# Gun Licenses **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 12, 2020, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559 "2020-06-12T19:41:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2020, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/1 "2020-06-12T19:41:34Z")
My wife wants for me and her to apply for gun licenses. I am resistant to buying guns at this time. But she is afraid that if it ever came time to buy guns that the licensing process will take too long and/or the rules will have changed for those who are not grandfathered in. So she wants for us to be in a position where we have licenses in hand and can just stroll down to a local gun dealer on a moment’s notice and buy guns, should we ever decide to do so. But I am not familiar with the gun license process, and it’s possible that there are practical obstacles that I’m not aware of. One example that springs to mind is if these licenses expire after a certain time if you don’t actually buy a gun in that time frame. But there could be any number of other issues that I’m unaware of. So I’m hoping people who are more familiar with the process can fill me in. Note: it’s possible that some mod will decide to move this to IMHO, but regardless, I want to make clear that this is not a request for advice as to whether this is necessary or a good idea or whatever. This is strictly about factual aspects of the gun license process which may have a bearing on this idea. If it makes a difference, we live in NJ. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2020, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/2 "2020-06-12T19:52:46Z")
> [@](#): > > If it makes a difference, we live in NJ. yes, gun laws vary massively by state. > [@](#): > > So she wants for us to be in a position where we have licenses in hand and can just stroll down to a local gun dealer on a moment’s notice and buy guns, should we ever decide to do so. in MI the only way to do that is to hold a valid concealed pistol license (CPL.) But we don’t have any system of ownership licenses, only handgun registration. edit: Wikipedia seems to have the most concise rundown of NJ’s laws. They’re on the more restrictive side. Everything else I found on a quick search was from the NRA or concealed/open carry advocates. > **[Gun laws in New Jersey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_New_Jersey)** > > Gun laws in New Jersey regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the U.S. state of New Jersey. New Jersey's firearms laws are among the most restrictive in the country. > > The Constitution of New Jersey has no provision explicitly guaranteeing the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2020, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/3 "2020-06-12T22:39:01Z")
NJ is not one of the three states requiring a gun “license” for a hand gun. I’m assuming you want hand guns. Long guns are an easier process. I suggest you check out njgunforums, particularly the stickies in the forum titled “Current New Jersey Gun Laws Discussion.” If you have any questions, you’re going to get a lot of help in those forums, not to mention tips on how to avoid issues from whatever municipality you live in. If anyone gives you bad advice, other posters will be there to correct it fairly quickly. ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2020, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/4 "2020-06-12T22:43:33Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > So she wants for us to be in a position where we have licenses in hand and can just stroll down to a local gun dealer on a moment’s notice and buy guns, should we ever decide to do so. Permits for hand gun purchase used to expire in six months, IIRC. Now they expire in three. So I wouldn’t bother going through the process until you’re sure you’re going to go through with it. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2020, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/5 "2020-06-12T23:00:32Z")
As usual, it depends on your state laws in the US. Transfers of firearms usually need to go through a store that has a FFL (federal firearm license). I just bought a new handgun on-line and had it shipped to a local store with a FFL. $30 dollar transfer fee and I have a new gun. There was no application until I picked up the gun, a one page thing. It took more time than the NICS background check which was almost instant. No license. ---
**Author:** ![Tommy\_Bahama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/278dde/32.png) [@Tommy\_Bahama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tommy_Bahama)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2020, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/6 "2020-06-12T23:01:35Z")
I would recommend visiting a reputable gun shop in your area. They will help you navigate local regulations as well as explain what firearms would be best for you. In addition they can point you towards safety and training programs. A good shop will take the time to help you out. If not, find another store. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2020, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/7 "2020-06-12T23:05:37Z")
New Jersey has by far the most onerous process of any state. You don’t say what you want to buy - a pistol is different than a long gun. Here’s the [state police page](https://www.njsp.org/firearms/firearms-faqs.shtml). Here’s a third party that [summarizes it better](https://nj2as.org/how-to-buy-a-gun-in-nj/). The pistol purchase permit is for 3 months, so figure out what you want to buy first. ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2020, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/8 "2020-06-12T23:31:33Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > New Jersey has by far the most onerous process of any state. Unless things have changed a lot in recent years, I think CA wins that contest. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2020, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/9 "2020-06-12T23:37:51Z")
> [@x-ray\_vision](#): > > Unless things have changed a lot in recent years, I think CA wins that contest. California doesn’t require things like character references, or some additional mental health search. 10 day wait, added fees, some tests. ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2020, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/10 "2020-06-12T23:52:45Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > California doesn’t require things like character references, or some additional mental health search. 10 day wait, added fees, some tests. Did you look into any of that? I don’t have time to check all of your claims, but a quick search shows CA has a 10 day waiting period. That you have to give consent for a mental health search isn’t much of a hassle. Getting the Firearm Safety Certificate which requires classes and a test is a lot of hassle. Both of those add to the added fees CA has. ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2020, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/11 "2020-06-13T00:00:06Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > some tests. Has there been a major change I’m not aware of? What tests? ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2020, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/12 "2020-06-13T03:16:53Z")
> [@x-ray\_vision](#): > > Did you look into any of that? I don’t have time to check all of your claims, but a quick search shows CA has a 10 day waiting period. That you have to give consent for a mental health search isn’t much of a hassle. Getting the Firearm Safety Certificate which requires classes and a test is a lot of hassle. Both of those add to the added fees CA has. Not sure how far I want to get into this on GQ, there is already Federal question on this. To be clear (I don’t think) CA has these background checks, NJ does. CA has DROS and all that. > [@x-ray\_vision](#): > > Has there been a major change I’m not aware of? What tests? You have to demonstrate safe handling. My last experience in CA was buying one in… 2006, maybe? It’s supposed to be trivial. ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2020, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/13 "2020-06-13T03:53:28Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > You have to demonstrate safe handling. My last experience in CA was buying one in… 2006, maybe? It’s supposed to be trivial. I think I misunderstood you. I thought you meant “10 day wait, added fees, some tests” was for NJ. I guess you were saying that’s all that’s required for CA? There are no tests in NJ. THAT would be onerous. Allowing them to check if you’ve been in a mental hospital isn’t a big deal- it’s just a detail in the paperwork you have to sign. CA Safe handling test is at the time of purchase. Before that you have to take a written test. Googling a second time, a class may not be necessary. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2020, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/14 "2020-06-13T06:51:14Z")
> [@x-ray\_vision](#): > > I think I misunderstood you. I thought you meant “10 day wait, added fees, some tests” was for NJ. I guess you were saying that’s all that’s required for CA? There are no tests in NJ. THAT would be onerous. Allowing them to check if you’ve been in a mental hospital isn’t a big deal- it’s just a detail in the paperwork you have to sign. CA Safe handling test is at the time of purchase. Before that you have to take a written test. Googling a second time, a class may not be necessary. They already check mental hospital stays as part of federal 4473. Again though, a big difference is that you don’t need to provide reference letters in CA. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2020, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/15 "2020-06-13T12:13:10Z")
[Moderating] What requirements are “more onerous” is a matter of opinion, and is not germane to this thread, which is simply asking about what the requirements are. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2020, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/16 "2020-06-14T00:50:08Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > [Moderating] > > What requirements are “more onerous” is a matter of opinion, and is not germane to this thread, which is simply asking about what the requirements are. Yes which is why I don’t want to engage it. However I think you can objectively say whether states have an easier or harder process from the buyer’s standpoint without it being opinion. For example, some states have no additional standards above the federal one. Mine disallows private transfers and has a fixed $25 transfer fee, so it is objectively more stringent than Arizona, but still not as difficult as other states. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2020, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/17 "2020-06-14T02:22:59Z")
You “don’t want to engage it”? You’re the one who started the discussion of which state was most onerous. Drop it. Now. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2020, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-licenses/855559/18 "2020-06-14T02:23:00Z")
You “don’t want to engage it”? You’re the one who started the discussion of which state was most onerous. Drop it. Now.