New Jersey Gun Laws
2026 Compliance Guide
New Jersey has one of the most comprehensive firearm regulatory schemes in the country: a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC) is required for long guns, a separate Permit to Purchase is required for each handgun, magazines are limited to 10 rounds, suppressors and short-barreled rifles are prohibited for civilians, and the assault firearms list bans both named models and feature-test configurations.
📅 Last updatedNew Jersey Firearm Laws at a Glance
The table below summarizes New Jersey's key firearm regulations for 2026. Each item links to the relevant statute in the section below.
| Assault Weapons Ban | YES — restricted |
| Magazine Capacity Limit | 10 rounds |
| Suppressors (NFA) | Prohibited for civilians |
| Short-Barreled Rifles (SBR) | Prohibited for civilians |
| Permit Required to Purchase | Yes |
| Background Check on Private Sales | Required |
| Ghost Guns / Unserialized | Prohibited |
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Run a Free NJ Compliance Check →Assault Weapons Ban in New Jersey
New Jersey's assault firearms law (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1w, 2C:39-5f) prohibits firearms named on the state list and any 'substantially identical' firearms. Feature-test enforcement applies to semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns. The compliance checker applies the full statutory analysis for your specific firearm.
Practical impact: Standard AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles sold in most states are typically prohibited in New Jersey. Compliant configurations exist (featureless builds, fixed-magazine variants) but selection is limited. If you are buying a semi-automatic centerfire rifle, run it through the compliance checker before purchase.
Magazine Capacity Limits in New Jersey
New Jersey limits magazines to 10 rounds (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3j). The reduction from 15 to 10 rounds occurred in 2018. Pre-existing magazines exceeding 10 rounds had to be modified, registered, sold out of state, or surrendered.
NFA Items: Suppressors, SBRs, and Machine Guns
Suppressors
Suppressors (silencers) are prohibited for civilian ownership in this state regardless of federal NFA approval. A federal tax stamp does not authorize possession in states where the item is prohibited by state law.
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
Short-barreled rifles are prohibited for civilian ownership in this state regardless of federal NFA approval.
Machine Guns and Other NFA Items
Pre-1986 transferable machine guns are restricted under the federal Firearm Owners Protection Act and require ATF Form 4 approval. New Jersey separately prohibits civilian machine gun ownership.
Permits and Licensing Requirements
New Jersey requires a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FPIC) for the purchase or possession of long guns and ammunition. A separate Permit to Purchase is required for each handgun purchase. Both require fingerprinting, mental health record disclosure, and a background check through the New Jersey State Police.
Carry Laws
Shall-issue concealed carry as of 2022 (post-Bruen). Permit requires training, fingerprinting, and a background check. 'Sensitive places' restrictions apply.
Private Sales and Background Checks
All firearm transfers in New Jersey must be processed through a licensed FFL with a NICS background check. Private sales without an FFL are prohibited.
Ghost Guns and Unserialized Firearms
New Jersey prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, or possession of unserialized firearms and 'covert' or 'undetectable' firearms (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9k). Firearms manufactured for personal use must be serialized through the state.
Federally, ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F (effective August 24, 2022) reclassified most unfinished receiver kits as firearms requiring serialization and FFL transfer. State law in New Jersey adds additional requirements on top of the federal rule.
Key New Jersey Firearm Statutes
The following statutes form the legal basis for New Jersey's firearm regulations. Citations are kept current with the official state code.
- N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1w — Assault firearm definition
- N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3j — Large-capacity magazine prohibition
- N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3 — FPIC and Permit to Purchase requirements
- N.J.S.A. 2C:39-9k — Untraceable firearm prohibition
- N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4 — Permit to Carry
Frequently Asked Questions: New Jersey Gun Laws
How long does it take to get an FPIC in New Jersey?
FPIC and Permit to Purchase processing varies by municipality but typically takes 30 days to 6 months. State law requires processing within 30 days, but local police departments frequently exceed this. Applications go through your local police chief or, in unincorporated areas, the New Jersey State Police.
Are AR-15 rifles legal in New Jersey?
Standard AR-15 rifles are prohibited under the New Jersey assault firearms law. The Colt AR-15 specifically is named on the prohibited list. New Jersey-compliant configurations (no flash hider, fixed magazine, no folding stock, etc.) are legal but selection is limited.
Can I bring my out-of-state guns when I move to New Jersey?
Yes, with restrictions. New Jersey residents may possess firearms acquired before becoming a NJ resident, but assault firearms must be registered, rendered inoperable, or transferred out of state. Magazines exceeding 10 rounds cannot be brought into the state. All firearms must be registered with NJSP within 30 days of becoming a resident.
Can I buy ammunition in New Jersey without a permit?
No. New Jersey requires a valid FPIC to purchase ammunition. Out-of-state visitors cannot purchase handgun ammunition without a New Jersey Permit to Carry or proof of FPIC equivalence.
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Run a Free Compliance Check →Compare New Jersey to Other States
New Jersey's firearm laws differ significantly from neighboring states. View laws for any U.S. state below.