have to run out of here and go to my other office to meet with a client.
I turned in my paper work to the Pemberton police department on Dec. 28 2010 after going through all of the steps. They told me it takes 6-10 weeks to get a respons. Now, is the 30 day rule real?
Depends on a number of factors really. 30 days can be tough due to a few issues, but it shouldn’t really be more than 60. However, compared to the clients that call me that have been waiting for 12 to 18 months or more, 10 weeks isn’t so bad.
I met with my town’s Firearms Unit Officer today, 1/25/11, and reviewed and completed the permit application, paid the $5.00 for the Mental Health Consent release, and $18.00 for the Name Check. As the Officer and I completed the application for submission, he discussed some recent (December 2010) applications that he had in his file, which was in front of me. These applications were dated 12/5, 12/8 and 12/14, 2010. The point, they were approved, and permits issued to purchase firearms within a total of 4-5 weeks of submission, inclusive of holiday’s.
Different towns, different priorities? Hopefully, I will experience the same 4 week turnaround.
Every town is different. For example, at almost the same time you posted this comment, someone else posted a comment (I didn’t approve it due to the personal info included) that said that the poster’s father waited over a year. People have called me recently that have been waiting for over 18 months. If this does work out for you, please let me know what town this is since I can post it for everyone else.
Dont understand NJ. I applied for a firearm purchase permit in Hoboken. The local police department sent a letter to my boss, and wanted to know if there was any reason that I should not be allowed to purchase a firearm. I just wonder what my boss has to do with my outside the job purchases. I am in shock. I am now being told my application will be probably be denied because I pled guilty to 2 misdemeanors 17 years ago in Virginia. Which after 10 years Virginia Courts do not have a record of. Currently I have to carry permits for Florida and Virginia, and legally own a handgun, I purchased when I lived in VA after the above 2 charges.
That’s NJ for you and this is just one of many cases that illustrate the point I have tried to make with this blog. In my opinion, you should be able to win on appeal if it is handled the right way.
I stated before here on 1/25/11 my town turned over apps for permits in 4-5 weeks–over the holidays! Proof….I seen the paperwork as it was shown to me by the Firearms Unit Officer. Today 1/29/11 I met him as a follow up and he informed me that he sent the reference check letters out and OOOPPSS..he neglected to put MY NAME on the letter; so he called them both as a follow up to ensure they were not confused, though they were expecting the contact from the PD anyway regarding the reference check. Both references were completed. Sometimes it just might be the town and its overall professionalism, from the Mayor on down. I’ll keep you informed on my turnaround for my 2 permits; hopefully in 4-5 weeks from now.
still waiting to hear from the local PD. today marks 4 months since i handed them my application.
better not ask for any money to the policemans ball this year. oh wait they have no balls.
Grace, not to be a ‘bud-inski’ but why not speak with Jef Henninger, proprietor of this blog. It seems that you are concerned enough about the time and maybe could use a push from a professional to move it along; just in case your stuff “was lost!”
Policeman’s ball, indeed!! 🙂
I got my FID Dec 2010 with 1 handgun permit, law requires me to wait 31 days to re-apply for the 2nd permit which I have submitted Jan 18, 2011 and I still don’t have it… I have already paid for the 2nd gun that I can’t take home with me. NJ is so frustrating…
I filed my paperwork about 5 months , and im still waiting
for a responce. some friends say if you bother them they
make you wait longer. what can i do? Toms River N. J.
If YOU bother them, then yeah, it could be an issue. As an attorney, I often get fast results. So, I guess it depends on who is making the call.
I have an application in for an FID and pistol permit. My wife an I applied with in 10 days of each other. She received her permit with in 6 weeks, I am in my 12th week. I followed up with the local PD and was told it was on the chiefs desk awaiting final verification. That was three weeks ago. At what point should I be concerned? I cant see any reason for being denied since my professional licenses require the same standards as a pistol permit. Would it be pointless to use your services?
Joe
That’s odd. I’m already concerned because there shouldn’t be such a lag time. However, I’m not sure that hiring me at this point would make much sense. Maybe you should call again since it has been 3 weeks? Of course, if it is another 3 weeks, you might want to get back in touch with me.
some times when i buy a gun they ask me why the number on my card is shorter then most why is this it has 6 dig
No idea, is it old?
F.Y.I. I have a card issued in 1973 with 6 digits as well. I recently had it replaced due to an address change and was not issued another/longer number.
Thanks Dan, that’s what I thought.
1983
Recently got mt handgun permit from Lumberton. It took just under 4 months. Love this state.
Sent from my iPhone
Nice. I haven’t had to go there yet, but maybe I’ll use that too for my clients if it comes down to it.