Question 1

How do I get a pistol permit in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut uses a two-step process. First, complete an approved firearms safety course, then apply at your local police department for a Temporary State Permit (form DPS-799-C). You must be at least 21, submit fingerprints and photographs, and pass a background check. Local processing takes up to 8 weeks and costs $70. Within 60 days of receiving the temporary permit, you must apply to DESPP/SLFU for the permanent State Pistol Permit (form DPS-769-C) at an additional cost of $70. The total statutory fee is $140 plus fingerprinting and photo fees. The state permit is valid for 5 years under CGS 29-28.

Question 2

What are eligibility certificates and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut requires a Handgun Eligibility Certificate (CGS 29-36f) to purchase a handgun if you do not hold a State Pistol Permit. Similarly, a Long Gun Eligibility Certificate (CGS 29-37p) is required for long gun purchases without a permit. Both certificates are issued by DESPP/SLFU, cost $35 plus fingerprint and photo fees, and are valid for 5 years. You must complete an approved safety course and pass a background check to obtain either certificate.

Question 3

What firearms are classified as assault weapons in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Under CGS 53-202a, Connecticut defines assault weapons using both a named firearms list and a characteristics-based test. Covered firearms include semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns with enumerated features such as pistol grips, folding stocks, flash suppressors, and arm braces. HB 6667 (2023) closed the pre-1994 "pre-ban" loophole and added firearms with stabilizing braces to the definition. Possession of an unregistered assault weapon is a Class D felony with a mandatory minimum 1-year prison sentence under CGS 53-202c.

Question 4

Is open carry legal in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

No. Open carry was banned statewide effective October 1, 2023 under HB 6667. Intentional display of a firearm in public is prohibited under the amended CGS 29-35. There are limited exceptions: you may openly carry on property you own or rent, while lawfully hunting, and incidental or accidental exposure while concealing (such as printing) is not necessarily a criminal violation. Intentional open carry is subject to arrest under the carrying without a permit provisions.

Question 5

What are the safe storage requirements?

Accepted Answer

Ethan's Law (CGS 29-37i) requires all firearms -- loaded or unloaded -- to be securely locked in a container or equipped with a lock, unless the firearm is on your person or within close proximity where you can readily retrieve it. As of October 1, 2023, HB 6667 expanded this requirement to all firearms regardless of whether minors are present. All firearms sold in Connecticut must include a trigger lock. If a violation results in a minor, ineligible person, or at-risk individual obtaining the firearm and causing injury or death, the owner faces both criminal liability and strict civil liability.

Question 6

Does Connecticut honor my out-of-state carry permit?

Accepted Answer

No. Connecticut does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state. Non-residents who wish to carry in Connecticut must obtain a Connecticut Non-Resident Pistol Permit through DESPP/SLFU. Approximately 28 states recognize Connecticut's permit for concealed carry in their jurisdictions. For those transporting firearms through the state, the federal Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA) provides safe passage protections if the firearms are unloaded and inaccessible.

Question 7

Can I carry a firearm in my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

With a valid State Pistol Permit, you may carry a loaded handgun in your vehicle. Without a permit, you may not carry a handgun in a vehicle at all -- the firearm must be unloaded and stored separately from ammunition, and not in the glove compartment. Carrying a weapon in a vehicle without a valid permit is a Class D felony under CGS 29-38, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.

Question 8

What are Connecticut's self-defense laws?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut imposes a duty to retreat before using deadly force in public under CGS 53a-19. However, the Castle Doctrine applies in your dwelling and place of work, meaning you have no duty to retreat before using deadly force in those locations. Deadly force is permitted when you reasonably believe the attacker is using or about to use deadly physical force, inflicting great bodily harm. Connecticut does not have a stand-your-ground law. Connecticut was also the first state to enact a red flag law in 1999 (CGS 29-38c), allowing courts to order the seizure of firearms from persons deemed to pose a risk of imminent personal injury.

Question 9

What are the ghost gun rules in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut banned unregistered ghost guns in 2019, and HB 6667 (2023) extended the ban to include ghost guns assembled before the original ban took effect. All unserialized, post-1968 firearms must be either declared to DESPP or have a serial number obtained through DESPP. The deadline for registering pre-existing ghost guns was January 1, 2024. Penalties differ based on eligibility: possession by an ineligible person is a Class C felony (up to 10 years), while possession by an eligible person who failed to register is a Class C misdemeanor (up to 3 months).

Question 10

What is the magazine capacity limit?

Accepted Answer

Connecticut prohibits the sale, transfer, and possession of magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds under CGS 53-202w. Magazines lawfully possessed before April 4, 2013 may be retained if they were declared to DESPP by the statutory deadline. Possession of a large-capacity magazine by a person prohibited from possessing firearms is a Class D felony (up to 5 years). Possession by a non-prohibited person is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year and a $2,000 fine), as amended by HB 6667 in 2023.

Question 11

What do I do if my permit application is denied?

Accepted Answer

If your pistol permit application is denied, the issuing authority must provide a written explanation. You may appeal to the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners (BFPE) within 90 days of the denial under CGS 29-28a. The BFPE is a nine-member governor-appointed board, with one attorney member serving as chair. Be aware that as of a November 2025 state audit, the BFPE had a backlog of approximately 1,200 cases with processing delays of roughly two years.

Question 12

What are the penalties for violating Connecticut gun laws?

Accepted Answer

Penalties are severe and often carry mandatory minimums. Carrying without a permit is a Class D felony with a mandatory minimum 1-year sentence under CGS 29-35. Possession of an unregistered assault weapon is a Class D felony with a mandatory minimum of 1 year. Sale or transfer of an assault weapon is a Class C felony (up to 10 years). Firearms trafficking is a Class B felony with a mandatory minimum of 3 years under CGS 53-202aa. Illegal possession by a convicted felon is a Class C felony with a mandatory minimum of 2 years under CGS 53a-217. Safe storage violations resulting in death or injury carry criminal liability and strict civil liability.

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