Connecticut Gun Laws: Permit Requirements

Applications in Connecticut are processed by the State Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU).

 What is required to buy a gun in Connecticut?

A gun buyer must:

• Have either a Connecticut Pistol Permit or a Certificate of Eligibility to purchase a pistol, revolver, long gun or ammunition
• Complete an approved safety course
• Pass a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check, and
• Pass a mental-health records check

 What Is a Certificate of Eligibility in Connecticut?

An eligibility certificate entitles the holder to purchase a firearm and transport the firearm to their residence or place of business. It does not entitle the holder to carry a firearm on their person.

 Is There a Waiting Period to Buy a Gun in Connecticut?

There is no waiting period to purchase firearms if you hold a Connecticut Pistol Permit or a Certificate of Eligibility to purchase a firearm. There is a two-week waiting period to buy a firearm if you do not have a Connecticut Pistol Permit. There is no waiting period for those with a long gun, valid state handgun carrying permit, active members of the military, or valid Connecticut state hunting license.

 Who is eligible to obtain a gun permit in Connecticut?

Any state resident who is at least 21 years of age, or non-residents with a valid concealed-carry permit from another state are eligible to apply. Any domestic violence conviction, felony conviction, some misdemeanor convictions, or active warrants will disqualify you from obtaining a pistol permit.

 What are the requirements to obtain a gun permit in Connecticut?

To obtain a State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers, you must first obtain a local permit. Local permit applications are available from your local police department or first selectman of the town in which you live. The cost is $70 and it generally takes eight (8) weeks to obtain.

 Guidelines to obtain a Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers:

Applicants for a Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers must:

• Have a valid 60-day temporary permit.
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be a legal resident of the United States.
• Reside in, or have a business near, the local area in which you are applying.
• Complete an approved gun-safety training course.
• Pass a background check that includes criminal-history check and mental-health background check.

 What are the steps to obtain a Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers?

Connecticut has a two-step permitting process:

1. A 60-day temporary or local permit issued by local authorities
2. A five-year regular permit issued by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP)

Below is the documentation and process for obtaining a pistol permit in Connecticut.

1. Complete the Pistol Permit/Eligibility Certificate Application form (DPS-799-C) and submit it to the appropriate local authority (local police, resident state trooper or first select person, as applicable) along with all of the following:

• Firearms Safety & Use Course Certificate
• $70 fee, payable to the local authority
• Proof you are legally and lawfully in the United States (e.g., certified copy of birth certificate, U.S. passport or documentation issued by I.C.E.)
• Submit fingerprints for a criminal-history check through a law-enforcement agency. Fees include a $75 and a $13.25 fee, payable at the agency where the prints are taken.

2. Upon approval, the local authority will issue a Temporary State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers, which is effective for 60 days.
3. Within the 60-day period, go to a Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Division of State Police, pistol-permit location and submit the following:

• The Temporary State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers issued by the local authority
• A completed Application for State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers (DPS-46-C)
• The $70 fee, payable to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut”
• Proof you are legally and lawfully in the United States (e.g., certified copy of birth certificate, U.S. passport or documentation issued by I.C.E.)
• Proof of valid state-issued photo identification card

            Upon approval, your photograph will be taken and a state pistol permit will be issued.

 How much does a Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers cost?

A new permit costs $140, and a renewal costs $70.

 Does Connecticut recognize pistol permits from other states?

Connecticut does not recognize permits from other states.

 Is Connecticut a Constitutional Carry state?

No. Connecticut is a may-issue state. That means an applicant must pass basic requirements and the issuing authority may use its own discretion to grant or deny a permit. A Constitutional Carry state does not prohibit citizens who can legally possess a firearm from carrying handguns openly and/or in a concealed manner.

 Is Connecticut an Open Carry state?

No, open carry is not legal in Connecticut, unless one is engaged in firearm training or hunting activity.

 Is Connecticut a Stand Your Ground state?

No. In Connecticut, if you are outside of your home, you are required to retreat if you can do so safely without risk of harm to you or others. However, the Castle Doctrine is part of Connecticut law governing the use of physical force in defense of your premises.

 Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Connecticut?

No. Connecticut has banned certain firearms that the state defines as “assault weapons” including AR-, AK-, and SKS-style rifles as well as others. These defined “assault weapons” can be legally owned only if they were registered with DESPP by January 1, 2014.

 Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Connecticut?

No. The maximum magazine capacity in Connecticut is 10 rounds. Magazines holding more than 10 rounds are considered large-capacity magazines and are prohibited.

 What are Connecticut gun-storage laws?

Firearms are required to be stored securely if accessible by a minor under the age of 18, a resident who is ineligible to possess a firearm, or someone who poses a risk.

 Is Connecticut a Red Flag state?

Yes. A red flag law, otherwise known as a Risk Warrant or Risk Protection Order statute, allows authorities to remove firearms from a person’s possession under certain circumstances.