Moving from ND to NJ

I spent the first 23 years of my life living in Northern NJ and moved to North Dakota about 3 years ago. During my time here, I've acquired a Glock 19 and a stripped lower receiver for an AR15 that I had planned on building in ND. I've done some initial research, but thought I'd pick the brains of the good people here :). I will be moving back in April and temporarily living with my parents until August. My residency will stay in ND until then.

From what I've read in this (http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_50/481792_Moved_to_NJ.html) thread, it sounds like my Glock is good to go. I will be flying back in mid-April and plan on checking my Glock, but I'm not really sure about the AR lower receiver. Is this something I can UPS to myself in NJ, or do I need to declare it as a firearm (much like my Glock) and check it as well? I've checked my airlines site and comply with all of their requirements for my Glock.

Is there anything special I need to do once I enter the state? My gut says no, but I want to be 150% sure.

Glock 19 is fine (15 round magazines - that's the limit here), and your stripped lower is also fine - although you'll need to follow the NJ rules when you build it up (but that's a topic for another discussion).

The ATF considers that stripped lower a firearm, so you'll need to declare that, as well. Alternatively, you can UPS or FedEx it to yourself at your new location (you can NOT use the USPS for this). It's up to you, but I've heard that both carriers have issues with individuals shipping firearms to other-than-licensed-dealers, even though the law allows you to ship it to yourself. It may be easier to just declare them and check them in your luggage.

When you get to NJ, you will be in possession of firearms without any paperwork (FID card, or permit to carry a handgun), so you'll be operating under one of our exemptions to our unlawful possession statute - specifically, 2C:39-6e (which allows possession of unloaded firearms while moving from one home to another). To that end, make sure that you go directly from the airport to your new residence. Don't stop for lunch, don't stop at a rest area, and whatever you do, don't stop to visit your parents, make veiled statements of suicide, then return back when the police call your cell phone and ask you back "for a few questions" (google "Brian Aitken" for this explanation).

There is no mandatory firearms registration in NJ. You are allowed to possess NJ-legal firearms in your home without any permit or ID card. However, it is strongly recommended that you apply for your NJ Firearms ID card as soon as possible, for a number of reasons. 1) You'll need it to purchase ammunition in this state. 2) Although legal to transport your firearms to/from a range without one, some LEO's believe otherwise, and will cause you much grief if they discover you with firearms and no FID card.

Good luck, and welcome to the Great Garden State

Thanks for the very informative post, Tom, it's much appreciated! I will make sure that I go straight home once I land.

Are you aware of any restrictions on out-of-staters for a firearms ID card? I will be keep my primary residence (and driver's license) in North Dakota until August.

By law, non-residents can apply for, and receive, a Firearms ID card. Application for such must be made at a NJ State Police Barracks. In practice, I've heard in the past that people run into resistance when making such application. It can't hurt much to try, though.

At worst, you maintain your primary residence in ND... mail-order any ammo you need, and just keep a printed copy of the statutes with you when you go to and from a range... just on the off-chance that a LEO questions your firearms possession.

OK, I might as well at least try. Thanks for all your help Tom.

Wouldn't a NJ FID be worthless without a NJ Drivers License with a matching address to go along with it? I've not purchased ammo in years so I'm not sure if its the same now that you "need" a FID to buy it, as it is when you buy a gun. Do you need a DL and FID with matching address like when you buy a gun?

I think the box stores will ask for FID if you are purchasing pistol ammo.

What if I were purchasing non-pistol ammo?

I think if it is cross-platform, they will asked.

Most stores are either too illiterate, or just too afraid, to understand the difference between "ammunition designed primarily for use in a handgun", and rifle ammunition, and therefore they ask for an FID for ANY ammunition purchase.

Tom

I was under the impression that in order to possess or own a firearm in this "great" state you must have an FFID card.

Can you prove me wrong?

If so please do.

2C:39-6e:

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