Firearms Application Registration System (FARS)

Application Procedures for Applicants

Alert: Important!!!

Your name must be exactly as it appears on your government document (i.e. driver's license). Note: If your information does not match, you will need to re-apply. Fees are non-refundable. Enter your current personal information as listed on your driver's license. If your driver's license is not updated, please enter your information as listed on another official government identification. Updating your driver's license is recommended for a successful National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check. You must list your current legal name. If your current legal name does not have a suffix, do not add a suffix in this application. If your last name changed due to marriage, You must also list your maiden name.

If you are applying for an initial firearms identification card, after completing the FARS application, you will be required to make an appointment for your fingerprints to be processed. Instructions will be provided on the confirmation page. You have 90 days from the date of application to have your fingerprints processed. Failure to do so will result in your application being automatically withdrawn from the FARS system and it will be necessary to reapply.

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Important Notes

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 to progress your background investigation.

The online application is applicant driven. Please ensure that you have entered the best phone numbers and email addresses for yourself and your references. Although your Social Security number is not mandatory, the application process will be delayed without it.

If you have resided outside of NJ in the past 10 years, you must complete Form 66, Consent for Mental Health Records Search.