Legal Status of Suppressors in Connecticut
Suppressors -- also referred to as "silencers" under both federal and Connecticut law -- are legal to own in Connecticut, but only with proper federal authorization. Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-211 makes the possession of a silencer a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.[1] However, the statute contains a critical exception: its provisions "shall not apply to persons, firms, corporations or museums licensed or otherwise permitted by federal or state law to possess, control or own" silencers.[1]
This exception means that individuals who obtain proper federal registration under the National Firearms Act (NFA) may legally possess suppressors in Connecticut. According to the Connecticut State Police, a person may legally possess a silencer under federal law if they obtain a federal tax stamp.[2]
Federal Requirements for Suppressor Ownership
The National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. Chapter 53) classifies suppressors as "firearms" under 26 U.S.C. Section 5845(a)(7) and regulates their manufacture, transfer, and possession.[3] To legally acquire a suppressor in Connecticut, an individual must complete the following federal process:
- Submit ATF Form 4 (Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm) through a licensed Class III/SOT dealer[4]
- Provide fingerprints and passport-style photographs
- Pass an ATF background check
- Register the suppressor in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR)
The federal NFA transfer tax for suppressors was historically $200 under 26 U.S.C. § 5811. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1, signed July 4, 2025) reduced the transfer and making tax for suppressors to $0, effective January 1, 2026. The tax change does not repeal the NFA, so registration, the Form 4 filing, fingerprints, and the background check all remain required. The registration process -- including the Form 4 filing, background check, and fingerprint submission -- remains fully in effect.[5]
Hunting Prohibition
Even with proper federal registration, Connecticut law prohibits the use of suppressors while hunting. CGS Section 26-75, located in Title 26, Chapter 490 (Fisheries and Game), states: "No person shall use any silencer on any firearm when hunting."[6] This prohibition applies regardless of valid NFA registration.
Lawful uses of suppressors in Connecticut include target shooting at ranges, home defense, and other non-hunting activities permitted under state and federal law.[2]
Penalties for Unlawful Possession
Possession of a suppressor without proper federal authorization is a Class D felony under CGS 53a-211, carrying a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.[1] Additional federal charges may apply under 26 U.S.C. Section 5871 for possession of an unregistered NFA firearm, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.[7]
Practical Considerations
Connecticut does not impose any state-specific forms, fees, or permits for suppressor ownership beyond the federal NFA process. There is no state registration requirement separate from the federal NFRTR. Suppressors purchased from a Connecticut Class III dealer follow the standard ATF transfer process, and the dealer handles the state-specific compliance verification.
Gun owners should be aware that transporting a suppressor into Connecticut from another state requires that the suppressor be properly registered in the NFRTR. Persons who are prohibited from possessing firearms under Connecticut law (such as convicted felons) are also prohibited from possessing suppressors, regardless of federal registration status.
See also: Connecticut NFA Compliance Overview