As we move further into 2026, the landscape of New Jersey’s firearm laws is shifting at a relentless pace. For young adults between the ages of 18 and 25, the question of whether the state can legally deny a handgun permit is no longer just a matter of reading a statute; it is the focal point of a major constitutional battle. If you are a law-abiding resident in Newark, New Brunswick, or Totowa, you may be wondering if your age alone is a valid reason for the police to reject your Second Amendment rights.
At Camili & Capo, we represent clients navigating the complexities of New Jersey’s permitting system. If you have been denied a permit or are confused about the 2026 legislative updates, this guide explains your rights and the current state of the law.
The Age Gap: 18 vs. 21 in New Jersey Law
Historically, New Jersey law under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3 drew a strict age-based distinction between long guns and handguns. While individuals could obtain a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card (FID) for rifles and shotguns at age 18, they were prohibited from obtaining a permit to purchase a handgun until age 21.
In 2026, the longstanding categorical ban on handgun rights for 18- to 20-year-olds is facing intense legal scrutiny in federal courts. Under the Supreme Court’s Bruen test, several circuits have ruled that adults aged 18 to 20 are among the people protected by the Second Amendment, leading to challenges to both federal and state age-based restrictions. While the Third Circuit has not yet issued a final ruling directly striking down New Jersey’s age-based handgun restrictions, federal lawsuits are underway that could reshape how those laws are applied.
Breaking 2026 Update: The Impact of New Jersey Bill S2589
In January 2026, New Jersey lawmakers introduced Senate Bill S2589, a proposal that could significantly reshape how young adults access firearms in the state. The bill focuses on applicants between the ages of 18 and 25 and represents a shift away from strict age-based prohibitions toward a new regulatory framework.
Rather than imposing an outright ban on firearm permits for this age group, the bill proposes a mandatory screening process that must be completed before an applicant can receive either a permit to purchase a handgun or a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card for a rifle or shotgun. This approach appears designed to withstand increased constitutional scrutiny following recent federal court decisions addressing age-based firearm restrictions.
The Proposed 18–25 Risk Assessment Process
Under the proposed bill, the Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, would be responsible for developing a screening process to evaluate whether an applicant between the ages of 18 and 25 poses a significant risk of bodily injury to themselves or others if permitted to possess or purchase a firearm.
Completion of this screening would become a prerequisite to the permit application process. Importantly, the bill does not limit denials to applicants with criminal records. Instead, a permit could be denied based on the outcome of the state-designed risk assessment, even where no disqualifying criminal history exists.
Because the bill delegates broad authority to state agencies to define screening criteria, this represents a substantial expansion of discretionary decision-making in New Jersey’s firearm permitting system. If enacted, the law is likely to generate an increase in permit denials and administrative appeals throughout 2026, particularly as courts begin to evaluate how these screening decisions align with constitutional protections.
For individuals navigating this process, early legal guidance can be critical when challenging a denial or ensuring that subjective assessments do not override lawful eligibility.
Common Reasons for Permit Denials in New Jersey
Beyond age-specific legislation, New Jersey remains a state with incredibly strict disqualifiers. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3(c), your permit can be denied for several reasons that have nothing to do with your age:
- Criminal Record: Conviction of a crime or a disorderly persons offense involving domestic violence is an automatic disqualifier.
- Restraining Orders: Being subject to either a Temporary or Final Restraining Order will result in a denial.
- Mental Health: A history of institutionalization or certain mental health diagnoses can trigger a denial, though these can sometimes be resolved through a medical expungement.
- The Public Health, Safety, or Welfare Catch-All: This is the most common reason for a denial. It allows a local Police Chief to deny a permit if they believe the applicant is unfit based on prior police contacts, even if those contacts never resulted in a conviction or a charge.
In 2026, we expect the public safety catch-all to be used more frequently against young adults who may have minor disciplinary issues from high school or college on their records.
What to Do if Your Handgun Permit is Denied
If you receive a denial letter from your local Police Chief or the New Jersey State Police, you must act with extreme urgency. Your rights do not simply disappear, but the window to protect them is very narrow.
The 30-Day Appeal Deadline
In New Jersey, you have exactly 30 days from the date you receive the denial to file a formal request for a hearing in the Superior Court. If you miss this deadline, the denial stands, and it can be used against you in any future firearm applications.
The Superior Court Hearing
This appeal is not a simple meeting with the police; it is a formal legal hearing before a judge. The Police Chief will be represented by a County Prosecutor who will present evidence to justify why they believe you should not own a firearm. During this hearing, you have the right to present evidence of your character, cross-examine the officer who conducted your background check, and argue that the denial is unconstitutional or based on insufficient evidence.
Challenging Age-Based Denials
If your firearm permit application is denied solely because you are under the age of 21, your case may raise serious constitutional questions. In the wake of recent federal court decisions interpreting the Second Amendment, age-based firearm restrictions are facing increasing scrutiny nationwide.
At the same time, New Jersey lawmakers have proposed new legislative approaches, including Senate Bill S2589, which would impose additional screening requirements on applicants between the ages of 18 and 25 if enacted. While that bill has not yet become law, its introduction reflects the state’s effort to respond to ongoing constitutional challenges by shifting from categorical age limits to discretionary screening models.
As federal courts continue to evaluate whether age-based firearm restrictions align with constitutional protections, applicants denied under existing statutes may find themselves caught between evolving federal case law and entrenched state enforcement practices. Successfully challenging these denials often requires careful legal analysis and close attention to rapidly developing court decisions.
Why Firearm Revocations and Delays Require Immediate Legal Action
New Jersey’s firearm laws give issuing authorities broad discretion, particularly when public safety concerns or age-related issues are raised. In 2026, as courts continue to examine age-based restrictions and lawmakers propose new regulatory frameworks, permit holders are increasingly seeing heightened scrutiny applied to existing approvals.
While some firearm applicants face initial denials, others encounter a different and equally serious problem: the revocation or prolonged delay of an already-issued permit or identification card. These actions often arise after a police department reexamines an individual’s record, applies discretionary public safety standards, or responds to shifting interpretations of the law.
When a permit is revoked or suspended, the consequences are immediate. Firearms may be seized, future applications can be jeopardized, and the burden shifts to the permit holder to challenge the state’s action in court. Likewise, excessive delays can effectively function as a denial, leaving individuals in legal limbo without clear answers or timelines.
Camili & Capo represents clients facing firearm permit revocations throughout New Jersey. The firm focuses on protecting the rights of lawful gun owners by challenging overbroad enforcement actions, demanding accountability from issuing authorities, and advocating for fair application of the law as it continues to evolve.
As the legal landscape changes, permit holders must stay informed and act quickly when their rights are restricted. Early legal intervention can be critical when navigating revocation proceedings or delay-related disputes.
Updated Snapshot of New Jersey Firearm Law in 2026
- Ages 18 to 20: Eligible to hold Firearms Purchaser Identification Cards for rifles and shotguns under current law, while handgun purchase restrictions remain under active constitutional review.
- Age 21 and Over: Eligible for all firearm permits, but subject to expanded scrutiny and discretionary enforcement by issuing authorities.
- Ages 18 to 25: The focus of proposed legislation, including New Jersey Senate Bill S2589, which would introduce additional screening requirements if enacted. These provisions are not currently in effect.
- Revocations and Delays: Law enforcement agencies retain authority to revoke permits or delay renewals based on evolving interpretations of public safety standards.
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Protect Your Gun Rights with Camili & Capo
Changes to New Jersey’s firearm laws and enforcement practices are creating new challenges for lawful gun owners. If your firearms permit or identification card has been revoked, suspended, or subjected to prolonged delay, the consequences can be immediate and disruptive. These actions often occur with little warning and are frequently justified under broad public safety standards.
Camili & Capo represents individuals whose firearm rights have been restricted through permit revocations. Whether you are facing heightened scrutiny due to recent legislative proposals or experiencing prolonged inaction by an issuing authority, legal guidance can be critical to protecting your rights and preventing long-term consequences.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If your firearms permit has been revoked or your application without clear justification, contact Camili & Capo promptly. Our firm can evaluate your situation, explain your options, and help you determine the appropriate next steps under New Jersey law.
Call (973) 834-8457 or contact Camili & Capo online to schedule your free, confidential consultation. Staying informed and acting quickly can make a meaningful difference when your rights are on the line. We represent clients throughout New Jersey, including Totowa, East Rutherford, and Union City.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
