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ADD diagnosis - Can i still get my card?

15K views 35 replies 22 participants last post by  nickg  
#1 ·
Hi guys,
I'm a new hunter looking to get my FPID card. I've done a bunch of research, but found a ton of misinformation and can't really make heads or tails of it all.

My ADD/ADHD diagnosis was a few years ago, and i was only medicated briefly. I haven't been medicated in a year or two, and don't plan on continuing in the future. I consider it cured.
A bunch of people refered to a magic form that I should have my doctor sign to present with my application. Is this real, and if so, where can i find it? The other popular opinion is that since i have had a mental health related diagnosis, I won't be allowed to purchase a gun in the state of New Jersey at all. What do you guys think of this?

Any help would be appreciated!
 
#6 ·
Look! A squirrel!
 
#13 ·
What do you mean your right to legally own without an FID? Are you referring to guns you already owned before you moved here or before the FID law came into effect? Because IFAIK those are the only two possibilities for owning without an FID. You certainly won't be able to buy in NJ and if you buy out of state and bring it into the state without FID or FFL transfer you are breaking a law that can get you hard time. Not sure I'd take that chance.
 
#18 ·
Thanks A&N, that's exactly what I was hoping to hear. Did you submit anything else besides a thorough explanation to the question on the application?

To everyone suggesting I don't over complicate things, the post 51smd mentioned is the reason why I even stopped to consider that ADHD might be an issue. Various people claimed they were denied for their card because of this on outside sites.

I requested my medical records from the healthcare provider, I'll use that to make sure I get my dates and information correct.

Jimmy, it would obviously be a risk, but it would be a calculated one. And if you really think about it, it's not a terrible option. Owning a gun is self defense for me. I'm a crossbow hunter, so the gun stays in my home. There's very little risk of even having law enforcement know about it. And if it's technically legal, it's an option worth considering if all else fails.
 
#30 ·
To answer your question.... I simply disclosed that I had ADHD. To the questions about am I dependent on any controlled substance. I answered no. I'm not dependent on my Adderall. I choose to take it. And there are days I choose to not take it and still am just fine. Also there is the mental health form that allows them to do a background check and I guess pull your state records. I believe the are looking to see if you had any hospitalizations or lock ups in a psych ward. As long as you're honest and don't have a sever background of mental instability you should be fine. But who knows what the state will think. After all we live in jersey and things never go the way they should.


And for the record for those who don't understand the big fuzz over the diagnosis of ADHD/ADD. For those who are truly diagnosed with it and not just claim to have it. In the medical world there is a bit of a stigma that comes with it. ADHD/ADD is viewed as a Mental Health Disorder. That's correct... A mealth health disorder which Bi Polar, Schizophrenia, major depression etc fall under as well. Which is why there is a cause for concern for us who have the disorder and which to obtain FID.

As long as your honest, you should be okay. Good luck!!!!
 
#20 ·
I also have ADHD and take medicine daily. It's bad enough that i used to see a therapist when i was a kid. I reported it on my FID application and i didn't have any issue getting mine. Just answer truthfully would be my advice.
 
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#22 ·
Jayb I hear ya and agree that the second amendment should be all anyone needs to know. However, you've got to realize this is a public forum. Several Leo's are members and I have been told by COs that they regularly troll this site and others like it looking for people incriminating themselves. Whether or not they go through the trouble of finding out who you are is a different story. Remember we live in NJ, it's a police state. Even if you are right theyll do everything in their power to prove you wrong (the state not cops).

Just so you don't think I'm just a naysayer here's my post.
http://www.newjerseyhunter.com/foru...irearms-id-card-gun-permits/168301-fid-mental-health-first-hand-experience.html
Although I don't have adhd maybe it can help you a little.

Good Luck!
 
#24 ·
Do they? Huh, i didn't realize law enforcement would bother with reading stuff like this. I figured they had better things to do, but you make a good point. I'll keep that in mind in the future, I appreciate the heads up. In this case though, I'm from Vermont and the firearm was purchased legally.
I read your story, that was a good post. That was exactly the kind of thing I came here to find out.

Well, it seems like you folks here are 6/6 when just telling the truth and not bothering with seeking an expungment or getting into that mess. Seems plenty good enough for me! I'll definitely go that route. Although I think I'll included a letter from the psychiatrist like Jimmy did, especially since it's a solved issue with a paper trail still says it's current.

Thanks for all the help guys! I'd heard enough anecdotal evidence from elsewhere, but you guys gave me exactly what I was looking for. I'll be sticking around here for sure!
 
#28 ·
The law is only part of the equation. Issuance is initially up to the discretion of the police chief in the town where you apply. Some towns/cities are notorious for their reluctance or added prerequisites regarding FPID issuance. I've seen pistol permits issued in a couple of days in some towns where the applicant and chief were well acquainted. I've also seen people denied based on a feeling the chief had or some prior history that caused the chief to "dislike" the applicant.

The point is, even if you have all your ducks in a row, you might still be denied. Once denied, then your on to appealing it which can equal $$$.