The statutory fee to apply for a concealed carry permit in New Jersey has been $200 since the state’s so-called “carry killer” bill was signed into law in December of 2022. $50 of that fee was designated to go to the New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit struck down the $50 portion of the fee as a “tax on a right.”
Each town that votes to rebate the $150 portion of the fee makes the permit application free.
Want FREE New Jersey Permits to Carry a Handgun in Your Town?
If you would like to approach your town to introduce the idea, or if the town has expressed interest, the exact resolution language and briefing kit can be found here.
New Jersey Towns That Have Voted To Refund Carry Permit Fees
Below is a list and timeline of municipalities that have signed on to this groundbreaking initiative to refund applicants’ carry permit fees. This list will be updated in near real time.
Mansfield Township (Warren)
Wall Township (Monmouth)
Stafford Township (Ocean)
Riverdale (Morris)
Vineland (Cumberland)
New Jersey’s 2022 Fee Increase for Carry Permits
In what seems to be a growing trend in the Garden State, municipalities are starting to do what is in their power to respect, protect, and enable residents’ Second Amendment rights. In the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case of NYSRPA v. Bruen, which forced the holdout states to start issuing citizens’ permits to carry firearms in public for self-defense, New Jersey passed a law that, among other things, unnecessarily and greatly increased the fees required to apply.
With the enactment of the new law, New Jersey’s permit-to-carry application fee increased from $50 to $200. From the new fee, $150 goes to the municipality where the permit was applied for. As many know, rights may not be taxed, and the fees associated with exercising a constitutionally protected right must be reasonable and not discriminatory or prohibitive. However, the amount of $200 is arbitrary, excessive, and designed to act as a deterrent to application.
First In the Nation to Refund Carry Permit Fees to Applicants
A first in the nation, initially enacted by Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco, towns are beginning to rebate the $150 municipal portion of the new fee back to applicants. While municipalities would be happy to have this newfound money in their coffers, they are rightfully choosing to function in a manner and spirit that our government was always intended to function as: protectors of residents’ rights, protectors of the constitution, and servants of the people.
It is important to note that this initiative received, and continues to receive, direct support from the New Jersey Firearm Owners Syndicate, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, and the National Rifle Association.
How to Get Your New Jersey Municipality to Participate
This groundbreaking idea-turned-action was made possible through the early support of both New Jersey Firearms Owners Syndicate and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Members and leadership from the organizations were influential in the passage of the initial Englishtown resolution.
Pivotal boots-on-the-ground and logistical support have been provided by Syndicate’s Director of Legal Operations Joe LoPorto. LoPorto has personally testified at as many of the town meetings where these resolutions have been on the agenda as possible. LoPorto has been instrumental in ushering these resolutions into passage.
If you think your town might be ready or receptive to the idea, please reach out to Joe LoPorto by filling out the contact form located here.
