Before You Buy: Permits and Certificates
Connecticut generally requires a permit or eligibility certificate before a firearm purchase. Statutory exceptions include handgun purchases by federal marshals, parole officers and peace officers. For an ordinary retail firearm purchase in Connecticut, you need the required state permit or eligibility certificate and a DESPP authorization number. The state operates its own point-of-contact system through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP).[1]
For an ordinary consumer purchase, you can use a State Pistol Permit or the appropriate eligibility certificate.
- State Pistol Permit allows you to carry pistols and revolvers and to purchase handguns and long guns (CGS 29-28).[2]
- Eligibility Certificate -- allows purchase only (no carry privileges). There are two types: a Handgun Eligibility Certificate (CGS 29-36f) and a Long Gun Eligibility Certificate (CGS 29-37p).[1]
Step 1: Complete a Firearms Safety Course
Applicants for an initial carry permit or eligibility certificate must complete an approved firearms safety course not earlier than two years prior to submitting the application. Holders of a valid carry permit on July 1, 2024, are exempt from additional training under the carry-permit statute. For handguns, the course must be at least equivalent to the NRA Basic Pistol Course. For applications filed on or after July 1, 2024, the course must include instruction on safe storage in the home and in vehicles, lawful use of firearms and lawful carrying of firearms in public.[3]
Step 2: Apply for a Permit or Eligibility Certificate
If you are a Connecticut resident and want to carry a handgun, apply through your local issuing authority, such as your local police department or designated resident state trooper. Qualifying nonresidents who hold a permit or license from another U.S. jurisdiction may apply directly to DESPP. The ordinary resident process begins with a temporary state permit from the local authority. Within 60 days after receiving it, you must appear at a DESPP-designated location to receive the state permit. For applications filed on or after April 1, 2024, if the local authority neither issues the temporary permit nor expressly denies the application, you may present an affidavit to DESPP at least 16 weeks after submission in place of the temporary permit. During a major disaster or an emergency declaration by the President, or an emergency declaration by the Governor due to a disease epidemic, public health emergency or natural disaster impacting a local permitting authority, DESPP shall not accept the affidavit until 32 weeks after submission.[4]
If you only want to purchase (not carry), apply for the appropriate Eligibility Certificate directly through DESPP's Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU). The eligibility certificate fee is $35. Photographs and criminal history checks are required, along with fingerprints or another method of positive identification required by the State Police Bureau of Identification or the FBI.[1]
Step 3: The Authorization Number
Once you have your permit or certificate and find a firearm to purchase, a sale subject to CGS 29-33 or CGS 29-37a still requires an authorization number before the firearm may be transferred. For a sale subject to CGS 29-33 or CGS 29-37a, the dealer must contact DESPP's SLFU to obtain an authorization number for the transaction. DESPP conducts a NICS background check and either issues the number or bars the sale (CGS 29-33 for handguns, CGS 29-37a for long guns).[5]
The seller must complete a transfer document (DPS-3-C) listing your information, the firearm details, and the authorization number, and give you a copy as a receipt.[6]
Step 4: Know the Rules After Purchase
After purchasing your firearm, be aware of these key requirements:
- Safe storage: Under Ethan's Law (CGS 29-37i), you may store or keep a firearm on premises under your control only if you keep it in a securely locked box or other container or in a manner which a reasonable person would believe to be secure, or carry it on your person or within such close proximity that you can readily retrieve and use it as if you carried it on your person.[7]
- Bulk purchase limit: DESPP generally limits retail handgun transfers to three authorization numbers per transferee in a 30-day period. Firearms instructors certified by the state or the NRA may receive six. Certain law-enforcement transfers, qualifying exchanges and museum transfers do not count toward the limit.[8]
- No open carry: Since October 1, 2023, knowingly carrying a firearm with intent to display it has generally been prohibited, subject to statutory exceptions including carrying at home or on your land, firearms training and bona fide hunting. A person who takes reasonable measures to conceal the fact that they are carrying a firearm is not deemed to be carrying with intent to display it.[3]
- Trigger lock: Retail firearm sellers must equip each firearm with an appropriate reusable trigger lock, gun lock or gun locking device.[8]
Age Requirements
You must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun or to obtain a State Pistol Permit or Handgun Eligibility Certificate. For retail long-gun purchases, the minimum age is generally 18. A semiautomatic centerfire rifle that has or accepts a magazine with a capacity exceeding five rounds may not be transferred to anyone under 21, except for specified police, corrections or military personnel using it in the discharge of their duties.[9]
Private Sales
Connecticut generally requires background checks for firearm transfers, including private sales, subject to statutory exemptions. In an ordinary private transaction, the buyer must hold a valid permit or eligibility certificate, and the authorization number process applies. Statutory exceptions include handgun purchases by federal marshals, parole officers and peace officers without those credentials.[10]