New Jersey Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Prohibited Permit Required No Castle Doctrine Red Flag Law

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: New Jersey Gun Laws

Open Carry	Prohibited
Concealed Carry	Permit Required
Permit Required	Yes - required
Permit Cost	$200
Permit Validity	2 years
Waiting Period	7 days
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✕ No
Stand Your Ground	✕ No
Red Flag Law	✕ Yes (ERPO exists)
Magazine Limit	10 rounds maximum
Suppressors	Prohibited
NFA Items	Restricted

Open Carry Laws in New Jersey

Open carry is prohibited in New Jersey in most public places. There may be limited exceptions for transport to and from a range or for active law enforcement officers.

Concealed Carry Laws in New Jersey

Concealed carry in New Jersey requires a valid permit. New Jersey requires a Permit to Carry a Handgun, which is extremely difficult to obtain. Post-Bruen, NJ expanded sensitive places restrictions dramatically. Open carry is prohibited.

Where You Cannot Carry in New Jersey

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in New Jersey. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Courts
Police Stations
Healthcare Facilities
Bars
Recreational Facilities
Public Transportation
Houses Of Worship
Parks
Beaches
Libraries
Museums
Anywhere Serving Alcohol

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Getting a New Jersey CCW Permit

New Jersey requires a Permit to Carry a Handgun, which is extremely difficult to obtain. Post-Bruen, NJ expanded sensitive places restrictions dramatically. Open carry is prohibited.

Official New Jersey Permit Information

CCW Reciprocity for New Jersey

States that honor your New Jersey permit (0)

None

New Jersey honors permits from (0)

None

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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New Jersey Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for New Jersey gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: New Jersey Gun Laws

Does New Jersey honor out-of-state CCW permits?

No. New Jersey does not recognize any out-of-state carry permits.

What is the magazine limit in New Jersey?

New Jersey restricts magazines to 10 rounds. Higher-capacity magazines are banned.

Can I bring my handgun through New Jersey?

Transporting firearms through New Jersey requires strict compliance with FOPA (Firearm Owners Protection Act) interstate transport rules - unloaded, locked case, direct travel.

Shooting Ranges in New Jersey

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in New Jersey. Filter by type, features, and location.

Find Ranges in New Jersey

Neighboring State Gun Laws

New York

Delaware

Pennsylvania