In the fall of 2020 the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Firearms Investigative Unit (FIU) informed NJ firearms retailers that effective October 1, 2020 the state of New Jersey would no longer be generating paper “Permit to Purchase Handgun” permits in that the state would be switching over to an electronic permit (E-permit) format. Additionally, the new electronic permits would auto renew at the 90 day mark, allowing applicants to have their handgun purchase permits extended without having to return to the issuing police department and requesting an extension. Simultaneously, the application for permits to purchase handguns as well as the application for a New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Cards (FID) will be conducted on-line. This on-line, electronic format appears to have generally diminished the wait time for many applicants for either their “Permit to Purchase Handgun” permits and/or their FID cards. Once approved, the E-FID card is emailed to the applicant, negating the previously required return to the issuing police department. The new E-FID may be screenshotted on a phone, printed, saved etc. Original paper issued FID cards are still valid and do not expire.
As a reminder, all persons shall apply for a duplicate FID to replace a lost, stolen or mutilated card, or in the case of a change of residence by the holder, within 30 days of such loss, theft, mutilation, or change of residence.
For more information on obtaining your NJ Firearms Purchasers Identification (FID) card or NJ Permit to Purchase a Handgun go to www.njportal.com/njsp/fars and/or visit the New Jersey State Police website www.njsp.org/firearms/firearms-faqs.shtml
