This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.
← New Jerseyoverview & reciprocity
New Jersey PTC Requirements
Compiled and verified against primary sources by CarryReciprocity. How we source & verify →
How to get a New Jersey New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (PTC): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.
How to apply
- Application fee
- $200 — $226 total for a fingerprinted applicant: $200 statutory fee + $18 background-check fee + $8 service fee (NJSP instructions, 03/2026). Fingerprinting is not repeated on renewal.
- Minimum age
- 21
- Training
- Required — The applicant must qualify on the course of fire in the Civilian Carry Assessment and Range Evaluation (CCARE) protocol (issued 2023-09-15) and complete the associated training, demonstrating thorough familiarity with the safe handling and use of handguns (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4). A qualification covers one initial and one consecutive renewal permit.
- Fingerprints
- Required
- Processing time
- See official source
- Validity / renewal
- 2 years, then renewal
- Residency
- Open to non-residents
- Non-resident permit
- Available
Applications are processed by Chief of Police (residents) / New Jersey State Police (non-residents).
Steps to get a New Jersey PTC
- Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
- Complete the required firearms training. The applicant must qualify on the course of fire in the Civilian Carry Assessment and Range Evaluation (CCARE) protocol (issued 2023-09-15) and complete the associated training, demonstrating thorough familiarity with the safe handling and use of handguns (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4). A qualification covers one initial and one consecutive renewal permit.
- Get fingerprinted. Submit fingerprints for the state and FBI background check as part of the application.
- Submit your application to Chief of Police (residents) / New Jersey State Police (non-residents). File your New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (PTC) application with Chief of Police (residents) / New Jersey State Police (non-residents). See the official page for forms and instructions.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the PTC application fee of $200. $226 total for a fingerprinted applicant: $200 statutory fee + $18 background-check fee + $8 service fee (NJSP instructions, 03/2026). Fingerprinting is not repeated on renewal.
- Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your PTC is valid for 2 years, after which it must be renewed.
Last verified 2026-09-17 against New Jersey State Police — Concealed Carry Facts & FAQs.
We may earn a commission from some links, at no cost to you.
New Jersey PTC FAQ
- What are the requirements for a New Jersey PTC?
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old, and submit fingerprints. The application is processed by Chief of Police (residents) / New Jersey State Police (non-residents).
- Is training required for a New Jersey PTC?
- Yes. New Jersey requires firearms training to obtain the PTC. The applicant must qualify on the course of fire in the Civilian Carry Assessment and Range Evaluation (CCARE) protocol (issued 2023-09-15) and complete the associated training, demonstrating thorough familiarity with the safe handling and use of handguns (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4). A qualification covers one initial and one consecutive renewal permit.
- How long does it take to get a New Jersey PTC?
- New Jersey has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the PTC — check with Chief of Police (residents) / New Jersey State Police (non-residents) for current wait times.
- Can non-residents get a New Jersey PTC?
- Yes. New Jersey issues a PTC to qualifying non-residents.
- How much does the New Jersey PTC cost, and how long is it valid?
- The application fee is $200. $226 total for a fingerprinted applicant: $200 statutory fee + $18 background-check fee + $8 service fee (NJSP instructions, 03/2026). Fingerprinting is not repeated on renewal. The permit is valid for 2 years before renewal.