CGS 29-37p to 29-37r:
Long Gun Eligibility Certificate

Connecticut General Statutes Sections 29-37p through 29-37r establish the Long Gun Eligibility Certificate, one of the credentials that may satisfy the requirement for purchasing or receiving a long gun (rifle or shotgun) in Connecticut since April 1, 2014.^[1] This certificate system was created as part of the comprehensive firearms reforms enacted in 2013 following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. Like the Handgun Eligibility Certificate, the Long Gun Eligibility Certificate authorizes purchase only and does not confer any right to carry.

Disqualifying Conditions (CGS 29-37p)

Section 29-37p establishes the eligibility criteria and disqualifying conditions. Any person who is 18 years of age or older may apply for a Long Gun Eligibility Certificate.^[1] The minimum application age is 18 for the Long Gun Eligibility Certificate and 21 for the Handgun Eligibility Certificate.

The Commissioner of DESPP shall issue the certificate unless the applicant meets a disqualifying condition under CGS 29-37p(b).

• For an application filed on or after July 1, 2024, has failed to successfully complete, not earlier than two years before submitting the application, a DESPP-approved course in the safety and use of firearms, conducted by an instructor certified by the state or the National Rifle Association, that includes instruction in state law requirements for safe storage in the home and in vehicles, lawful use of firearms and lawful carrying of firearms in public
• Has been convicted of a felony
• Has been convicted of a misdemeanor violation of CGS 21a-279 on or after October 1, 2015, a misdemeanor violation of a Connecticut law designated as a family violence crime under CGS 46b-38h, a listed Connecticut misdemeanor during the preceding eight years, or a misdemeanor in another jurisdiction during the preceding eight years that meets the criteria in CGS 29-37p
• Has been convicted as delinquent for the commission of a serious juvenile offense, as defined in CGS 46b-120
• Has been discharged from custody within the preceding 20 years after being found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect
• Has been confined to a psychiatric hospital within the preceding 60 months by order of a probate court
• Has been voluntarily admitted to a psychiatric hospital, or committed under an emergency certificate on or after October 1, 2023, within the preceding six months for care and treatment of a psychiatric disability, other than solely for alcohol or drug dependence
• Is subject to a restraining or protective order issued by a court in a case involving the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against another person, including an ex parte order under CGS 46b-15 or 46b-16a
• Is subject to a firearms seizure order issued before June 1, 2022 under CGS 29-38c after notice and hearing, or a risk protection order or risk protection investigation order issued on or after June 1, 2022 under that section
• Is prohibited from shipping, transporting, possessing or receiving a firearm under 18 USC 922(g)(2), (g)(4) or (g)(9)
• Is an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States

The disqualifying conditions largely mirror those for the Handgun Eligibility Certificate under CGS 29-36f, with the notable exception of the lower age requirement.^[2]

Age Restrictions and HB 6667 Impact

While the base age for a Long Gun Eligibility Certificate remains 18, HB 6667 (2023) extended the existing under-21 restriction to private transfers of semiautomatic centerfire rifles that have or accept magazines with a capacity exceeding five rounds, subject to the statutory exception for qualifying official-duty transfers.^[3] This means that persons aged 18 to 20 may still purchase bolt-action rifles, shotguns, and certain other long guns, but are restricted from purchasing many semiautomatic rifles until they turn 21.

Application Process (CGS 29-37q)

Section 29-37q establishes the application procedure, which closely parallels the Handgun Eligibility Certificate process. Applicants submit a request to the Commissioner of DESPP on prescribed forms and, upon the Commissioner's request, provide full information about their criminal record and relevant information about their mental health history.^[4] The Commissioner conducts state and national criminal history records checks.

Application requirements include:

• For an application filed on or after July 1, 2024, successful completion, not earlier than two years before submitting the application, of a DESPP-approved course in the safety and use of firearms, conducted by an instructor certified by the state or the National Rifle Association, with instruction in state law requirements for safe storage in the home and in vehicles, lawful use of firearms and lawful carrying of firearms in public
• Fingerprints or another required method of positive identification, and a full-face photograph for the certificate
• Payment of applicable fees
• Upon the Commissioner's request, full information about criminal history and relevant information about mental health history

The names and addresses of Long Gun Eligibility Certificate holders are confidential and not subject to public disclosure. The certificate is valid statewide.^[4]

Fees, Expiration, and Renewal (CGS 29-37r)

Section 29-37r sets the fee at $35 for both the original issuance and each renewal.^[5] The certificate is valid for five years from the date it becomes effective, and each renewal is valid for five years from the expiration date of the certificate being renewed. It remains valid for ninety days after expiration unless it has been revoked or revocation is pending under CGS 29-37s.

Alternative: State Pistol Permit

A person who holds a valid State Pistol Permit does not need a separate Long Gun Eligibility Certificate to purchase a long gun. The pistol permit satisfies the requirement for both handgun and long gun purchases.^[6]

Revocation

As with the Handgun Eligibility Certificate, the Long Gun Eligibility Certificate is subject to revocation by the Commissioner of DESPP upon the occurrence of any disqualifying event. The Commissioner of DESPP shall revoke a certificate upon an event that would disqualify the holder under CGS 29-37p, including a felony conviction, a disqualifying misdemeanor conviction, a qualifying restraining or protective order, or a risk protection order or risk protection investigation order.^[1]

Authorization Number Still Required

Holding a Long Gun Eligibility Certificate alone does not complete the purchase process. Under CGS 29-37a, the seller must also obtain an authorization number from the Commissioner of DESPP before completing a covered sale, delivery or transfer of a long gun, subject to the exemptions in that section for specified government and official transfers, transfers to or between federally licensed firearm manufacturers, importers or dealers, curios or relics to or between federally licensed firearm collectors, and antique firearms.^[7] The Commissioner of DESPP must perform the national instant criminal background check as part of the authorization process, and the state's Special Licensing and Firearms Unit is the NICS point of contact.

See also: How to Get a Connecticut Long Gun Eligibility Certificate

See also: How to Get a Connecticut Handgun Eligibility Certificate

See also: CGS 29-37a: Long Gun Sale, Delivery, and Transfer