New Jersey is another may issue state, that requires applicants to have a “justifiable need” for the issuance of a concealed permit. In addition, only applicants 21 years and older are eligible to carry a handgun. Furthermore, an application requires endorsement from 3 individuals the applicant has known for 3 or more years. To obtain a New Jersey concealed carry permit, the application should be submitted to the police chief or superintendent. While an individual does need to provide proof of competency with a firearm, no clear definition is provided about what is adequate in NJ code. While the state does issue nonresident permits, it is generally applicable only for reasons of employment. The cost for a NJ concealed carry permit is $20 upon issuance, and is valid for 2 years. Although New Jersey does not honor a concealed permit from any other issuing authority, those with a NJ permit can carry concealed in 27 other states.
This information was last updated in February 2019.
Table of Contents
New Jersey Concealed Carry By The Numbers
Average Cost in Dollars
# of States That Accept NJ License
# of Years Valid*
Minimum Age
# of Days To Get A Permit
Reciprocity Map for New Jersey
Use the tabs below to display states that will accept a New Jersey concealed carry permit or those states that New Jersey will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.
States That Honor New Jersey Concealed Carry
- Alabama
- Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Kentucky
- Maine – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Does NOT honor state issued concealed carry permit.
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Does NOT honor state issued concealed carry permit.
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Does NOT honor state issued concealed carry permit.
New Jersey Will Honor The Following States
How To Apply for a New Jersey Concealed Carry License
Can I get a concealed carry permit in New Jersey?
New Jersey is a may issue state. Concealed permits are also issued based upon necessity by employment (for armored car company). Other residents of the state must prove the need to carry a concealed handgun.
“Each application form shall be accompanied by a written certification of justifiable need to carry a handgun, which shall be under oath and, in the case of a private citizen, shall specify in detail the urgent necessity for self-protection […]“
Relevant Code(s):
What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in NJ?
In addition to proving imminent danger, an applicant for a New Jersey concealed carry must be 21 years old to possess a handgun.
“No person under the age of 18 years shall purchase, barter or otherwise acquire a firearm and no person under the age of 21 years shall purchase, barter or otherwise acquire a handgun, unless the person is authorized to possess the handgun in connection with the performance of official duties[…] “
Relevant Code(s):
Who issues a concealed carry permit in New Jersey?
Residents of New Jersey desiring a concealed permit should apply with the chief police officer or superintendent in their municipality of residence. Furthermore, applicants must have a signed endorsement from 3 individuals who have known the applicant for 3 or more years.
“[…] submitted to the chief police officer of the municipality in which the applicant resides, or to the superintendent […]“
“[…] shall be indorsed by three reputable persons who have known the applicant for at least three years preceding the date of application […]“
Relevant Code(s):
How long is an New Jersey concealed carry permit good for?
New Jersey concealed carry permits are valid for 2 years from the date of issuance.
Relevant Code(s):
Does NJ issue concealed permits to non-residents?
New Jersey does issue nonresident permits, though only under special circumstances. Such instances include when a nonresident applicant requires a concealed permit as a condition of employment. Furthermore, the applicant will be evaluated by the Superior court of the locale where the applicant intends to carry.
“[…] Superior Court in any county where he intends to carry a handgun, in the case of a nonresident or employee of an armored car company“
Relevant Code(s):
How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?
According to the below code, the chief police officer or superintendent will issue a New Jersey concealed carry permit within 60 days. If the applicant does not receive approval in the allotted time, it shall be considered granted, unless the applicant agrees to an extension.
“If the application is not approved by the chief police officer or the superintendent within 60 days of filing, it shall be deemed to have been approved, unless the applicant agrees to an extension of time in writing.“
Relevant Code(s):
How much does a concealed carry permit cost?
Upon issuance of a concealed permit, the applicant will pay a fee of $20 to the county clerk.
Relevant Code(s):
What are the accepted forms of competency training?
New Jersey does require that an applicant have training in the safe handling of firearms. However, it is unclear whether an online course is sufficient to meet this requirement. Additionally, the code does not describe any form of live fire component as part of the competency requirement.
“[…] is thoroughly familiar with the safe handling and use of handguns […]“
Relevant Code(s):
Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in New Jersey
Is New Jersey an Open Carry State?
Those with a permit to carry a handgun are technically allowed to open carry. However, the practice is not looked upon kindly by law enforcement unless it is an integral part employment.
“Any person who holds a valid permit to carry a handgun issued pursuant to this section shall be authorized to carry a handgun in all parts of this State […]“
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?
New Jersey does not allow for the carrying of firearms in vehicles unless the weapon is unloaded and secured in a closed container.
“no person may transport, possess, or have in their control a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is unloaded and contained in a closed and securely fastened case, or locked in the trunk of the motor vehicle.“
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?
According to the Department of Environmental Protection website, you are not permitted to carry firearms in state parks.
Relevant Code(s):
Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?
New Jersey does not list establishments, where alcohol is served for on site consumption, as excluded areas for concealed carry. Therefore, it is legal for an individual with a New Jersey concealed carry permit to carry in restaurants.
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?
No special codes is dedicated to the carrying of handguns into a church, as with some other states. Therefore, it is legal for an individual with a New Jersey concealed carry permit to carry in a church or other place of worship. As always, it is recommended that you obey any “no gun” signs.
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?
New Jersey does not make banks and other financial institutions an exception to concealed carrying of handguns. As such, a licensed individual may carry concealed into a bank. Be mindful of any posted signage prohibiting the carry of firearms.
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?
Nothing in New Jersey code expressly forbids the carrying of a concealed firearm into a hospital or other medical facility by a licensed individual. Therefore, those with a New Jersey concealed carry permit, can bring their concealed weapon into a hospital. However, be mindful of any posted signage forbidding the carry of firearms on premises to avoid unnecessary complications.
Relevant Code(s):
The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.