Since April 1, 2014, Connecticut has generally required a person purchasing a rifle or shotgun to hold a valid State Pistol Permit, Long Gun Eligibility Certificate, Handgun Eligibility Certificate, or permit to sell firearms at retail, subject to statutory exceptions. The Long Gun Eligibility Certificate is governed by CGS 29-37p through 29-37s and is administered by DESPP through the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU).[1]
What the Certificate Authorizes
The Long Gun Eligibility Certificate authorizes the holder to purchase rifles and shotguns in Connecticut. Like the Handgun Eligibility Certificate, it does not authorize carrying a pistol or revolver. It is a purchase credential issued after the holder meets the statutory background check and safety training requirements.[2]
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility criteria for a Long Gun Eligibility Certificate under CGS 29-37p are similar to those for the Handgun Eligibility Certificate, with one key difference in the minimum age:[1]
- Be at least 18 years old (compared to 21 for handguns)
- Not be illegally or unlawfully in the United States
- Have no felony convictions
- Have no disqualifying misdemeanor convictions under CGS 29-37p(b)(2)(B). The eight-year limit applies to the Connecticut offenses listed in clause (ii) and the offenses in other jurisdictions specified in clause (iv). Connecticut misdemeanor convictions under CGS 21a-279 on or after October 1, 2015, and Connecticut misdemeanors designated as family violence crimes have no eight-year limit.
- Not be 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
- Not have been discharged from custody within the preceding 20 years after being found not guilty of a crime by reason of mental disease or defect
- Not have been confined in a hospital for persons with psychiatric disabilities by probate court order within the preceding 60 months, or voluntarily admitted within the preceding 6 months for psychiatric care other than solely for alcohol or drug dependence. The same 6-month restriction applies to emergency-certificate commitments on or after October 1, 2023.
- Not be subject to a firearms seizure order issued before June 1, 2022, after notice and hearing, or a risk protection order or risk protection investigation order issued on or after June 1, 2022, under CGS 29-38c
- Not be an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States
While the minimum age for a Long Gun Eligibility Certificate is 18, HB 6667 (2023) extended the existing restriction on transfers to people under 21 of semiautomatic centerfire rifles that have or accept magazines exceeding 5 rounds to private transfers. The statute provides exceptions for specified law enforcement and military personnel receiving these rifles for their duties.[3]
Required Firearms Safety Course
Applicants must successfully complete a firearms safety and use course approved by the Commissioner of DESPP.[1] For applications filed on or after July 1, 2024, the safety course must have been completed no earlier than two years before the date of submission.[8] This means that applicants who completed a safety course more than two years ago must retake the course before submitting a new application. For applications filed on or after July 1, 2024, the safety course must have been completed no earlier than two years prior to the submission of the application.[1] For applications filed on or after July 1, 2024, the course must include 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. Applicants should verify with their training provider that DESPP approves the course for the Long Gun Eligibility Certificate.
Application Process
Both the Long Gun Eligibility Certificate and the Handgun Eligibility Certificate use the DPS-799-C application form. Applicants apply directly to the Commissioner of DESPP through SLFU:[4]
- Complete the application form prescribed by the Commissioner
- Upon the commissioner's request, provide full information concerning your criminal record and relevant information concerning your mental health history
- Submit to state and national criminal history records checks and provide fingerprints or another method of positive identification required by the State Police Bureau of Identification or the FBI
- Provide proof of completed firearms safety course (completed within the last 2 years for applications filed on or after July 1, 2024)
- Provide the identification and lawful-presence documents listed in the DESPP application packet
- Pay the $35.00 certificate fee to the Commissioner of DESPP
Processing Timeline
The Commissioner must approve the application and issue the certificate or deny the application with a written reason no later than 60 days after receiving the national criminal history records check from the FBI. Applicants who are denied receive a written explanation and may appeal to the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners (BFPE) within 90 days after receiving the denial notice.[5]
Certificate Duration and Fees
The Long Gun Eligibility Certificate expires 5 years after it becomes effective and remains valid for 90 days after expiration unless it has been revoked or revocation is pending. The fee for the initial certificate and each renewal is $35.00.[6] DESPP sends a renewal notice at least 90 days before expiration.
Practical Considerations
Holders of a valid State Pistol Permit do not need a separate Long Gun Eligibility Certificate. A valid State Pistol Permit is a qualifying credential for long gun purchases and, for Connecticut residents, handgun purchases, subject to the required sale authorization and other purchase restrictions.[7] For individuals who only intend to purchase rifles or shotguns and do not need a carry permit, the Long Gun Eligibility Certificate has a $35.00 certificate fee, compared to a $140 base fee plus the FBI national criminal history records check cost for an initial State Pistol Permit.