Connecticut Does Not Honor Other States' Permits
Connecticut does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state. Regardless of what permit you hold from your home state, you may not carry a concealed firearm in Connecticut on the basis of that out-of-state permit.[1]
This applies to all visitors, whether passing through or staying in Connecticut. If you are a non-resident who wants to carry in Connecticut, you must obtain a Connecticut Non-Resident Pistol Permit.[2]
How Non-Residents Can Carry in Connecticut
To obtain a Connecticut Non-Resident Pistol Permit (CGS 29-28(b)):
- You must hold a valid carry permit from your home state.
- Contact DESPP's SLFU via email (SLFU.OOS@ct.gov) to request the application packet.
- Complete an approved handgun safety course.
- Submit the application directly to DESPP with fingerprints and fees ($70 plus fingerprint processing fees).
- Once approved, visit an SLFU office within 60 days to obtain your full state permit.
The non-resident permit is valid for five years and carries the same privileges and restrictions as the resident permit.[3]
States That Honor Connecticut's Permit
Although Connecticut does not reciprocate, approximately 25 states recognize the Connecticut State Pistol Permit for concealed carry purposes through formal reciprocity or unilateral recognition. As of early 2026, states that generally honor the Connecticut permit include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.[1]
In addition, several states have adopted permitless carry (also called constitutional carry), meaning any person who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. In these states -- including Maine and Vermont -- a Connecticut permit holder may carry without needing a reciprocity agreement, though the permit may still confer advantages such as access to certain restricted areas. Reciprocity agreements change frequently and may be modified without notice. Always verify current status with the destination state's law enforcement agency or a resource such as the USCCA reciprocity map before traveling with a firearm.
Neighboring States: No Reciprocity
None of Connecticut's immediate neighbors -- New York, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island -- honor the Connecticut permit. If you plan to travel with a firearm to any of these states, you must either obtain that state's permit or comply with transport-only requirements. New York in particular has very strict firearms laws, and carrying without a New York permit can result in felony charges.[1]
FOPA Safe Passage Protections
If you are transporting a firearm through Connecticut (not stopping to carry), the federal Firearm Owners' Protection Act (FOPA, 18 U.S.C. 926A) provides safe passage protection. To qualify, the firearm must be unloaded and locked in the trunk or a locked container (not the glove box or console), you must be legally allowed to possess the firearm at both your origin and destination, and you may not make extended stops in Connecticut.[4]
Connecticut codifies FOPA protections in state law under CGS 29-38d, which explicitly allows interstate transport through the state as long as the firearm is unloaded and not readily accessible from the passenger compartment.[5]
See also: Non-Resident Pistol Permit Application Guide
See also: Traveling Between CT, NY, and MA With Firearms
See also: Connecticut Concealed Carry Law