New Jersey’s Gun Registration Laws for Manufacturers and Dealers

New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, including requirements for manufacturers and wholesale dealers of firearms to register with the state. Section 2C:58-1 of New Jersey’s criminal code lays out the registration requirements for these businesses. Understanding these laws is crucial for companies looking to legally manufacture or sell guns in the Garden State.

Overview of 2C:58-1

This section of New Jersey’s criminal code requires all manufacturers and wholesale dealers of firearms to register with the Superintendent of State Police. This applies to anyone engaged in the business of manufacturing or wholesaling firearms in the state. Failure to properly register is a third-degree crime in New Jersey[1].

The registration process involves submitting an application, getting fingerprinted, and paying fees. Registrations must be renewed every three years. Approved registrants will receive a registration number that must be included on all documentation related to firearm sales[2].

Records of all sales must be kept by manufacturers and wholesalers. These records are subject to inspection by law enforcement. Specific details are required for each sale, including information on the firearm model and serial number, purchaser, date, and more.

There are also restrictions on sales. For example, manufacturers and wholesalers cannot deliver firearms to unlicensed individuals. Sales are limited to retail dealers and law enforcement agencies only[3].

Details on Registering as a Manufacturer or Dealer

To register as a gun manufacturer or wholesaler in New Jersey, businesses must submit an application to the Superintendent that includes basic business information. This covers details like the business name, addresses, owners’ names, and the types of firearms to be manufactured or sold[4].

Applicants must also submit a consent form for a criminal background check. The Superintendent will conduct a search of criminal records to determine if the applicants are eligible to register[5]. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify an individual from registering.

Once the application is approved, the business owners must get fingerprinted at an authorized location. The registration fee is also due at this time. Currently, the fee is $150 for an initial 3-year registration period.

Registrations must be renewed every 3 years by resubmitting an application, getting re-fingerprinted, and paying a $150 renewal fee. Failing to renew on time will result in the registration lapsing.

Sales Restrictions on Registered Manufacturers and Wholesalers

New Jersey puts several restrictions on the sales activities of registered firearm manufacturers and wholesalers. One key limitation is that they can generally only sell to licensed retail firearms dealers and law enforcement agencies.

Private sales to individuals are prohibited, even if the buyer has a valid firearms purchaser ID card. Manufacturers and wholesalers are barred from direct retail sales unless they get a separate retail dealer license.

Another restriction requires that all firearms be delivered unloaded and securely wrapped. Ammunition cannot be sold as part of a firearms sale. Firearms and ammunition must be delivered separately.

There are exceptions to some of these rules, such as allowing sales of antique cannon over a certain age. But manufacturers and wholesalers must be careful to follow all applicable regulations.

Dealer Licensing vs. Manufacturer/Wholesaler Registration

It’s important to understand the difference between registering as a gun manufacturer/wholesaler versus getting a retail dealer license in New Jersey. They are two distinct credentials with separate requirements.

The retail dealer license covers selling firearms directly to individual buyers. These licensees can make private sales to customers who have valid firearms ID cards. Registration does not allow manufacturers and wholesalers to make direct sales without the retail license.

Dealer licensing involves its own application process, fees, and restrictions enforced by local police departments. Like registrations, dealer licenses must also be renewed periodically to remain valid.

Federal Registration and Licensing

On top of New Jersey’s registration system, federal law also requires gun manufacturers, importers, and dealers to register with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) . Even after registering in New Jersey, these businesses must separately file for federal licenses from the ATF.

The federal process requires submitting fingerprints, photographs, and extensive personal information. Applicants undergo thorough background checks by the FBI. There are fees for both the initial application and renewals every three years.