Step-by-step guide
New Jersey Resident Guide
The FID card, handgun purchase permits and the Permit to Carry, for New Jersey residents.
Where You Can Carry — See the Map
New Jersey residents use two different NJSP online systems: one for the Firearms ID card and handgun purchase permits, and one for the Permit to Carry. Each has its own card below.
1FID + Purchase Permit
The Firearms Purchaser ID card (FID) and Permits to Purchase a Handgun, through FARS.
- FID: $50, paid to your police department
- Purchase permit: $25 each
- Fingerprints: paid to IdentoGO at the appointment (first time only)
- Later applications: $21 background fee
2Permit to Carry
A concealed carry permit, through the NJSP Concealed Carry Permits website. You need your FID/SBI number first.
- Total: $226 ($200 + $18 background + $8 service)
- Local police: $76 online, the other $150 paid to your police department
- Valid: 2 years
Fees from the NJSP instructions (FARS, updated 7/25/2025; Concealed Carry, updated 03/03/2026). Your police department may have its own fees or rules.
Card 1: FID Card and Purchase Permits
Card 1: Firearms Purchaser ID card (FID) and Permits to Purchase a Handgun.
Step 1: The FARS System
NJ has switched over to the more convenient online application form called "FARS" (Firearms Application & Registration System). This is the new digital way to complete an application for a Firearms ID and gun permits.
Open the FARS ApplicationStep 2: Police ORI Numbers
When filling out the application, you will need your town's ORI number. Your local police department can give it to you, and NJSP lists them on its station and ORI page.
Service Code: 2F164B
Step 3: The Purpose
When filling out your initial FID/pistol permit request, select the boxes for:
Initial Firearms Purchaser Identification Card. When you select it, a PowerPoint presentation will appear below. This is the State's "mandatory" firearms training. All you have to do is click through the slideshow. There is no quiz or test on the material.
Permit to Purchase a Handgun
If you are looking to change your address, sex, name, or apply for a duplicate/lost FID card, please click the appropriate box:
Change of Address on Identification Card
Change of Sex on Identification Card
Change of Name on Identification Card
Electronic Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (for duplicate or lost Identification Card)
Have You Been Fingerprinted? If this is your initial application for an FID card, you will have to be fingerprinted through IdentoGO. If you have not already been fingerprinted, select "No". Scheduling with IdentoGO is covered below. If you are re-applying for pistol purchase permits, you will be asked for your FID number.
Are you a police officer for a Federal, State, or Local Law Enforcement Agency? Answer appropriately.
Number of Permits? You are not limited to a single purchase permit. However, you may not be able to use each permit within the one hundred and eighty (180) day period that each permit is valid for (90 days, then one automatic 90-day renewal; no extensions). The purchase of one handgun per permit is limited to one handgun every thirty (30) calendar days as per N.J.S. 2C:58-3i. If you wish to purchase more than one handgun within a thirty (30) day period you must apply for a Multiple Handgun Purchase Exemption as per N.J.S. 2C:58-3.4.
It is recommended to apply for no more than 3 permits at a single time. Every time you want to purchase a pistol, you will have to go through this entire process (minus the fingerprinting).
Do you wish to apply for a multiple handgun purchase exemption? Generally, you will select "No" for this section unless you fall into one of the special exceptions outlined on the FARS page.
Step 4: Personal Information and Photo
Fill out appropriately. You are now required to upload a square photo of yourself, which will be displayed on your FID card. You can use your phone to take this photo. Make sure to set your camera ratio to "square" or 1:1.
A recent, clear color photo of your face, taken within the last 6 months
Civilian clothes, light background, no hat or glasses
Cropped to a square headshot. A "selfie" is fine if no one else is in it
Do not use the photo from your driver's license or passport
A photo that does not meet the rules can get the application cancelled, with no refund
Steps 5 to 7: Identification, Contact and Background Information
Fill out appropriately.
Step 8: References
You will need the names and contact information of 2 non-family references. These references will receive an email survey on your behalf. Your application will not process until these references fill out their survey. Make sure their email addresses/names/contact information are correct before submitting.
Step 9: Review, Payment and Submit
Pay at the end of the application. The $50 FID fee is paid to the police department you applied to.
Fingerprints (First FID Application Only)
If this is your initial application for an FID card and purchase permits, you will need to be fingerprinted. Fingerprints are processed through IdentoGO, and you pay IdentoGO at the appointment. NJSP gives you 90 days to get fingerprinted, or the application is cancelled.
Schedule With IdentoGOA photo ID, such as your driver's license, State ID card or passport
To change an existing appointment, NJSP says to call IdentoGO at 1-877-503-5981 (it cannot be done on the website).
Card 2: Permit to Carry
Card 2: Permit to Carry. Do this only once you have your FID card (you need its SBI number).
Your SBI number (on your NJ Firearms Purchaser ID card)
The Certification form signed by your instructor, and a copy of his Instructor Certificate stating your qualifications and that you passed your proficiency with firearms. SP-182 Certification form (PDF)
Additional Handguns form if you wish to carry more than one (optional). You will need to send proof of ownership of each firearm. SP-182a Additional Handguns form (PDF)
Consent for Mental Health Records release form for the state of New Jersey. The "witness" line can be signed by anyone: no police and no notary needed (NJSP instructions). SP-066 Mental Health form (PDF)
The Make, Model, Serial # and Caliber of each firearm you intend to carry
4 references who are not related to you by blood or law, and whom you have known for at least 3 years
A recent photo (same photo rules as above)
The Application
Open the online application (button below). Do this only once you have completed ALL the steps from above.
Upload A Photograph: a recent color photograph of you in civilian attire, without a hat or glasses, on a light background, cropped square. Open the camera app on your cellphone and switch the settings to a 1:1 ratio.
Training: A PowerPoint presentation will appear. This is the State's "mandatory" firearms training. All you have to do is click through the slideshow. There is no quiz or test on the material.
SBI Number: In this box type your FID/SBI number.
Personal Information, Identification Information: Fill out all fields appropriately.
Handgun Information: You will need the Make, Model, Serial #, Caliber type for each firearm you intend to carry.
References: You will need the names and contact information of 4 references. References can NOT be related to you by blood or law. These references will receive an email survey on your behalf. Your application will not process until these references fill out their survey. Make sure their email addresses/names/contact information are correct before submitting. AND contact them to be on the lookout for an email from the NJ portal's no-reply address (if they didn't receive it, have them check their spam/junk folder).
Review the application: if everything looks OK, proceed to the payments page. Applying to your local police: $76 is paid online and the remaining $150 is paid to your police department.
Then hit SUBMIT.
To check the status of your application (only works once approved): NJSP concealed carry application portal
Once Approved
The New Jersey State Police will email you your approval along with a secured PDF of your license. You will not receive a physical card.
If you would like to have your license (whether it's the FID or PTC) printed on a sleek metal card instead of printing and laminating it yourself, I highly recommend a service offered by a close friend of mine. He's a fellow Hatzolah member and a dedicated 2A supporter. Simply send him your PDF file, and within a few days, you'll receive the impressive metal card(s) in the mail.
Fill out a short form and payment information and send the PDF file you received from the NJSP - NOT AN IMAGE OF IT - I highly recommend this.
Open the Metal Card Order Form
Official Sources
New to the terms? See the 2A Glossary.
You Carry the Responsibility. We Carry the Process.
The decision to carry is yours. The stress of getting approved doesn't have to be. White Glove is a full service: we handle the process with you, make sure every requirement is met 100%, and stay with you to the finish line. Every completed application we've handled has been approved.
- Full service - we take the stress of doing it all
- Every requirement checked and met, 100%
- We Prepare and Submit All Your Paperwork
- Notary services available*
- Your 18-hour training scheduled
- We Prep You for the Fingerprinting and Interview Appointment
- Guided step by step - and We Assist You Once You're Approved
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