Application for Retired Law Enforcement Officer Permit to Carry a Handgun


Service Information

The RPO program allows for online submission of both initial and renewal applications. Initial application can be submitted up to two (2) months before the anticipated date of retirement. Approved applications are due for renewal every year. Renewal application can be submitted up to three (3) months before the expiration date. RPO applicants need to have been fingerprinted for firearms purposes in New Jersey and assigned SBI Number before they can apply for RPO program. If you have never been fingerprinted for firearms purposes in New Jersey before, start with an application for Initial Firearms I.D. card here.

A retired law enforcement officer must qualify twice per calendar year, minimum three months apart, as per the New Jersey Attorney General's guidelines. Both initial and renewal application require submission of information pertaining to one training record of the qualification undertaken within a three (3) month timeframe prior to date of application. Approved applicants are responsible for maintaining the training records of all their required qualifications. View the list of approved instructors and what you will need for initial and renewal applications from links on this page.


What will I need for submitting Initial RPO application?

Initial RPO application requires following:

  • SBI Number
  • Badge Number – only for retired New Jersey State Trooper
  • One training record completed within past 3 months – instructor name and qualification date
  • Personal Information including Social Security Number and Driver License Number
  • Upload of recent photograph
  • Background information
  • Information for Chief Law Enforcement Officer who will be certifying the applicants dates of employment and verify that they retired in good standing
  • $125.00 fee
What will I need for submitting renewal RPO application?

Renewal RPO application requires following:

  • SBI Number, Last Name and Date of Birth for validation
  • One training record completed within past 3 months – instructor name and qualification date
  • Any update to Personal Information
  • Upload of recent photograph
  • Background information
  • $125.00 fee
Can I search for approved qualifiers?

Click here for the list of Shooting Ranges that can be contacted for reference to RPO qualifiers.

Initial Application Renewal Application