The use of firearms, bow & arrow, and explosives in Bernardsville is regulated by Borough Ordinance and enforced by the police department.  Anyone wishing to discharge a firearm, use a bow & arrow, or explosive device must first obtain a permit from the Borough.  The registration/permit application process is administered by the Police Department.  Each individual must register using the Firearms Permit Discharge Permit Registration/Application Form. An addendum and separate permission is required for each additional property that will be utilized.  Registration forms can be obtained below.  Completed registration forms must be submitted to the Police Department for approval.

*Three copies of the application must be submitted if you utilize the downloadable pdf applications below as the original forms are in triplicate. You must also download one copy of the Borough Ordinance for your review.

The Bernardsville Police Department processes a variety of firearms permit applications that are required to legally possess or use firearms in the State of New Jersey. Applicants must first obtain a Firearms Identification Card (FID Card). Handgun Purchase Permits can be obtained with the FID card or after receiving the FID Card. Please see the instructions below. 

Once the application has been completed, the applicant must come to the Police Department where specific instructions will be provided about required fingerprinting and fees to process the application.

MENTAL HEALTH FORM:
This form will be included in the application package if required.  The form must be completed and your signature witnessed. An officer can be your witness when you submit the completed application.

Obtaining a Firearms Purchaser ID Card and/or Handgun Purchase Permit:
The NJ firearms permit application process is now online. You may complete the application using a smartphone, mobile device, or web browser on your computer. Please follow the instructions below. 

STEP 1: Click the NJSP Firearms Application & Registration System button or go to https://www.njportal.com/njsp/FARS in your web browser. 
STEP 2: Enter the Bernardsville PD ORI Number: NJ0180300
**If an incorrect ORI number is entered on the form, you will NOT receive a firearms ID card or a permit to purchase. You will have to re-apply using the correct ORI number and pay for the process again. A refund cannot be issued.**
STEP 3: Follow the instructions and provide the requested information to complete the online application. 
STEP 4: You must appear at the Bernardsville Police Department to pay for your initial Firearms Identification Card (FID Card) and/or Pistol Purchase Permits. Your application will not be processed until the completion of the background check as per NJSC 13.54.1.4. 

Initial Firearms Purchaser Identification Card: $50.00
Handgun Purchase Permit: $25.00/permit

• You will receive automated email updates throughout this process. 
• Once your application is complete, a BPD representative will contact you.
• Please advise your references that the FARS system will email them a questionnaire. Your references can complete the questionnaire using a smartphone, mobile device, or computer. Please advise them to complete the questionnaire immediately to progress your background application. 
• The online application is applicant-driven. Please ensure that you have entered the best telephone numbers and email addresses for yourself and your references. 

See the FAQ page on the FARS web page to see common questions and answers. 

The following instructions are the same for the initial and renewal application.  If you have any questions, please call Kristine McNamara at 908-766-0037, x134.

Obtaining a New Jersey Conceal Carry Permit:
The NJ conceal carry permit application process is now online. You may complete the application using a smartphone, mobile device, or web browser on your computer. Please follow the instructions below. 

STEP 1: Click the yellow hyperlink or type the following URL https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/ConcealedCarry/ in your web browser. 

STEP 2: Enter the Bernardsville PD ORI Number: NJ0180300
**If an incorrect ORI number is entered on the form, you will NOT receive a firearms ID card or a permit to purchase. You will have to re-apply using the correct ORI number and pay for the process again. A refund cannot be issued.**
STEP 3: Follow the instructions and provide the requested information to complete the online application. 

After your application has been submitted you will be contacted to submit payment.

The following payments are required:
Money Order in the amount of $50.00 payable to "Treasurer - State of New Jersey"  Money Order in the amount of $150.00 payable to "Borough of Bernardsville"

• You will receive automated email updates throughout this process. 
• Once your application is complete, a BPD representative will contact you.
• Please advise your references that the FARS system will email them a questionnaire. Your references can complete the questionnaire using a smartphone, mobile device, or computer. Please advise them to complete the questionnaire immediately to progress your background application. 
• The online application is applicant-driven. Please ensure that you have entered the best telephone numbers and email addresses for yourself and your references. 

See the FAQ page on the FARS web page to see common questions and answers. 

• ALL APPLICANTS (INITIAL AND RENEWAL) FOR PERMIT TO CARRY A HANDGUN MUST BE FINGERPRINTED.  INSTRUCTIONS FOR FINGERPRINTING WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.
• A NEW JERSEY PERMIT TO CARRY IS VALID FOR TWO (2) YEARS FROM TIME OF APPROVAL.
• IF ANY OF THE PRECEDING REQUIREMENTS ARE INCOMPLETE OR INCORRECT THE APPLICATION WILL BE RETURNED AND YOU WILL HAVE TO RE-APPLY.

*If you experience any difficulty downloading the forms, please visit the NJSP Firearms Webpage. Forms that are required for permit to carry a handgun are: S.P. 642 and S.P. 066*

NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE FIREARMS WEBPAGE 

*It's recommended that you first download the PDF form to your computer and then open it with Adobe Reader. Opening and filling the forms in a web browser will cause issues.*