September 29, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey State Police announced today enhancements to the Firearms Application and Registration System (FARS), which further streamlines the paperless process to purchase a handgun. Beginning Thursday, October 1, this new enhancement to the FARS application process will make the Electronic Handgun Purchase to Permit (E-Permits) to purchase a handgun available immediately upon approval and provide electronic viewable access to available permits at licensed retail firearms dealers.

In 2016, Attorney General directive 2016-4 mandated uniform statewide practices and procedures for all firearm applications processes. In 2017, development began on the Firearms Application and Registration System (FARS), which was launched statewide in February 2019, streamlining the firearms application process for all municipalities across the state. The system allows residents of the state to submit online applications for firearms purchaser identification cards and handgun purchase permits.

The New Jersey State Police Firearms Investigation Unit and Information and Technology Section, along with outside vendors, spent years of research and development to launch (E-Permit). The enhancements will keep records on file electronically and allow police departments and licensed firearms dealers access to the database while enabling residents to conveniently acquire purchase permits online.

For information on how to submit applications, go to https://njsp.org/firearms

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