As anyone who owns a gun can tell you, buying and selling firearms is heavily restricted. There are numerous background and safety checks that must be performed first. To be permitted to purchase firearms, you must have a firearm purchaser identification card (FID).
A firearm purchaser identification card, often shorted to firearm identification card or simply FID, is proof that you have passed all necessary checks and restrictions to purchase a gun. Think of it like a driver’s license: you cannot legally drive a car unless you have a driver’s license. Similarly, you cannot legally purchase a gun until you are issued an FID.
Getting an FID can be a complicated process involving many forms and paperwork. Mistakes on an application could cost you your FID. Our Atlantic County firearm purchaser ID card attorneys can help you with the application process. Call the Lombardo Law Group, LLC at (609) 445-4300 for a free case review.
What Is a Firearm Purchaser Identification Card in Atlantic County?
Under N.J.S.A. § 2C:39-5, it may be a criminal offense to have a firearm without also having a firearm purchaser identification card. For example, having a rifle or shotgun without an FID may be charged as a third-degree crime. The only way to get an FID is to fill out the application and get approved by the state.
An FID is necessary because it lets firearm dealers know that the person buying a gun from them is properly authorized by the state. It may be a criminal offense to sell or transfer weapons to people not authorized or licensed to have them. If you are caught trying to purchase a firearm without a valid FID, you may also be criminally charged.
An FID may be issued to anyone who is not otherwise prohibited from owning or carrying a gun. If you have a criminal record, a history of drug abuse, or believe there may be another reason why you might be denied, talk to our Atlantic County firearm purchaser ID card attorneys.
How to Apply for a Firearm Purchaser Identification Card in Atlantic County
Applying for an FID is often done online. However, filling out your application before submitting it online might take a bit of time. Our Atlantic County firearm purchaser identification card lawyers can help you begin your application process.
Before applying, you need to speak to your local police department to get an Originating Agency Identifier (ORI) number. Your local police department is responsible for issuing your FID, and the ORI number keeps your application connected to the proper authorities. If you provide the wrong ORI number, your application may be denied.
You also have to schedule an appointment for official fingerprinting if you have never done so for firearms purposes. Your fingerprints can be submitted after you submit your FID application. If you do not know how to schedule a fingerprinting appointment, our Atlantic County firearm purchaser identification card attorneys can help you.
Once approved, you should receive an email confirming your FID approval and a link to download and print a copy of your card. There is usually no need for an applicant to set foot in their local police department unless you need to pay a fee or are requested to appear by a background investigator.
Exceptions to the Requirement for a Firearm Purchaser Identification Card in Atlantic County
While the requirement for an FID card exists in most firearm transactions, there are a few circumstances in which the requirement for an FID is waived. If you are in legal trouble related to a firearm transaction but you believe no FID was required, speak to our Atlantic County firearm purchaser identification card lawyers for help.
First, no FID is required when a transaction occurs between immediate family members. For example, if a husband gives or sells a gun to his wife, there is no need for a firearm purchaser identification card. However, the wife in this scenario must still be properly authorized to have and carry a firearm.
Second, A transfer, exchange, or other transaction involving firearms will not require an FID card if the parties involved are both law enforcement officers. Police officers are often licensed to buy and carry guns as part of their jobs, so FID cards are redundant.
Third, people who collect antique firearms and ammunition as curios are not usually required to have an FID for antique firearm transactions. However, such a person would have to have a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License instead. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives may issue such a license.
Finally, temporary transfers often do not require an FID card. However, there may be other rules and standards that must be met in a temporary transaction. For example, a temporary transaction might not be lawful if the other person in the transaction is ineligible to own a firearm.
People Ineligible for a Firearm Purchaser Identification Card in Atlantic County
Generally, anybody who is not prohibited in some way from owning or buying a firearm can be approved for an FID card. However, specific groups of people are categorically banned from getting an FID card and may never purchase a firearm.
If you were previously convicted of any crime or disorderly persons offense that involved domestic violence, you will be denied an FID card. It does not matter whether a firearm was used in the common of the previous domestic violence offense.
People who are dependent on drugs or are confined to a hospital or institution for a mental health reason may be denied an FID. Similarly, someone who has an alcohol dependency issue may be denied. Similarly, if an FID applicant has a physical condition that makes operating a firearm unsafe, they will be denied.
If you were previously committed to a mental health institution or went through drug and alcohol treatment and sober, you might be able to get an FID card. Also, if your physical condition that made using a gun dangerous has resolved or treated, you should talk to our Atlantic County firearm purchaser ID card lawyers.
Call Our Atlantic County Firearm Purchaser Identification Card Attorneys About Your Application
If you want to purchase a gun, you will likely need a firearm purchaser identification card. Our Atlantic County firearm ID card attorneys can help you understand your application and rights going forward. Call the Lombardo Law Group, LLC at (609) 445-4300 for a free initial evaluation.
