Who issues handgun carry permits in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, handgun carry permits are issued by the local municipal police chief. This process involves the applicant submitting an application to the police chief of their municipality, who conducts an investigation including background checks and interviews to assess whether the applicant meets the necessary criteria for a carry permit.

Options such as the FBI, the New Jersey State Police, and the Department of Justice are involved in various aspects of law enforcement and public safety, but the authority to issue handgun carry permits is specifically vested in local municipal police chiefs. This decentralized approach ensures that local law enforcement is closely involved in the decision-making process regarding the issuance of, and regulations surrounding, carry permits.