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.
This applies to all visitors, whether passing through or staying in Connecticut. To carry a concealed pistol or revolver in Connecticut as a non-resident, you must obtain a Connecticut Non-Resident Pistol Permit unless a statutory exception applies.[1]
How Non-Residents Can Carry in Connecticut
To obtain a Connecticut Non-Resident Pistol Permit (CGS 29-28(g)):
- You must hold a valid permit or license to carry a pistol or revolver issued by another state or subdivision of the United States.
- Contact DESPP's SLFU via email (SLFU.OOS@ct.gov) to request the application packet.
- Complete an approved handgun safety course within two years before applying. The course must include instruction on safe storage in homes and vehicles, lawful use of firearms and lawful carrying in public. Live fire is also required.
- Submit the application directly to DESPP with fingerprints and fees ($70 plus fingerprint processing fees).
- If you receive a temporary state permit, appear at a location designated by DESPP within 60 days after receiving it to obtain the state permit.
The non-resident permit is valid for five years and carries the same privileges and restrictions as the resident permit.[2]
States That Honor Connecticut's Permit
Although Connecticut does not reciprocate, other states recognize its permit under their own laws. Examples include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Michigan requires a permit issued by the visitor's state of residence. Iowa, Kansas and Indiana recognize out-of-state permits only for people who are not residents of those states. Virginia requires holders to be at least 21 and carry government-issued photo identification. Holders must display the permit and identification on demand by a law enforcement officer and must not previously have had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked. Wisconsin requires holders to be at least 21, and its residents must have a Wisconsin license.
Maine allows concealed handgun carry without a permit for people age 21 or older who are not otherwise prohibited from carrying a firearm. Its exception also covers people age 18 to 20 who meet the statute's military-service conditions. Vermont prohibits carrying a dangerous or deadly weapon with intent to injure another. Maine recognizes another state's resident permit only if that state honors Maine resident permits. Wisconsin's Department of Justice states that states have no obligation to notify one another of changes to their firearm laws. 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' Carry and Transit Rules
New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island do not honor a Connecticut permit for general handgun carry. Rhode Island exempts holders of another state's carry permit who merely transport the firearm through the state in a vehicle or other conveyance without intending to remain in Rhode Island. For handgun carry in these states, you generally need that state's license or permit unless an exemption applies. Interstate transport must meet the applicable transport requirements. Possessing a loaded firearm in New York can be a class C felony unless an exemption applies.
FOPA Safe Passage Protections
If you are transporting a firearm through Connecticut for a lawful purpose (not stopping to carry), the federal Firearm Owners' Protection Act (FOPA, 18 U.S.C. 926A) provides safe passage protection subject to the following conditions. To qualify, you must not be prohibited by federal law from transporting, shipping or receiving a firearm, and you must be legally allowed to possess and carry the firearm at both your origin and destination. The firearm must be unloaded, and neither the firearm nor its ammunition may be readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. If the vehicle has no compartment separate from the driver's compartment, the firearm or ammunition must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.[3]
CGS 29-38d allows interstate transport through Connecticut for a lawful purpose in accordance with 18 USC 926A and 927 by a person who is not prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving or possessing a firearm and may lawfully possess and carry it at both endpoints. The firearm must be unloaded, and neither it nor its ammunition may be readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. If the vehicle has no separate compartment, both must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. The traveler may not use, carry, sell, deliver or otherwise transfer the firearm while in Connecticut.[4]
See also: Non-Resident Pistol Permit Application Guide
See also: Traveling Between CT, NY, and MA With Firearms
See also: Connecticut Concealed Carry Law