A question about needing a permit for turtles in NJ?

[chavivi]

I've been thinking about getting a few turtles as pets. I live in New Jersey and its illegal to sell them here, so I have to order online or go to a surrounding state. To own turtles legally here, I found out that I'd need to get a permit, which costs money each year. I'm just curious about how they would even know someone had turtles without a permit to be able to enforce it.
Its not illegal to own them or buy them here. Its only illegal for people to sell them within the state. Its still legal to have turtles as pets, so don't give me any "Don't do it if its illegal" answers. Just tell me how they would even know if people have pet turtles, let alone having them without a permit, to be able to enforce that law

[lathrop]

Word gets out at some point, plus when you need to take your turtle to the vet I'm not too sure about this since I don't live in that state but, they might ask you for your permits. Otherwise get turtles that you can legally own without permits like eastern painted, I don't suggest a snapping turtle.