Since April 1, 2014, Connecticut has required any person purchasing a rifle or shotgun to hold either a valid State Pistol Permit or a Long Gun Eligibility Certificate. The Long Gun Eligibility Certificate is governed by CGS 29-37p through 29-37r and is administered by DESPP through the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU).[1]
What the Certificate Authorizes
The Long Gun Eligibility Certificate authorizes the holder to purchase rifles and shotguns in Connecticut. Like the Handgun Eligibility Certificate, it does not authorize concealed carry of any firearm. It serves solely as proof that the holder has passed the required background checks and safety training to legally acquire a long gun.[2]
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility criteria for a Long Gun Eligibility Certificate under CGS 29-37p are similar to those for the Handgun Eligibility Certificate, with one key difference in the minimum age:[1]
- Be at least 18 years old (compared to 21 for handguns)
- Be a legal resident of the United States
- Have no felony convictions
- Have no convictions for the disqualifying misdemeanors specified in statute within the preceding 20 years
- Not be subject to a protective or restraining order involving the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force
- Not have been discharged from custody within the preceding 20 years after being found not guilty of a crime by reason of mental disease or defect
- Not be confined in a hospital for persons with psychiatric disabilities
- Not be subject to a firearms seizure order
- Not be an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States
Note: While the minimum age for a Long Gun Eligibility Certificate is 18, HB 6667 (2023) raised the age to 21 for purchasing semiautomatic centerfire rifles that accept detachable magazines with a capacity exceeding 5 rounds.[3]
Required Firearms Safety Course
Applicants must successfully complete a firearms safety and use course approved by the Commissioner of DESPP.[1] For applications filed on or after July 1, 2024, the safety course must have been completed no earlier than two years before the date of submission.[8] This means that applicants who completed a safety course more than two years ago must retake the course before submitting a new application. For applications filed on or after July 1, 2024, the safety course must have been completed no earlier than two years prior to the submission of the application.[1] The course requirements may differ from the handgun safety course; applicants should verify with their training provider that the course qualifies for the Long Gun Eligibility Certificate.
Application Process
The application process mirrors the Handgun Eligibility Certificate. Applicants apply directly to the Commissioner of DESPP through SLFU:[4]
- Complete the application form prescribed by the Commissioner
- Provide full information concerning criminal record and relevant mental health history
- Submit fingerprints for state and national criminal history record checks through the State Police Bureau of Identification and the FBI
- Provide proof of completed firearms safety course (completed within the last 2 years for applications filed on or after July 1, 2024)
- Provide proof of citizenship or legal residency
- Provide government-issued photo identification
- Pay the application fee of $35.00, payable to the Treasurer, State of Connecticut
Processing Timeline
The Commissioner reviews the application and makes a determination. Applicants who are denied receive a written explanation and may appeal to the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners (BFPE) within 90 days of the denial notice.[5]
Certificate Duration and Fees
The Long Gun Eligibility Certificate is valid for 5 years from the date it becomes effective. The fee for the initial certificate and each renewal is $35.00.[6] DESPP sends a renewal notice at least 90 days before expiration.
Practical Considerations
Holders of a valid State Pistol Permit do not need a separate Long Gun Eligibility Certificate. The State Pistol Permit satisfies the eligibility requirements for purchasing both handguns and long guns.[7] For individuals who only intend to purchase rifles or shotguns and do not need a carry permit, the Long Gun Eligibility Certificate provides a lower-cost alternative at $35.00 compared to the $140 total for a State Pistol Permit.