CT Pistol Permit Fees, Expiration & Renewal

Connecticut General Statutes Section 29-30 establishes the fee schedule, validity periods, and renewal procedures for both the State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers and the Permit for Sale at Retail of Firearms.^[1] Understanding these provisions is essential for permit holders to maintain continuous legal authority to carry or sell firearms.

Fee Schedule

The statute establishes the following fees:

Temporary State Permit (local): $70 paid to the local issuing authority at the time of application^[2]
State Permit (DESPP): An additional $70 paid to the state when obtaining the full state permit from SLFU^[2]
State Permit Renewal: $70 per renewal period^[1]
Permit for Sale at Retail (original): $200^[1]
Permit for Sale at Retail (renewal): $200^[1]

A portion of each fee -- $10 per permit -- is deposited into a separate nonlapsing account within the General Fund credited to DESPP for the administration of the permit system.^[1]

Validity Period

A state permit to carry pistols and revolvers is valid for five years from the date it becomes effective. Each renewal is likewise valid for five years, running from the expiration date of the permit being renewed -- not from the date the renewal is processed. This means there is no gap or overlap in permit validity when renewals are timely filed.^[1]

A temporary state permit expires 60 days after the date it becomes effective and may not be renewed. The applicant must obtain the full state permit from DESPP/SLFU within this 60-day window.^[3]

Renewal Process

The statute requires the issuing authority to mail a renewal notice to the permit holder at least 90 days before the permit's expiration date, by first class mail or electronic mail. The notice must include a renewal application form.^[1] Importantly, state permit renewal is not contingent on the renewal or issuance of a local permit -- the renewal is handled directly through DESPP.

Renewal Window and Fee

The standard $70 renewal fee applies throughout the full 90-day statutory grace period — not only within a narrow window around the expiration date. DESPP recommends that permit holders submit their renewal within 31 days before or after the expiration date for the smoothest processing experience, but this is an administrative recommendation only. A permit holder who files within the 90-day grace period still qualifies for the $70 renewal fee.^[1]^[4]

90-Day Statutory Grace Period

CGS 29-30 provides a critical safety net for permit holders: a state permit to carry remains legally valid for 90 days after its printed expiration date.^[1] This grace period means the permit retains its full legal force during this 90-day window, allowing holders to continue lawfully carrying while their renewal is being processed or if they missed the standard renewal window.

However, this grace period does not apply to permits that have been revoked or for which revocation proceedings are pending under CGS 29-32.

It is important to distinguish between these two timeframes:

90-day renewal window (up to 90 days after expiration): The full statutory period during which the $70 renewal fee applies; DESPP recommends filing close to the expiration date for smoothest processing
90-day legal validity period (90 days after expiration): The full statutory period during which the permit remains legally valid, even if the standard renewal window has closed

Permit holders who miss the 31-day standard renewal window but are still within the 90-day grace period should contact DESPP/SLFU immediately to determine whether a renewal can still be processed or whether a new application is required.

Permit holders who file within the 90-day grace period qualify for the standard $70 renewal fee. Those who allow their permit to lapse beyond the grace period may need to reapply as new applicants.^[1]

90-Day Grace Period

CGS 29-30 provides a critical safety net for permit holders: a state permit to carry remains valid for 90 days after its printed expiration date.^[1] This grace period allows permit holders to continue lawfully carrying while their renewal is being processed. However, this grace period does not apply to permits that have been revoked or for which revocation proceedings are pending under CGS 29-32.

Practical Considerations

Permit holders should note several practical points. First, renewal notices are sent 90 days in advance, giving ample time to prepare. Second, filing within the 31-day window around the expiration date ensures the standard $70 renewal fee applies. Third, even if a renewal is filed late, the 90-day grace period provides a buffer. Permit holders who allow their permits to lapse beyond the grace period may need to apply for a new permit, which requires repeating the full two-step process.^[4]

CGS 29-30:
Permit Fees, Expiration, and Renewal