Applying for a Firearms ID card or Handgun Purchase Permit

Please read all of the steps before visiting the website. Not following all of the directions as outlined will delay the application process.

Upon completing the online application, all applicants must submit an online payment for their permits and, if applicable, the Firearms ID card to the Hamilton Police Division by utilizing the Hamilton Police Division Firearms Permit Payment System

• Initial Firearms Identification Card, $50
• Permit to Purchase a Handgun, $25 each
• Permit to Carry, $150

Your application will not be processed until you have paid for the initial Firearms Identification card (FID) or Permit to Purchase a Handgun(s). Non-refundable payment is required to be made prior to the start of the background investigation as per NJAC 13:54-1.4.

The NJSP 212A fee that is paid upon completion of the online application is a separate charge from the Initial Firearms Identification Card and Permit to Purchase a Handgun Fee listed above.

First-time applicants have 90 days to get fingerprinted. No exceptions. If we do not receive your fingerprints within 90 days your application will be withdrawn and you will have to reapply.

Hamilton Police Division ORI Number: NJ0110300

Please note that this system is taking the place of the current application system and no paper application is required. Applicants who have resided outside of the State of New Jersey, within a ten-year period will still be required to complete the Consent for Mental Health Records Search form in person at the Hamilton Police Division.

FARS Application Procedures for Applicants

Step 1

Applicants must visit the firearm application website and review the "Service Information" section of the page. Click on the "Online ST.S. 033 Form" option, located towards the bottom left corner of the page.

Step 2

Hamilton Police Division ORI Number is NJ0110300. Applicants will not be able to complete the FARS online application without the proper ORI number.

Step 3

Complete the online application, step by step. Applicants may complete the application using a smartphone, mobile device, laptop (preferred), or desktop computer (preferred). When completing the application applicants will need the email address of two reputable references. The references can be family members.

Step 4

You must pay for your initial Firearms Identification card (FID) or Permit to Purchase a Handgun(s) by utilizing the Hamilton Police Division Firearms Permit Payment System. Your application will not be processed until you have paid for the initial Firearms Identification card (FID) or Permit to Purchase a Handgun(s). Non-refundable payment is required to be made prior to the start of the background investigation as per NJAC 13:54-1.4. Payment must be made via the online Hamilton Police Division Firearms Permit Payment System. No cash, checks or money orders will be accepted.

• Initial Firearms Identification Card, $50
• Permit to Purchase a Handgun, $25 each
• Permit to Carry, $150

Step 5

After the applicant's background check and Firearms Identification card (FID) or Permit to Purchase a Handgun is approved, the applicant will receive an email confirming their approval. All Firearm Identification Cards are now downloadable once the background approval process has been completed. All Permit to Purchase a Handgun are electronic and will be available to the Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer upon completion of the background approval process.

Helpful Application Tips

• If the applicant makes a mistake while applying, they simply can re-apply. The applicant should understand that allapplication fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.The Applicant must utilize the correct ORI for the correct Police Agency. Hamilton Twp Mercer County is NJ0110300.
• FARS is taking the place of the STS 033 form. Applicants can apply for all the same options as the paper application form with the exception of Permits to Carry.
• Permits to Carry are not able to be applied for utilizing FARS currently. Future phases of FARS will accept Permit to Carry Applications. The paper application still applies to Permits to Carry.
• The applicant must enter their "Official Name". They cannot utilize simplified versions of their names (Joe vs. Joseph).
• Applicants must enter accurate phone numbers and emails for themselves and their references. If in the event that an applicant needs correct or update a current reference or supply an additional reference please contact the Hamilton Police Division's Firearms Unit at firearmsunit@hamiltonpdnj.gov for direction.
• Family members can be references.
• After the applicant enters all required information, a review page appears where the applicant can edit all information entered into the application prior to final submission.
• An initial applicant will be able to print out their fingerprint form at the end of the application and is directed to do so.
• The applicant is also directed to print both the confirmation page and application at the end of the process. This is for quick reference in the event of an issue.
• No payment is taken from initial applicants by FARS. Only 212A applicants will pay at the end of their online application process.
• Initial Firearms Identification card (FID) and Permit to Purchase a Handgun(s) are instructed to use the online Hamilton Police Division Firearms Permit Payment System to pay the specific fees associated with their application.
• Applicants will be receiving automated email updates throughout this new process.
• Please advise your references that the FARS system will email them the reference questions to be answered. Your references can complete the questions using a smartphone, mobile device, laptop (preferred), or desktop computer (preferred). Please advise them to complete the questions immediately to process your background investigation.
• The online application is applicant-driven. Please ensure that you have entered the best phone number for yourself and your references as well as the best email address for yourself and your references.
• ID Photos must be originals. Do not submit pictures of a picture.