Connecticut's ghost gun laws prohibit the possession of unserialized firearms and require registration or serialization of all privately manufactured and unserialized post-1968 firearms. The original ban was enacted in 2019 (Public Act 19-6), with significant expansions under HB 6667 (Public Act 23-53).[1]
What Is a Ghost Gun?
A "ghost gun" is a firearm that lacks a manufacturer-engraved serial number. These weapons are typically built from unfinished frames or receivers (often called "80% lowers"), assembled from parts kits, or manufactured using 3D printers. Because they are not serialized, they cannot be traced by law enforcement if recovered at a crime scene.[2]
Unfinished Frame and Receiver Restrictions (CGS 53-206j)
Since October 1, 2019, Connecticut has required that unfinished frames and lower receivers carry a serial number from either DESPP or the ATF before they may be purchased or transferred. All transfers must follow the same procedures as handgun transfers, including a background check through DESPP.[1] A person ineligible to possess firearms may not possess an unfinished frame or receiver. Violations are a Class C felony with a mandatory two-year non-suspendable prison sentence.[2]
Home-Built Firearm Serialization (CGS 29-36a)
All privately manufactured firearms must be serialized and reported to DESPP within 30 days of completion. The owner must obtain a unique serial number or identification mark from DESPP and engrave or permanently affix it to the firearm.[1]
HB 6667 (2023) Expansions
HB 6667 significantly expanded Connecticut's ghost gun regulations effective January 1, 2024:[3]
- Extended the ban to pre-2019 ghost guns: The original 2019 law did not cover ghost guns assembled before the ban took effect. HB 6667 closed this loophole by requiring all unserialized, post-1968 firearms to either be declared to DESPP or have a serial number obtained through DESPP.
- Registration deadline: All existing unserialized firearms had to be declared or serialized by January 1, 2024.
- General possession ban: As of January 1, 2024, possession of an unserialized post-1968 firearm is prohibited unless it has been properly declared or serialized.
Options for New Connecticut Residents
Persons who move into Connecticut in lawful possession of a ghost gun have 90 days to:[1]
- Obtain a unique serial number from DESPP and engrave or permanently affix it to the firearm
- Render the ghost gun permanently inoperable
- Sell the ghost gun to a licensed dealer
- Remove the firearm from the state
Undetectable Firearms
Connecticut specifically prohibits the manufacture of firearms that remain undetectable by standard metal detectors after removing grips, stocks, and magazines. This provision targets firearms made primarily from polymer or plastic using 3D printing technology.[2]
Penalties
- Ineligible persons (those prohibited from possessing firearms): Class C felony -- up to 10 years imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum prison sentence[2]
- Eligible persons (possession of unserialized firearm without proper declaration): Class C misdemeanor -- up to 3 months imprisonment, with possible forfeiture of the firearm[1]
- Aiding manufacture by prohibited persons: It is unlawful to aid or abet the manufacture of a firearm by or for a person who is legally disqualified from possessing firearms[1]
Courts may offer suspension of prosecution programs for some first-time offenders, potentially leading to dismissal of charges.