New Jersey’s carry permit law, enacted as P.L. 2022, c.131, sets the rules for anyone who wants to carry a handgun in public in the state. It requires a $200 application fee, a two-year permit term, completed safety training, and $300,000 in liability insurance, and it bars carrying in a list of sensitive locations and on private property without the owner’s permission.1New Jersey Legislature. P.L. 2022, c.131
Application Fee, Permit Term, and Training
The state application fee for a carry permit is $200. A permit issued under the law is valid for two years. Before qualifying, applicants must show they have completed the firearm safety training required by the state.2New Jersey Legislature. P.L. 2022, c.131 – Section: 3
Liability Insurance Requirement
Private citizens who carry a handgun in public must maintain liability insurance with at least $300,000 in coverage per incident for bodily injury, death, or property damage. If an incident is alleged to have caused harm or damage, the permit holder has to produce proof of the policy within a reasonable time.3New Jersey Legislature. P.L. 2022, c.131 – Section: 2
Where You Cannot Carry
The law lists public areas and buildings where carrying is prohibited even with a valid permit. It includes exceptions for brief or accidental entry, and the restrictions generally do not apply to someone passing through on a public right-of-way.4New Jersey Legislature. P.L. 2022, c.131 – Section: 7
Private property carries a default rule in the opposite direction. You cannot bring a handgun onto private property unless the owner has given express consent or posted a sign allowing it.4New Jersey Legislature. P.L. 2022, c.131 – Section: 7
Penalty for Carrying in a Restricted Place
Violating the location-based restrictions is a crime of the third degree under New Jersey law.4New Jersey Legislature. P.L. 2022, c.131 – Section: 7
Pending Court Challenges
Several lawsuits challenge parts of P.L. 2022, c.131, arguing the mandates impose excessive burdens on the right to carry. Court orders during the litigation can suspend enforcement of specific provisions, so which sections are active may change as appellate rulings come down. Permit holders and applicants should track the current status of the law before relying on any single provision.