Application for Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and/or Handgun Purchase Permit


Service Information

The Firearms Application is prescribed by the Superintendent for use by applicants for Firearms Purchaser I.D. Cards & Handgun Purchase Permits.

The online Firearms Application should be used only after consultation with your local Police Department or the State Police Barracks responsible for processing your firearm application. You must first obtain an Originating Agency Identifier (ORI) Number from the licensing department to complete this form. Please ensure that the agency ORI number is correct on the form. If an incorrect ORI number is entered on the form, you will NOT receive a firearms ID card or a permit to purchase. You will then have to re-apply using the correct ORI number and pay for the process again. A refund can not be issued.

If you have never been fingerprinted before for firearms purposes, you will need to go for fingerprinting. Follow the instructions/link in your confirmation email to schedule your fingerprint appointment. However, if you have been fingerprinted before for firearm purposes, upon completion of this form and payment, you will have completed both Firearms Application and 212A requirements.

All Firearms Purchaser Identification Cards and Permits to Purchase Handguns are now electronic. You will receive access to your Firearms Purchaser Identification card in your approval email. You will receive confirmation of your E-Permits in your approval email and you should provide that email to a NJ retail firearms dealer who will have access to execute your E-Permit.

In order to obtain an initial Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and permit to purchase a handgun the applicant shall review the approved course of instruction in the lawful and safe handling and storage of firearms. This course of instruction is provided through the online application process for all initial applicants.

All initial Firearms Purchaser Identification Cards submitted for after 10/25/2022 shall display a color photograph and shall expire during the tenth calendar year following its date of issuance. Any subsequent approved application shall renew the Firearms Purchaser Identification Card for an additional ten years.

All initial applicants shall be required upload a clear headshot photograph similar to a passport style photo. This photo will appear on your Electronic Firearms Purchaser Identification Card.

The ONLY reason you may have to appear at your Issuing Police Department is to pay a fee or complete some specific request made by a background investigator.

Please verify the ORI with the Police Department or State Agency before submitting the form.

Firearms Application is used for any of the following reasons:

  • Initial Firearms Purchaser Identification Card
  • Application to purchase a handgun
  • Change of Name on Identification Card
  • Change of Address on Identification Card
  • Change of Sex on Identification Card
  • Electronic Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (for duplicate or lost Identification Card or for Renewal)

The local licensing authority depends on your area of residence. You must contact your local Police Department or the State Agency in which you are requesting licensing.

Please verify the ORI with the Police Department or State Agency before submitting the form.