Non-Emergency Call: (609) 448-1234 police@hightstownpd.org

Firearms Applications

Firearms Applications & Registration

The Hightstown Police Department Detective Bureau assists residents with the application, processing, and registration of firearms. Any questions pertaining to firearms applications, permits, and registration can be sent to jmecca@hightstownpd.org.

Permit to Carry

Application Procedure and Instructions

  • Applications for a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (E-FID) and Permit to Purchase a Handgun (E-Permits) can be created and submitted online by visiting https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/fars. The Firearms Application and Registration System (FARS) which is maintained by the New Jersey State Police Firearms Investigation Unit, streamlines the processing of firearms applications.

Step 1: Visit https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/fars. Applicants MUST utilize the correct ORI number when completing a firearms application. Those who reside in the Borough of Hightstown must use the Hightstown Police Department’s ORI# (NJ0110400). Make sure that your residential address is located within the Borough of Hightstown since there have been past instances when applicants who reside in other townships have applied because they share the same zip code. If you are unsure which town to apply for, please check with the Hightstown Borough Tax and Utility Office at tax@hightstownborough.com or at 609-490-5100, Ext. 613.

Step 2: While completing the application, be sure to check all relevant boxes for the items you are applying for. When deciding how many permits to apply for, be mindful of the following:

  • An applicant is allowed to purchase one (1) handgun within a 30-day period..
  • Permit to purchase a handgun will expire after 180 days (auto-renewal after first 90 days).

Step 3: Complete the online application. You may complete the application using a smartphone, mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer. If an application is submitted with incorrect information, the applicant must re-apply, no exceptions. Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Step 4: Schedule an appointment with IdentoGo to be fingerprinted. If this is the first time you have applied for an FID or permit to purchase a handgun, then you will need to be fingerprinted. Please visit https://uenroll.identogo.com/ and enter the NJ Firearms Licensing service code “2F164B”.  Make sure that the information on your application is the same as your fingerprint information when scheduling an appointment. While scheduling your fingerprinting appointment, you will need to use the correct ORI# for the Hightstown Police Department (NJ0110400) and the FARS Contributor’s Case Number which is provided by FARS after the application is submitted. If you have to re-apply for a firearms application, remember to cancel your IdentoGo appointment and re-schedule after your complete a new firearms application with your new contributor’s case number.

Step 5: Once the application is processed and reviewed, the applicant will be contacted by the Hightstown Police Department, via an E-mail message, in regards to the collection of fees for an initial E-FID card and/or E-permit(s) to purchase a handgun.

Application Guidelines

  • Applicants will receive automated E-mail messages throughout the process. Please do not call for status updates.
  • Applicants will have 90 days to be fingerprinted for initial applications for an E-FID card and/or Permit to Purchase a Handgun through IdentoGo. In the event an applicant is not fingerprinted within 90 days, the application will be withdrawn and the applicant will have to re-apply.
  • If an initial applicant applied for an FID card and forgot to apply for a permit to purchase a handgun, then the applicant will have to submit another application for a permit after their initial application is processed and approved.
  • Please advise references that the FARS system will send them an E-mail message containing a link to complete a reference questionnaire. References can complete the questionnaire by using a smartphone, mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer. Please advise references to complete the questions immediately in order to assist with the timely processing of the application. If an error is made where the reference’s E-mail address is incorrect, please contact the Detective Bureau so that changes can be made.
  • While completing the application, be sure to enter up-to-date contact information (phone numbers and E-mail addresses) for yourself and your references.
  • When an application is approved, the applicant will receive an E-mail message from NJ Portal FARS System containing their E-FID Card and/or Handgun Permits (E-permits).
  • For additional firearms information please visit https://nj.gov/njsp/firearms/index.shtml.

Firearms Fees

  • Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (E-FID) for initial applicants is $50. Fees can be submitted in the form of a check or money order made payable to “Borough of Hightstown”.
  • E-Permits to purchase a handgun are $25 per handgun permit. Fees can be submitted in the form of a check or money order made payable to “Borough of Hightstown”.
  • There are no fees for a Duplicate Firearms Identification Card.
  • Visit https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2022/AL22/131_.PDF to see changes made to E-FID and E-permit fees.

Firearms Law Updates (12/22/2022)

  • In order to obtain a permit to purchase a handgun or firearms purchaser identification card, the applicant shall demonstrate, that within four (4) years prior to the date of the application, the applicant satisfactorily completed a course of instruction approved by the superintendent in the lawful and safe handling and storage of firearms. The required training in the lawful and safe handling and storage of firearms has been implemented into the FARS system for initial applicants.
  • The applicant shall not be required to demonstrate completion of a course of instruction in order to obtain any subsequent permit to purchase a handgun, to replace an existing firearms purchaser identification card, or to renew a firearms purchaser identification card.
  • A firearms purchaser identification card issued or renewed after the effective date of P.L.2022 c.58 shall expire during the tenth calendar year following its date of issuance and on the same calendar day as the person’s date of birth.
  • A firearms purchaser identification card issued prior to the effective date of P.L.2022, c.58 shall not expire.
  • Refer to https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2022/AL22/131_.PDF for further information.

Registration of Firearms

  • Any person who becomes a resident of New Jersey following the effective date of P.L.2022, c.58 and who transports into this State a firearm that the person owned or acquired while residing in another state shall apply for a firearms purchaser identification card within 60 days of becoming a New Jersey resident, and shall register any handgun so transported into this State within 60 days.
  • A person who registers a handgun shall complete a registration statement, which shall be in a form prescribed by the superintendent. Information provided in the registration statement shall include, but shall not be limited to, the name and address of the person and the make, model, and the serial number of the handgun being registered. Each registration statement shall be signed by the person and the signature shall constitute a representation of the accuracy of the information contained in the registration statement. Link for registration form – https://nj.gov/njsp/info/pdf/sp-650i.pdf

All other firearms applications and forms, including the ones listed above, are available directly from The New Jersey State Police website.

For any questions, please contact the Detective Bureau at (609) 448-1234 extension 540.