Questions About NJ Gun Permit Reference Process – Need Help!

Firearm Laws & Legal Advice
1

I’m currently navigating the process of applying for a gun permit in New Jersey, and I’ve hit a bit of a roadblock with the reference questions. I’d like to share my experience and also seek advice from anyone who has gone through this before.

What I Know So Far

I’ve learned that you need to provide references when applying, and they have to fill out a questionnaire regarding your character and suitability for owning a firearm. The forms appear to ask a range of questions that seem to evaluate your mental state, past behavior, and general personality traits.

My Experience with References

  • Finding References: I selected a couple of close friends and a coworker who I thought would be able to give a good word for me. But it turns out, not everyone feels comfortable answering these kinds of questions.
  • Getting Responses: I’ve noticed that one of my references hasn’t responded yet, and I’m wondering how critical this is to my application. Does the application get delayed if all references don’t respond in time?
  • Reference Questionnaire Queries: Does anyone have tips on how to prepare my references for the types of questions they might face? Anything specific they should be aware of that might help them answer more effectively?

Seeking Guidance

I’ve browsed through some of the official resources, including the New Jersey State Police website and local police department guidelines, but they don’t offer much in terms of personal experiences. I’d really appreciate if anyone could share:

  • Any personal experiences with the reference questions
  • What types of answers seem to work well and what to avoid
  • Ideas on how to reassure potential references about the process
  • How long does it typically take to get this process completed?

I feel a bit lost in all this paperwork, and any insights would really be appreciated! Thanks in advance for your help!

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2

I’m trying to figure out the eligibility criteria for a gun permit in NJ. Does anyone know what the age requirement is?

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3

You need to be at least 18 years old to apply for a handgun permit in New Jersey. Make sure you have all your documentation ready!

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4

What documentation is needed other than the application form? I heard you need references too. Can anyone clarify?

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5

Yes! You need two references, a mental health consent form, and your background check results.

6

Can someone share their experience with the background check? I’m really anxious about that part of the process.

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I felt the same way! It took about 3 weeks for mine to come back, but it was relatively straightforward. Just stay patient.

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8

What are some common obstacles people face during the application process? I want to be prepared.

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One obstacle is missing forms or wrong submission format. Also, delays in processing can occur due to high application volumes.

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10

So, does anyone else find this whole process a bit absurd? Why so many hoops to jump through?

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It does feel excessive, but safety is key. Still, I find some parts confusing for no reason!

12

I chuckled a bit when I realized I needed a mental health form. I mean, who doesn’t need a little sanity check these days, right?

13

Haha! Well said! It does strike me as a bit funny in a serious matter.

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14

I started my NJ gun permit process last year. The application took about 6 months total. Make sure you double-check all your documents to avoid delays!

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15

Wow, 6 months sounds intense! I heard some people get their permits in as little as 3 months. What’s the average time these days?

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It varies! I applied in January and finally got mine in March, but then I did have a clean record which might have helped speed things up.

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17

I’m currently waiting for mine. It’s been a little over 4 months. Does anyone have tips on dealing with the police background checks? I hear they can take a while.

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I had to follow up a few times, but being persistent helps. Just keep calling them!

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I just applied last month, and I’ve seen forums mentioning the possibility of application delays due to COVID-19. Has anyone experienced this and how did you handle it?

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COVID really did cause some hiccups. When I applied, everything was slowed down. Just try to stay patient; the wait can be extremely frustrating but manageable!