How to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in New Jersey

At a glance

New Jersey's permit is officially called the Permit to Carry a Handgun (PTC), governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4 as amended by P.L. 2022, c.131. Most people search for "concealed carry permit" — that's the same thing. This guide uses both terms so it's findable either way.

Step 1: Confirm you're eligible

To qualify for a PTC, you generally need to:

• Be 21 or older (limited exceptions apply)
• Have no statutory disqualifier under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3c — this covers things like certain criminal history, specific mental health adjudications, active restraining orders, and substance use disorder
• Be able to demonstrate "thorough familiarity" with the safe handling and use of a handgun — this is what the CCARE qualification in Step 3 satisfies

Step 2: Line up two references

You'll need two reputable references — people who can vouch for you, each with their full name, address, phone number, and email. Line these up early; tracking down contact details later is a common source of delay.

Step 3: Complete your CCARE qualification

The state's training standard is the CCARE protocol — the Civilian Carry Assessment and Range Evaluation. It has two parts:

Classroom. New Jersey use-of-force instruction, followed by a written or oral test on NJ use-of-force law, administered by a certified instructor.

Live-fire qualification. 50 rounds on an FBI "Q" target, fired from 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 yards. You need an 80% passing score — 40 of 50 hits — and you'll need to demonstrate a safe draw from the holster, a reload, and re-holstering. If you plan to carry more than one handgun, you'll need a qualifying score for each one.

Commercial CCARE classes commonly run 2–3 hours for the qualification itself, though some instructors bundle it into a longer 8–26 hour package covering more ground. Find a certified instructor near you once you're ready for this step.

Step 4: Apply through the NJSP Permit to Carry Portal

Since August 2023, PTC applications are submitted electronically through the NJSP Permit to Carry Portal — not the FARS system used for Firearms ID Cards and purchase permits. If you live in New Jersey, you apply to the police department covering your residence. If you don't have a local PD — including most non-residents — you apply directly to NJSP.

Step 5: Fingerprinting and the background check

Your application triggers a fingerprint-based background investigation, typically completed through IdentoGO. This runs in parallel with the rest of your local PD or NJSP review.

What it costs

That $200 is paid as two separate online transactions — one to your local PD, one through the NJ portal — which is one of the more common points of confusion in the process. On top of the state fees, budget for fingerprinting, your instructor's course fee, and range/ammunition costs.

How long it takes

There's no single official timeline, but most applicants report 4–10 weeks from starting references and training through a final decision. The background investigation and your local PD's schedule are usually the long poles.

Renewing your permit

Permits are valid for two years. You can file to renew up to four months before expiration — NJSP recommends starting 3–4 months out. Renewal costs the same $200 and requires updated training documentation, references, and a fresh background investigation.

Your CCARE qualification carries over for two consecutive permits — your original and one renewal — as long as there's no lapse. You'll need to requalify at your second renewal.

Sensitive places — what's still being decided