Application for a Permit to Carry a Handgun

Updated 3/15/2023

The firearms application for an Initial Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and Permit to Purchase a Handgun is now electronic. For additional information on the Initial Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and Permit to Purchase a Handgun process, click here.

The application process for a Permit to Carry a handgun is still on paper.

YOU MUST APPLY IN PERSON VIA APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Westfield Police Department Firearms Unit: firearms@wpdnj.org or 908-789-6054

The following instructions are the same for the initial and renewal application.

Download the necessary forms:

Bring the following items to your appointment:

  1. Driver’s License and Birth Certificate OR Driver’s License and Passport OR Driver’s License and Naturalization Paperwork/Green Card.
  2. Your physical Firearms ID Card or a printed copy of your electronic Firearms ID Card.
  3. The Permit to Carry a Handgun SP642 (Rev. 01/23) form.
  4. Two (2) color passport photos according to photo requirements listed on the US Department of State website.
  5. The Consent for Mental Health Search, form SP066 (Rev. 07/19).
  6. Submit proof of qualification with a certified firearms instructor along with firearms instructor proof of certification.
  7. Money order in the amount of $50.00 payable to: “New Jersey State Police."
  8. Check, cash or money order in the amount of $150.00 payable to: "Westfield Police Department."

You will need four (4) references:

In the near future, as per NJ Bill A-4769, you will also be required to purchase insurance.  Please check back at a later time for additional information.


** ALL APPLICANTS (INITIAL AND RENEWAL) FOR PERMIT TO CARRY A HANDGUN MUST BE FINGERPINTED. INSTRUCTIONS FOR FINGER PRINTING WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.

** THE REQUIRED WRITTEN FIREARMS QUALIFICATION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.A.C. 13:54-2.4(B), CAN BE OBTAINED AT MOST FIREARM RANGES THROUGH OUT THE STATE. A LIST IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE NJSP WEBSITE. https://nj.gov/njsp/firearms/shooting-ranges.shtml  **

** A NEW JERSEY PERMIT TO CARRY IS VALID FOR TWO (2) YEARS FROM TIME OF APPROVAL.

** IF ANY OF THE PRECEDING IS NOT COMPLETE OR INCORRECT THE APPLICATION WILL BE RETURNED AND YOU WILL HAVE TO RE-APPLY.

The New Jersey State Police website provides information on the New Jersey firearms laws, transportation of firearms, and frequently asked questions.  The site can be found by following this link: www.njsp.org/firearms

The United States Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, and Explosives provides additional information on Federal Firearms and explosive laws via the following link: www.atf.gov/questions-and-answers