AFAIK, the SBI-212A MUST be used everytime an application is submitted.

Bottom line is, it seems they won't process the 212A without payment of the $18 fee ...period.

 

(It irks me that they say you can request a waiver of the fee if you've had a recent background check, but then turn you down for no apparent reason even though you meet their exemption requirement. I mean if they want you to pay the fee every time, fine; but why bother informing you of a fee waiver if they never intend to give any.)

 

The response to our applications and their waiver requests were letters stating that our inquiry is being returned for the reason(s) checked below. #9. No check or money order was enclosed. and #11. Other... $18 each applicant required. 2 forms rejected..

 

I don't know if a waiver for the SBI fee is a statewide or local policy or where it comes from. Like most firearm related information in NJ it varies from town to town and from one LEO to another. Just more hoops to jump through and dead ends to discourage you.

 

I just thought I'd post my experience just to see if anyone else has had a similar one.