The asinine requirement to purchase a firearm (rifle or shotgun), ammunition or
even BB guns in the
People's Republic of
New Jersey. Although not technically required for possession of such items, it does, as a generality, serve as a de facto proof of being "eligible" to possess firearms. Application for FID is typically made to the
law enforcement agency at which one resides. Non residents apply at the nearest NJSP trooper barracks. The process is highly intrusive and involves signing a waiver to allow disclosure of mental health information to determine eligibility and the providing of references who must attest to the "fitness" of the applicant.
The process is supposed to take no more than 30 days, but do to prevailing anti 2nd amendment attitudes and sentiments held by most
law enforcement agencies, it can take, in some cases, upwards of a year to be issued one; other localities, more accepting of the second amendment
will issue within 30 days. In addition, there are multiple cases of denial for "arbitrary" and vague reasons, often termed as "public health and
safety".
Oh you want to buy this gun, ok, let me
see your Firearm Identification Card before we can proceed with this sale.
Oh, you want to apply for a FID. Here sign this mental health waiver and we'll hopefully issue your card in the next year or so.
LEO- Let me
see your FID.
Law abiding citizen-Sir, respectfully, I do not need a FID since I am in possession under one of the exemptions provided for by NJ
law.
LEO-Get the fuck out of the car and get on the ground!!!!! You cannot possess a firearm without a FID!!!!!