Connecticut's pistol permit system requires resident applicants to navigate a two-step process. A resident applicant must first obtain a Temporary State Permit from their local authority, then obtain a permanent State Permit through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). If the local permitting authority fails to expressly deny the application or issue a temporary state permit within eight weeks, the applicant may present an affidavit attesting to that failure at least sixteen weeks after submitting an application filed on or after April 1, 2024 (thirty-two weeks during certain declared emergencies), and the commissioner shall accept it in lieu of a temporary state permit. Qualifying nonresidents may apply directly to DESPP.[1] Understanding each step and the deadlines involved is critical to avoiding a lapsed application.
Step 1: The Temporary State Permit
Where to Apply
Residents apply to the police chief for their permanent residence or, where there is no police chief, to the municipal chief executive officer or a resident state trooper or state police officer designated by that officer. A tribal police chief may issue a temporary permit to a resident within a federally recognized tribe's jurisdiction if the tribe has a law enforcement unit.[2]
Local Investigation
The local issuing authority conducts a background investigation that includes:[3]
- State and national criminal history record checks through the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification and the FBI
- Review of the psychiatric hospital confinements, voluntary admissions and emergency commitments that disqualify an applicant under CGS 29-28
- Verification of residency and citizenship or legal resident status
- A finding that the applicant intends to make no use of any pistol or revolver other than a lawful use and is a suitable person to receive the permit
Processing Timeline
Under CGS 29-28a, the local permitting authority must, not later than eight weeks after a sufficient application is made, inform the applicant that the temporary permit has been approved or denied, and if denied, supply a detailed written reason.[7] If the authority does not make a decision within 8 weeks, the applicant may file a constructive denial appeal with the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners (BFPE) after first contacting the issuing authority to check the status of the application.[4]
Temporary Permit Authority
The Temporary State Permit is a permit to carry a pistol or revolver within the state. It is valid from the date it becomes effective until it expires sixty days after that date.
Step 2: The Permanent State Permit
The 60-Day Deadline
Within 60 days of receiving the temporary permit, the applicant must appear at a location designated by the Commissioner of DESPP to receive the permanent State of Connecticut Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers.[1] This deadline is critical. The temporary permit expires 60 days after its effective date and cannot be renewed.
Visiting SLFU
The applicant visits SLFU at 1111 Country Club Rd, Middletown, CT 06457, or the satellite office at Troop G, 149 Prospect Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604, with the following:[2]
- The temporary permit
- Proof of legal and lawful presence in the United States
- State permit fee of $70
State-Level Review
The Commissioner of DESPP may investigate any applicant for a state permit, and no state permit may be issued until the local permitting authority, a tribal chief of police or the commissioner has received the results of the national criminal history records check. The Commissioner of DESPP may then issue the permanent state permit, which expires 5 years after its effective date.[5]
Why Two Steps?
DESPP's Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU) is responsible for state pistol permits, and the commissioner retains records of all applications, whether approved or denied.[6]
Common Pitfalls
- Missing the 60-day deadline. Applicants must appear at a location designated by the Commissioner of DESPP within 60 days of receiving the temporary permit
- Applying to the wrong authority: Residents must apply at their town of residence, not their workplace or a neighboring town
- Incomplete safety course: The course must include live fire, and students must fire a semi-automatic pistol or revolver. Computer-generated programs, dry-fire, other simulated shooting tools, plastic bullets, air guns and other alternatives are not acceptable[3]
- Address changes: Permit holders who move must notify the issuing authority within two business days[3]