Firearms Applications & Instructions

Firearms Registration and Application System (FARS)

1. Log on to NJ Portal (FARS).
2. The Long Branch Police Department's ORI# is NJ0132500, Service Code - 2F164B. If an incorrect ORI number is entered on the form, you will NOT receive a firearms ID card or a permit to purchase. You will then have to re-apply using the correct ORI number and pay for the process again. A refund will not be issued. 

• Complete the online application. You may complete the application using a smartphone, mobile device, laptop or desktop computer. When completing the application, you will need the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of two reputable references, that have known you for a minimum of 3 years, that should not be related to you.
• Please advise your references that the FARS system will email them the reference questions to be answered. Your references can complete the questions using a smartphone, mobile device, laptop or desktop computer. Please, advise them to complete the questions immediately.
• As part of an application for an initial Firearms Identification Card, you will be required to upload a current photo. Upload a recent photograph (on a light background including head and shoulders) similar to a passport style photo. This photo will appear on your Electronic Firearms Purchaser Identification Card. Photos taken of Drivers Licenses or Passports are not acceptable.

The online application is applicant driven.  Please ensure that you have entered the best phone numbers for yourself and references, as well the best email addresses for you and your references. Verify that all information is accurate prior to submitting your application. 

1. You must appear at the Long Branch Police Department Records Bureau to pay for your initial Firearms Identification Card (FID Card) and/or Pistol Purchases Permits. Acceptable forms of payment are Money Order or Credit Card. Your application will not be processed until you have paid for the FID Card/Pistol Permits. Non-refundable payment is required to be made prior to the completion of the background as per NJSC 13:54.1.4. Failure to make payment to the Long Branch Police Department within 30 days of the application date will have their application withdrawn. Fees are as follows: $25.00 per permit, $50.00 for Firearms ID card. There are no refunds on withdrawn, incomplete or inaccurately submitted applications.
   1. You will be receiving automated email updates throughout the process.
   2. All Firearms Purchaser Identification Cards and Permits to Purchase Handguns are now electronic. You will receive access to your Firearms Purchaser Identification card in your approval email. You will receive confirmation of your E-Permits in your approval email and you should provide that email to a NJ retail firearms dealer who will have access to execute your E-Permit. The link provided will only be valid for 2 years. Make sure to print a copy of your Firearms Identification Card for your personal record.

1. Fingerprinting:

• If applying for an Initial Firearms ID Card you will need to be fingerprinted. Follow the instructions/link in your confirmation email to schedule your fingerprint appointment. 
• If you already have a Firearms ID Card and have been fingerprinted for firearms in the past, you do not need to be fingerprinted again. You will automatically be directed to complete and pay for your SBI212 name check during the online application process. No additional steps are necessary.

If, after 90 days, there is no activity with your application (failed to be fingerprinted, reference returns have not been submitted, supporting documentation/information not provided, etc.) we will withdraw your application from the system. Once withdrawn, you will need to begin an entirely new F.A.R.S. application should you wish to reapply later.

For questions, please contact our Records Department at 732-222-1000, ext. 1800, or email your firearms questions.

Please refer to the following Link to access a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions as provided by the New Jersey State Police:

Firearms Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) | New Jersey State Police (nj.gov)

Permit to Carry (PTC)

Applying for a Permit to Carry a Handgun

Log on to NJ Portal (Concealed Carry Permits)

You will need:

• The Long Branch Police Department's ORI# is NJ0132500, Service Code - 2F164B. If an incorrect ORI number is entered on the form, you will NOT receive a firearms ID card or a permit to purchase. You will then have to re-apply using the correct ORI number and pay for the process again. A refund will not be issued. 

• SBI Number
• Upload a recent photograph (on a light background including head and shoulders) similar to a passport style photo. This photo will appear on your Electronic Firearms Purchaser Identification Card. Photos taken of Drivers Licenses or Passports are not acceptable.
• One (1) training record completed within the past two (2) years, instructor name, and qualification date.
• Completed NJ State Police Form (S.P 182) Permit to carry Safe Handling and Proficiency Certification. This form must be completed and signed by both the Firearms Instructor and the applicant. (APPLICANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO UPLOAD THIS FORM TO APPLICATION).Firearms Forms to Download | New Jersey State Police (nj.gov)
• Personal Information: including Social Security Number and Driver's License Number
• Background Information
• For Armored Car Applicants: Uploaded Employment Letter
• Contact Names, Addresses, phone numbers and emails addresses for, four (4) reputable persons who are not related by blood or law. non-family related references, who have known the applicant for a minimum of three (3) years.
• Serial Number, Caliber, Make, and Model Number of all handguns which you intend to carry. Applicants will be required to enter the information for each handgun in the application. Information on handguns to be carried Please complete the S.P 182A Form to upload to your application as well.
• $200 Application Fee ($50 to NJSP to be completed online & $150 to The City of Long Branch by Money Order or Credit Card IN PERSON.)
• There are no refunds on withdrawn, incomplete or inaccurately submitted applications.

Civilian Carry Assessment and Range Evaluation (CCARE)

All certified firearms instructors in NJ shall now instruct on the CCARE protocol.

As for individuals who completed firearms training prior to July 1, 2023, and whose permit to carry does not expire until after December 22, 2023, they must requalify on the CCARE protocol or the HQC2-modified protocol issued on July 21, 2023. An individual who completed a course of fire prior to the issuance of the CCARE Protocol is deemed to have satisfied N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4(g)(2) if and only if the prior course included each of the following:

• A minimum of 50 scored rounds per participant.
• Minimum passing score of 80% using an FBI type Q target.
• At least 10 rounds must be from the 15, 10, 7, 5 and 3 yard lines each, or if fewer rounds were fired from those distances, the remaining rounds must have been fired from greater distances.
• The participant must demonstrate safe holstering and unholstering during the shooting course, which must include safely drawing the weapon from a secured holster before firing at each of the required distances and reholstering after completing the round.
• The participant must demonstrate proficient and safe reloading during the shooting course.

No substantially similar courses completed after the CCARE Protocol is issued will be accepted.

Retired Law Enforcement Officer Program (RPO)

For complete instructions (initial/renewal) and application paperwork visit the NJ State Police website.