I'm completely new to handguns and the whole procedure of obtaining and owning one.

 

I went through the whole application, trusting that the local PD was going to provide me with everything I needed to do so.

I paid the fees via money order, they fingerprinted me, background checked, 2 references with letters (and follow up phone calls, even called my boss at work).

After a long ordeal, they finally called me to let me know everything was ready.

 

I went to go pick up the stuff and received only a permit to purchase a handgun. I was so excited, I left without asking any questions. This was obviously a mistake, I now realize in hindsight.

 

I did some further reading and it turns out that I'm in need of a firearms ID card. What's it for, I'm not sure. I'm sure it's akin to have a drivers license to operate a motor vehicle. I'll probably need it to show that I'm legally allowed to own and operate a handgun.

How and why is beyond me, as I was never tested or trained on safe operation of a firearm and knowledge of laws pertaining to ownership of one, but I digress.

 

A month later, realizing that something was amiss, I call the PD again and ask them about this and they claim they gave it to me the day I picked up the purchase permit (absolutely untrue). She checked their files on me and said that it wasn't there, but it was noted that I picked it up.

I wasn't going to get into an argument over it so I asked what it would take to get another one issued. She said $18 and up to 2 months.

So I'm just going to get the process started again. I'm not going to win this battle.

 

Just last week, I went to a local store and bought a Glock G19. The dealer just looked at the permit and didn't ask for an ID card. He just said when the gun arrives, I have to fill out some form and that's it.

 

So my question is, can I go to a range without a FID? Can I just carry the permit, which is printed on carbon copy paper and has my ID# on it.

Or am I SOL until I get the ID card?

 

So what exactly is a FID used for? Do I have to carry it with me whenever I am transporting my guns to and from the range?

You may only need the http://www.nj.gov/njsp/info/pdf/firearms/sts-003.pdf (duplicate FID form). The FID is simply a card stating that you, in fact, have passed the general background check to purchase long guns and ammo in the state of NJ and to own any 'NJ Legal' firearm. The wait may not be as long as a new FID, though.

 

 

In terms of shooting/buying without one, I wouldn't chance it (myself). I can't remember the last time I had to show mine (outside of my recent pistol permits), but if you're shooting or attempting to purchase and you don't have it, the consequences could be bad.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need an FPID, unless you intend to purchase long guns. Handguns and ammunition can be purchased and used with just a P2P. Likewise, you don't need an FPID to transport (providing you are within the exceptions) or shoot and while it's not required, in the absence of an FPID you may want to keep your copy of the P2P in your range bag.

 

It does make sense to get your FPID, but it's not required.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

I was asked to sign a form that I had received my FPID and PP's. I guess this issue had come up before and they started asking for applicants to sign that they had in fact received the documents.

I'm completely new to handguns and the whole procedure of obtaining and owning one.

 

I went through the whole application, trusting that the local PD was going to provide me with everything I needed to do so.

I paid the fees via money order, they fingerprinted me, background checked, 2 references with letters (and follow up phone calls, even called my boss at work).

After a long ordeal, they finally called me to let me know everything was ready.

 

I went to go pick up the stuff and received only a permit to purchase a handgun. I was so excited, I left without asking any questions. This was obviously a mistake, I now realize in hindsight.

 

I did some further reading and it turns out that I'm in need of a firearms ID card. What's it for, I'm not sure. It is needed to purchase long guns and ammo if you don't have your permit. I'm sure it's akin to have a drivers license to operate a motor vehicle. It is not needed for possession. I'll probably need it to show that I'm legally allowed to own and operate a handgun. It has nothing to do with a handgun purchase or possession.

How and why is beyond me, as I was never tested or trained on safe operation of a firearm and knowledge of laws pertaining to ownership of one, but I digress. No training is need to exercise your constitutional right.

 

A month later, realizing that something was amiss, I call the PD again and ask them about this and they claim they gave it to me the day I picked up the purchase permit (absolutely untrue). You probably misplaced it, or at least someone did. She checked their files on me and said that it wasn't there, but it was noted that I picked it up.

I wasn't going to get into an argument over it so I asked what it would take to get another one issued. She said $18 and up to 2 months. Correct. You should also get a few more permits.

So I'm just going to get the process started again. I'm not going to win this battle. Nope.

 

Just last week, I went to a local store and bought a Glock G19. The dealer just looked at the permit and didn't ask for an ID card. He just said when the gun arrives, I have to fill out some form and that's it. Only a permit and Government issued photo ID card is needed to take possession of a handgun.

 

So my question is, can I go to a range without a FID? Absolutely. Can I just carry the permit, which is printed on carbon copy paper and has my ID# on it. It is suggested to do so, however not required.

Or am I SOL until I get the ID card? You may not be able to acquire ammo without one. Depends on the seller. Your executed permit is good enough.

 

So what exactly is a FID used for? As stated, long gun purchases and for transporting them outside of what the exemptions state. Do I have to carry it with me whenever I am transporting my guns to and from the range? No.

Cool, thanks to all for the answers.

To the right of your name on your permit should be your SBI number. That is the same number which will be on the FID card. You will need it to purchase ammo in NJ. It is also a good idea to have it on you when you are going back and forth from your house to the range. I would get them issue you one asap. It should be quicker, and you will hopefully have it before your permit expires. It you don't get to use your permit before it expires, you can renew it one time before it expires for a total of 180 days from it original issue date. There are a lot of FFLs that will not sell you a handgun without both documents. Good luck. By the way you will like the Glock. Did you order a gen 3 or the gen 4?

When you pick up your FID card at your local PD you are supposed to sign it in front of them. Same with your permit. They also ink your right index finger and you leave an imprint on the back of your FID card. If you did not do that...well then that is your proof that they never issued you an FID card, and then it is time to politely ask them to issue you one asap.

Also I don't see why they would charge another $18 fee for the backround check when they just ran it. Hate to see stuff like this. Good luck.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need an FPID, unless you intend to purchase long guns.

 

I agree that's the law, but good luck getting a firearms dealer in NJ to actually sell you a handgun without a FID. All the dealers I use (maybe 10 in NJ) all want to see the FID before they let you even handle a gun from the case....

I agree that's the law, but good luck getting a firearms dealer in NJ to actually sell you a handgun without a FID. All the dealers I use (maybe 10 in NJ) all want to see the FID before they let you even handle a gun from the case....

 

 

Not at Arms-n-Ammo. No FPID needed to hold or buy a handgun.

Also I don't see why they would charge another $18 fee for the backround check when they just ran it. Hate to see stuff like this. Good luck.

 

It was a month since the permits were picked up.

To the right of your name on your permit should be your SBI number. That is the same number which will be on the FID card. You will need it to purchase ammo in NJ. It is also a good idea to have it on you when you are going back and forth from your house to the range. I would get them issue you one asap. It should be quicker, and you will hopefully have it before your permit expires. It you don't get to use your permit before it expires, you can renew it one time before it expires for a total of 180 days from it original issue date. There are a lot of FFLs that will not sell you a handgun without both documents. Good luck. By the way you will like the Glock. Did you order a gen 3 or the gen 4?

 

My dealer was pretty cool. I showed him the P2P and he didn't ask for anything else. He took the info from that, and said when the gun arrives, he'll fill out the rest of it.

 

Gen4 if I recall correctly.

Yeah, it's been almost exactly a month.

She said it was the standard fee for the FID card if I lose it, change of address, etc.

 

It was a month since the permits were picked up.

My dealer was pretty cool. I showed him the P2P and he didn't ask for anything else. He took the info from that, and said when the gun arrives, he'll fill out the rest of it.

 

Gen4 if I recall correctly.

 

You don't need anything else other than the P2P and DL anyway, FID is not required to buy a handgun, only the P2P.

 

 

I agree that's the law, but good luck getting a firearms dealer in NJ to actually sell you a handgun without a FID. All the dealers I use (maybe 10 in NJ) all want to see the FID before they let you even handle a gun from the case....

 

You walk in with a permit and counter staff will

fall all over themselves trying to sell you a gun.

 

A permit in hand means you can buy TODAY.

And that your not just out window shopping.

 

NJFAG, Shoreshot and Meltzers didn't even ask

about FID once they saw a permit.

She said it was the standard fee for the FID card if I lose it, change of address, etc.

 

The standard fee for the FPID card (by statute) is $5. The $18 fee is for the background check (form SBI-212A).

I agree that's the law, but good luck getting a firearms dealer in NJ to actually sell you a handgun without a FID. All the dealers I use (maybe 10 in NJ) all want to see the FID before they let you even handle a gun from the case....

 

I've only seen one shop that won't let you handle without FID and four shops that would. Strange that there is such a difference about this.

I've only seen one shop that won't let you handle without FID and four shops that would. Strange that there is such a difference about this.

 

Funny thing, when outside of the PR of NJ say like when I am out in AZ, I can walk into a gun store handle guns that are just sitting in racks right there on the showroom floor, I can even touch ammo without someone to hand it to me..

Funny thing, when outside of the PR of NJ say like when I am out in AZ, I can walk into a gun store handle guns that are just sitting in racks right there on the showroom floor, I can even touch ammo without someone to hand it to me..

 

C'mon Harry - NJ is "different"...

Stores may not let you handle firearms or buy ammo if you don't have a FID on you, whether it's the law or store policy.

How and why is beyond me, as I was never tested or trained on safe operation of a firearm and knowledge of laws pertaining to ownership of one, but I digress. No training is need to exercise your constitutional right.

 

This statement had me thinking.

So if owning a firearm is a constitutional right, then why do we even need purchase permits? Why can't we just go into the store and buy a gun like we buy groceries?

Why can't we all open carry?

 

Why are gun laws so strict?

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This statement had me thinking.

So if owning a firearm is a constitutional right, then why do we even need purchase permits? Why can't we just go into the store and buy a gun like we buy groceries?

Why can't we all open carry?

 

Why are gun laws so strict?

 

You can, in what, 45+ other states?

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This statement had me thinking.

So if owning a firearm is a constitutional right, then why do we even need purchase permits? Why can't we just go into the store and buy a gun like we buy groceries?

Why can't we all open carry?

 

Why are gun laws so strict?

 

Because states have the right to implement reasonable laws governing guns, so sayeth SCOTUS. It is individual's right to own a firearm vs the state's rights to control gun ownership. That is why gun laws are different from state to state.

I have a feeling you did not fill out the forms for the fid..

Play their game. Go back to your police department and tell them that you lost your original FID card that they issued and that you need a duplicate. If they gave you a Pistol Permit without giving you the card, then call them on it and make a big fuss. Was the box on your application checked for you to receive one?

 

Whatever the outcome, I would apply for an FID card, again, and get it. And, while you are at it, if you have to spend the money on another background check, then I would apply for some more pistol permits. You can apply for more than one in most of the more democratic NJ districts.

Next question.

 

If I go to the range (closest to the Belleville one) with my gf or friend, can they fire the gun? Or only the owner is allowed to fire it?

Next question.

 

If I go to the range (closest to the Belleville one) with my gf or friend, can they fire the gun? Or only the owner is allowed to fire it?

i assume it depends on the policy of the range. I haven't gone to a range that doesn't allow guests.

They can handle and fire your weapon provided you meet certain criteria.

 

1) You must be present

2) You must reasonably beleive (or rather, you must have no reason to suspect otherwise) that they are not a prohibited person.

3) They must be 18 or older.

 

The relevant statute is 2C:58-3.1

Cool, thanks all.