CT Long Gun Eligibility Certificate Explained

Connecticut General Statutes Sections 29-37p through 29-37r establish the Long Gun Eligibility Certificate, which has been required for the purchase or receipt of any 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] Note that this is a lower age threshold than the 21-year minimum for the Handgun Eligibility Certificate, reflecting the traditional distinction between long gun and handgun age requirements.

The Commissioner of DESPP shall issue the certificate unless the applicant:

Has failed to complete an approved firearms safety course
Has been convicted of a felony
Has been convicted of a specified disqualifying misdemeanor within the preceding 20 years
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 (on or after October 1, 2013) or committed on an emergency certificate by a physician (on or after October 1, 2023) within the preceding six months
Is subject to a restraining or protective order involving the use or threat of physical force
Is subject to a firearm seizure order under CGS 29-38c
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) raised the minimum age to 21 for the purchase of semiautomatic centerfire rifles that accept detachable magazines with a capacity exceeding five rounds.^[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, providing full information about their criminal record and mental health history.^[4] The Commissioner conducts state and national criminal history records checks.

Application requirements include:

Completion of an approved firearms safety course covering the safe use of long guns
Submission of fingerprints and photographs
Payment of applicable fees
Full disclosure of criminal and 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] Additional costs for fingerprinting and photographs are paid separately and vary by provider. 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.

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] This is one reason many Connecticut firearms owners choose to obtain the State Pistol Permit even if they do not intend to carry a firearm -- it consolidates both purchase authorizations into a single credential.

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. Holders who are convicted of a felony, a disqualifying misdemeanor, or who become subject to a restraining order or risk protection order will have their certificate revoked immediately.^[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 any sale, delivery, or transfer of a long gun can be completed.^[7] The authorization number process involves a real-time background check through the state's NICS point-of-contact system.

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