In the State of New Jersey all firearms applications are now on an automated system called F.A.R.S. (Firearms Application & Registration System). This web based system allows residents of New Jersey to complete any and all necessary paperwork in applying for their Firearms Identification card or an Electronic Permit to Purchase a Handgun & Form of Register (E-Permit).

When completing the online form be sure to enter information accurately, this includes information regarding references and contacts. Any information that isn’t accurate or filled in will possibly lead to delay in your application. References can include family members.

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Once the application is completed, advise your references that they will be receiving an email and that they are asked to complete the questionnaire as soon as possible. Once your application is approved, you will be notified by email stating that your application was approved. Any fees that are owed to the Essex Fells Police Department are to be paid via check made out to Borough of Essex Fells. All NJ Retail Firearms Dealers will be able to execute E-Permits for application submitted from October 01, 2020 onwards. Your Firearms Identification Card does not expire, permits on the other hand are only valid for 90 days from date of issue. After the 90 days they can only be renewed by the Essex Fells Chief of Police for another 90 days. Any other questions can be directed to Sergeant Gomes at pgomes@essexfellspd.org.

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Fee Schedule:

Initial New Jersey Firearms Identification Card - $5.00

New Jersey Permit to Purchase a Handgun & Form of Register - $2.00 (each permit)

Replacement identification card or change of address – No Charge

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Checks are to be made out to “Borough of Essex Fells” 

Cash payment is accepted but must be exact amount

Please mail payment to: 

Essex Fells Police Department

Attention Firearms Unit

255 Roseland Avenue

Essex Fells, N.J. 07021

 

Essex Fells Police Firearms Instructors Certifications:

Sgt. Paul Gomes # 193

• Sig Sauer Armorer

• Rifle Instructor

• Ballistic Shield Instructor

• Active Shooter/Mass Killer Response Instructor

• A.L.I.C.E. Instructor

• Remington Armorer

• Colt Armorer

• Simunitions Scenario Instructor 

 

Ofc. Joseph Ficchi # 198

• Sig Sauer Armorer

• Colt Armorer

• Tac Pistol

 

Essex Fells Firearms FAQ’s:

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1.    How do you obtain a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card, Permit to Purchase a Handgun & Form of Register and/or change my address on my firearms identification card ?

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You must apply through your local police department. To apply online utilizing the Firearms Applicant Registration System (FARS) please go to https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/fars . Essex Fells Police ORI Number is NJ0070700.

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2.    Where can I pick up my completed Firearms ID card? E-Permit?

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Once your application is completed and approved, you’ll receive an email from NJSP advising of the approval.

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​3.    How to obtain an initial/renewal application for a  permit to carry a handgun?

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• YOU MUST APPLY IN PERSON -  In State Resident – apply to your local police department (State Police patrolled areas apply to local Barracks.)

• CALL YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT OR STATE POLICE BARRACKS PRIOR TO APPLYING – DO NOT JUST SHOW UP

• Out of State Resident – apply at a non-toll road State Police Barracks closest to your residence.

• PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING AT TIME OF APPLICATION:

  • ​Driver’s License and Birth Certificate OR Driver’s License and Passport OR Driver’s License and Naturalization Paperwork/Green Card.

  • Three (3) State of New Jersey Applications For Permit To Carry A Handgun, form SP642. Must be double sided and notarized. ** ANY ALTERATION TO FORM SP642 IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN** https://nj.gov/njsp/firearms/pdf/sp-642.pdf

  • Essex Fells Municipal Code is 0706

  • Four (4) color passport size photographs.

  • Consent for Mental Health Search, form SP066.

  • Written proof of ownership and qualification with the handgun(s) you intend on carrying.

  • Proof of ownership can be a purchase receipt or purchase permit or a notarized letter of ownership listing make, model, and serial number of handgun(s).

  • Written qualification must be within six (6) months of application and include Instructors Name and Certification, make, model, caliber and serial number of handgun(s) you intend to carry.

  • Money Order in the amount of $50.00 payable to; “Treasurer, State of New Jersey”

** ALL APPLICANTS (INITIAL AND RENEWAL) FOR PERMIT TO CARRY A HANDGUN MUST BE FINGERPRINTED. 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 THEIR 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.

 

4. How do I make an appointment to get fingerprinted?

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• https://www.identogo.com/

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5.  Can a minor have access to a loaded firearm?

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No, under NJSC 2C:58-15; 

a. A person who knows or reasonably should know that a minor is likely to gain access to a loaded firearm at a premises under the person's control commits a disorderly person’s offense if a minor gains access to the firearm, unless the person:

(1) Stores the firearm in a securely locked box or container;

(2) Stores the firearm in a location which a reasonable person would believe to be   

      secure; or

(3) Secures the firearm with a trigger lock.

b. This section shall not apply:

(1) To activities authorized by section 14 of P.L.1979, c.179, (C.2C:58-6.1), concerning the lawful use of a firearm by a minor; or

(2) Under circumstances where a minor obtained a firearm as a result of an unlawful entry by any person.

c. As used in this act, "minor" means a person under the age of 16.

 

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Firearms Safety Rules:

1. ALWAYS Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

2. ALWAYS Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.  

3. ALWAYS Keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

4. Know your target and what is beyond it.

5. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.

6. Be sure the gun is safe to operate.

7. Never use alcohol, over-the-counter drugs or prescription drugs before or while shooting.

8. Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.