What action is required before selling a firearm privately in New Jersey?

Before selling a firearm privately in New Jersey, it is essential for the buyer to possess a valid permit, which is typically a Firearm Purchaser Identification Card or a Handgun Purchase Permit, depending on the type of firearm being purchased. This requirement ensures that the buyer has met the state's legal criteria for firearm ownership, which includes background checks and other vetting processes intended to promote public safety.

While notifying local police and obtaining state permission may seem important, New Jersey law specifically underscores the necessity of the buyer having a permit to engage in a legal private sale. This regulation aims to ensure that only individuals who have been cleared to possess firearms can acquire them, thus reinforcing the state’s commitment to responsible gun ownership and reducing the risk of firearms falling into the hands of those prohibited from owning them.