Connecticut law provides a formal appeals process for any person whose application for a State Pistol Permit, Handgun Eligibility Certificate, or Long Gun Eligibility Certificate has been denied, or whose existing permit has been revoked. The Board of Firearms Permit Examiners (BFPE) is the designated appellate body, established under CGS 29-32b.[1]
What the BFPE Is
The BFPE is a nine-member civilian review board. Eight members are appointed by the Governor and the ninth is a retired judge of the Superior Court appointed by the Chief Court Administrator. With the exception of two public members, the Governor's appointees are drawn from nominees of specified state agencies and firearms organizations. At least one member appointed by the Governor must be an attorney licensed in Connecticut and serves as the board's chair during appeal hearings. Board members serve without compensation.[2]
Grounds for Appeal
Under CGS 29-28a, any person aggrieved by any of the following actions may appeal to the BFPE:[3]
- Refusal to issue a pistol permit or eligibility certificate
- Refusal to renew a pistol permit or eligibility certificate
- Limitation placed on a permit or certificate
- Revocation of a permit or certificate
- Refusal or failure of the issuing authority to furnish an application (constructive denial)
- Failure of the issuing authority to act on an application within the statutory 8-week period (constructive denial)
Filing Deadline: 90 Days
The appeal must be filed within 90 days of the date the applicant receives notice of the denial, revocation, or limitation.[3] This deadline is strictly enforced. Appeals filed after the 90-day window will generally not be heard.
How to File an Appeal
To commence an appeal, the applicant must submit the following to the BFPE:[3]
- A one-page appeal letter explaining the basis for the appeal
- The three-page appellant questionnaire (provided by the BFPE)
- A copy of the denial or revocation letter, if available
Materials should be sent by U.S. Mail to:
Board of Firearms Permit Examiners
165 Capitol Ave, Ste. 1070
Hartford, CT 06106
Alternatively, materials may be emailed to bfpe@ct.gov.[3]
Supporting Documentation
Appellants may submit additional documentation to support their case, including:[3]
- Court documents
- Letters of recommendation (addressed to "Board of Firearms," not generic)
- Certificates of completion (safety courses, rehabilitation programs)
- Witness testimony letters
- DD-214 military discharge certificates
- Job evaluations
- Hospital discharge instructions (for cases involving risk warrant admissions)
The Hearing Process
Once the appeal is filed, the BFPE assigns a tentative hearing date. The hearing follows a structured process:[3]
- The appellant and the issuing authority (police department or DESPP representative) are both sworn in; the proceeding is recorded
- Both sides present opening statements
- The appellant and issuing authority each provide testimony
- Witnesses may be called and questioned
- Both sides offer closing remarks
- The board deliberates and votes on the matter
Decisions are made by majority vote. The BFPE communicates its written decision to the appellant and the issuing authority within 20 days after the vote.[1]
Special Circumstances
Expedited Hearings
Appellants whose permit revocation directly affects their current employment may request an expedited hearing by submitting employment documentation to the BFPE.[3]
Constructive Denial Appeals
If a local issuing authority fails to act on an application within 8 weeks, the applicant may file an appeal based on the delay. The BFPE provides a separate constructive denial questionnaire for these cases.[4]
After the Hearing
If the BFPE rules in favor of the appellant:
- Reinstatement: Contact SLFU at (860) 685-8285 to reinstate a revoked permit
- New permit: Contact the local police department or First Selectman to obtain a new permit
If the BFPE upholds the denial or revocation, the appellant may seek further judicial review through the Connecticut Superior Court under CGS 4-183.[3]
Current Backlog Warning
A November 2025 state audit found that the BFPE had a backlog of approximately 1,200 pending cases -- roughly 590 denials and 613 revocations -- with hearings already scheduled through March 2026 at the time of the audit.[5] The board is obligated to hold 28 meetings per year with 28 hearings per meeting, but receives more annual appeals than it can process. This backlog has persisted across the last eight audit reports covering fiscal years 2001 through 2021. Appellants should be prepared for potential wait times of up to two years before their hearing is scheduled.[6]
BFPE Contact Information
- Address: Board of Firearms Permit Examiners, 165 Capitol Ave, Ste. 1070, Hartford, CT 06106
- Email: bfpe@ct.gov
- Phone: (860) 256-2947