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Connecticut Concealed Carry Laws |
Connecticut is a may-issue state, meaning that local law enforcement has discretion in determining whether to issue a permit to carry a handgun to an applicant based on a “suitability clause.” This clause applies to both the issuance of new permits and the revocation of existing permits. There is a two-step process to obtain a permit. First, an applicant must apply for a temporary permit from the local authorities, and then they must submit another application at the state level through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP).
To purchase a handgun, a buyer must have a Connecticut Pistol Permit (CTPP) or obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Pistols and Revolvers, Long Guns, or Ammunition. A background check is required to buy a handgun from a private individual, as private party firearms transfers must be performed by a federally licensed dealer.
Concealed carry is legal in Connecticut with a CTPP. The minimum age is 21. Open carry is illegal as of October 1, 2023. Connecticut residents, as well as non-residents with a valid CCW license from their home state, can apply for a CTPP. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and state parks. CTPPs require a state-approved firearms training course that includes live-fire exercises. Connecticut does not honor permits from any other states.
A person is justified in using reasonable physical force to defend themselves or a third person from what they reasonably believe to be the use or imminent use of physical force. The person may use such a degree of force which is reasonably believed to be necessary for this purpose. Deadly physical force may not be used unless the actor reasonably believes that the other person is using or about to use deadly physical force, or inflicting or about to inflict great bodily harm.
A person is justified in using reasonable physical force when they reasonably believe it to be necessary to prevent an attempt to commit larceny or criminal mischief involving property. However, deadly physical force can only be used in defense of a person.
A person in possession or control of premises, or someone licensed or privileged to be on such premises, is justified in using reasonable physical force when they reasonably believe it to be necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of a criminal trespass. Deadly physical force may be used under such circumstances only:
- In defense of a person;
- When it is reasonably believed to be necessary to prevent an attempt by the trespasser to commit arson or any crime of violence; or
- To prevent or terminate an unlawful entry by force into a dwelling or place of work, solely for the purpose of such prevention or termination.
Constitutional Carry?
Does Connecticut allow constitutional carry?
No.
Open Carry Permitted?
Is open carry permitted in Connecticut?
As of October 1, 2023, no person shall knowingly carry any firearm openly, except in your home, on your land, or at a business you own.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
What is the minimum age in Connecticut to get a concealed carry permit?
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Connecticut with a concealed carry permit?
No.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Connecticut?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Connecticut.
Tasers or Stun Guns?
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Connecticut?
Yes. As of July 1, 2021, "electronic defense weapons" (e.g., stun guns) can be carried as long as the individual is 21 years old or older and possesses a valid firearms credential (i.e., a handgun or long gun eligibility certificate, permit to carry or sell handguns, or ammunition certificate).
Ammunition Restrictions?
Does Connecticut have ammunition restrictions?
Yes. Armor-piercing and incendiary .50-caliber ammunition is prohibited. A handgun carry permit, gun sales permit, long-gun/handgun eligibility certificate, or an ammunition certificate is required to purchase ammunition. Ammunition certificates are issued by the state's Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection after a background check and must be renewed every 5 years.
Gun Permit Licensure?
If Connecticut requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
May-issue.
Magazine Limits for Handguns?
Does Connecticut have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No more than 10 rounds. “Large capacity magazine” means any firearm magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that has the capacity of, or can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than ten rounds of ammunition, but does not include a feeding device that has been permanently altered so that it cannot accommodate more than ten rounds of ammunition, a .22 caliber tube ammunition feeding device, or a magazine that is permanently inoperable. Any person who distributes, imports into the state, keeps for sale, offers or exposes for sale, or purchases a high-capacity magazine is criminally liable for a class D felony. There is also a grandfather provision for high-capacity magazines possessed prior to January 1, 2014.
Can You Carry a Concealed Handgun in a Vehicle in Connecticut?
- Yes, with a valid CT Pistol Permit only. Otherwise, the weapon must be unloaded and the firearm and ammunition must be stored in separate locked containers during transport. As of October 1, 2019, any pistol or revolver in an unattended motor vehicle must be in the trunk, a locked safe or locked glove box, or in a locked toolbox or utility box attached to the bed of a pickup truck.
Can You Carry a Concealed Firearm at Roadside Rest Areas in Connecticut?
- Yes.
Can You Carry a Concealed Firearm in Bars and Restaurants That Serve Alcohol in Connecticut?
- Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a valid CT Pistol Permit, unless posted.
Can You Carry a Concealed Firearm in State/National Parks, State/National Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in Connecticut?
- Yes and no. Carrying open or concealed firearms for self-defense is not permitted on state/national park or state/national forest properties. Per the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, firearms are only allowed by individuals that are actively engaged in permitted hunting, meaning in locations that hunting is permitted, with a current license, in the proper season, and with the appropriate firearm and ammunition for the animal being hunted.
- Carrying open or concealed firearms is allowed on portions of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Connecticut and the Weir Farm National Historical Park only with a valid CT Pistol permit.
Can You Carry or Possess a Firearm on Hotel Property in Connecticut?
- A permit to carry a handgun does not authorize a person to carry a handgun on any premises where the possession or carrying of a handgun is prohibited by the person who owns or controls the premises. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Does Connecticut Have Laws Relating to Storing Firearms in Private Vehicles in an Employee Parking Lot?
- Not addressed in Connecticut state law, although employers may have a policy.
Does Connecticut Issue Concealed Carry Permits to Non-Residents?
- Yes, to individuals who hold a valid permit/license issued by a recognized United States jurisdiction.
Does Connecticut Allow the Public to Access Concealed Carry Registry Information Through Public Records Law?
- No, however, the information is available for law enforcement.
Do You Have a Duty to Notify a Police Officer That You're Carrying a Concealed Firearm in Connecticut?
- No. There is no duty to inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Connecticut. [Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 29-35]
Does Connecticut Have Preemption Laws Related to Concealed Carry (i.e., Does State Law Supersede Local Laws Regarding the Possession of Handguns)?
- No. There is no state preemption of firearms laws in Connecticut. Therefore, local authorities may regulate firearms and ammunition.
Does Connecticut State Law Define Brandishing?
- No definition of brandishing was found in Connecticut law. However, a person is guilty of disorderly conduct when, with intent to cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, such person engages in fighting or in violent, tumultuous, or threatening behavior. [Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 53a-182]
- A person is guilty of breach of the peace in the second degree when, with intent to cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, such person engages in fighting or in violent, tumultuous, or threatening behavior in a public place; or assaults or strikes another; or threatens to commit any crime against another person or such other person's property; or creates a public and hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which such person is not licensed or privileged to do. [Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 53a-181]
Does Connecticut Have Laws Regarding Carrying a Concealed Firearm While Using Alcohol or Drugs?
- It is illegal to carry while under the influence of intoxicating liquor (BAC of 0.08 or greater) or any drug, or both. [Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 53-206d]
Is My Connecticut Driver’s License Linked to My Connecticut Pistol Permit?
- Yes. Your Connecticut driver’s license is linked to your Connecticut pistol permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license.
Are "No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced in Connecticut?
- Yes. A person cannot possess or carry a pistol or revolver in or on any premises where prohibited by law, or prohibited by the person who owns or exercises control over such premises. Any person violating any provision of section 29-28 or 29-31 shall be guilty of a class E felony, and any pistol or revolver found in the possession of any person in violation of any of said provisions shall be forfeited. [Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 29-28]
Does Connecticut Have a Red Flag Law?
- Yes. Connecticut has a red flag law. A state’s attorney, or any two police officers, may file a complaint for seizure of firearms or ammunition. In addition, as of September 1, 2021, a family member, social worker, health care worker, clergy, or other concerned community member is able to notify the court directly about a person who is in possession of a firearm and has threatened to harm herself, himself, or another person and ask the court to issue an order to remove firearms from the possession of the person issuing such threats or committing acts of violence. [Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-38c(a)]
To purchase a handgun in Connecticut, either through an FFL Dealer directly or through a private transaction, a buyer must have either a Connecticut Pistol Permit (CTPP), an Eligibility Certificate/Temporary State Permit to Carry Pistols, or a Revolvers/Non-Resident Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers. The eligibility certificate and CTPP application can be obtained online at the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) website or in person at any state police barracks.
Effective 10/1/23:
- Persons can no longer purchase or receive more than 3 handguns in a 30-day period.
- Certified instructors can purchase up to 6 handguns in a 30-day period.
- Exceptions apply for police departments, exchanges of pistols at the same FFL within 30 days, transfers to museums, antique pistols, and transfers between FFLs.
- Violations are classified as a class C felony.
Steps to Purchase a Handgun:
- Complete the Application:
- Pistol Permit/Eligibility Certificate Application Form (DPS-799-C).
- Submit in person at the local police department, city or town hall, or first selectman's office of your town. Non-residents should submit to the DESPP Headquarters.
- Include Required Documentation:
- Firearms Safety & Use Course Certificate.
- $35.00 fee.
- Eligibility Certificate for a Pistol or Revolver or for Long Guns (DPS-164-C).
- Proof you are legally and lawfully in the United States (e.g., certified copy of birth certificate, U.S. passport, or documentation issued by I.C.E.).
- Proof of valid state-issued photo identification card.
- Non-residents must include a copy of the permit or license to carry a pistol or revolver issued by a recognized United States jurisdiction.
- Submit Fingerprints:
- Provide fingerprints for a criminal history check through a law enforcement agency with payment.
- Approval Process:
- Upon approval, your photograph will be taken at DESPP, and you will be issued an eligibility certificate.
For DESPP pistol permit locations, access the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) website and follow the link to the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit.
Which states honor permits from Connecticut?
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia
Wisconsin
Connecticut offers resident and non-resident permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Connecticut resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
The law requires that you notify the issuing authority within 48 hours of changing your address. Persons holding state pistol permits may contact SLFU by phone at (860) 685-8290, via email at Special Licensing and Firearms Unit, or by mailing a letter to:
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
Division of State Police Special Licensing and Firearms Unit
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Include your name, permit number, old address, and new address.
60 days
File a police report in the area in which the theft or loss occurred. Then contact the issuing authority and notify them of the theft or loss. You will then have to go to the state police headquarters or a troop location where pistol permits are processed and pay a $5.00 processing fee for issuance of a duplicate permit.
Moving to Connecticut and interested in applying for a resident permit? Connecticut issues permits to residents and non-residents who hold a valid permit/license issued by a recognized United States jurisdiction, so you can apply for your permit at any time.
Moving from Connecticut and have a Connecticut resident permit? If a person with a Connecticut pistol permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires provided you notify the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit of the change of address and continue to renew your permit.
An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Be a legal resident of the United States.
- Have a residence or business in the jurisdiction in which they are applying.
- Intend to use the handgun for only lawful purposes.
- Be a “suitable person” to receive a permit.
- Have successfully completed an approved handgun safety course.
- Not have been convicted of a felony or a violation of:
- Criminal possession of a narcotic substance
- Criminally negligent homicide
- Assault in the third degree
- Reckless endangerment in the first degree
- Unlawful restraint in the second degree
- Riot in the first degree
- Stalking in the second degree
- Not have been convicted as a delinquent for the commission of a serious juvenile offense.
- Not have been discharged from custody within the preceding 20 years after having been 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.
- Not have been voluntarily admitted on or after October 1, 2013, to a hospital for persons with psychiatric disabilities within the preceding 12 months by order of a probate court.
- 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.
- Not be subject to a firearms seizure order issued for posing a risk of personal injury to self or others after a hearing.
- Not be an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States.
- Meet federal law requirements.
Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Connecticut.
- $105 total:
- $35 for Eligibility Certificate/Temporary State Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers/Non-Resident Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers
- $70 for the permanent permit
- Plus fingerprint and background check fees.
- $70 for renewals.
5 years
Connecticut issues non-resident permits to individuals who hold a valid permit/license issued by a recognized United States jurisdiction. The process can be done through the mail by submitting the required documentation to the DESPP at the address above.
- Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes.
- Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? No.
- Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
- Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes/No. Carrying open or concealed firearms is allowed on portions of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Connecticut and the Weir Farm National Historical Park only with a valid CT Pistol permit. However, carrying open or concealed firearms for self-defense is not permitted on state/national park or state/national forest properties. Starting October 1st, 2023, no person shall knowingly carry any firearm openly, except in your home, on your land, or at a business you own.
- Places of worship: There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
Where can't I carry a concealed firearm in Connecticut? (Places off-limits even with a permit/license)
- Public or private elementary or secondary school property and school-sponsored activities.
- State Parks, state/national forests, except as authorized by the Department of Environmental Protection.
- Bluff Point Coastal Reserve.
- State/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs.
- Any building in which the chamber of either house of the general assembly is located or in which the official office of any member, officer, or employee of the general assembly or the office of any committee of the general assembly or either house thereof is located or any building in which a committee of the general assembly is holding a public hearing.
- All town-owned property in Woodbridge.
- Any private property that is posted or where it is prohibited by the person who owns or exercises control over such premises.
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Connecticut, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
There is no known statute in Connecticut making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. A statute was identified that makes it illegal to wear a mask, hood, or other device designed to conceal the identity of such person with the intent to subject any other person to the deprivation of any rights or privileges.
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Connecticut?
No. Per the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, firearms are only allowed by individuals who are actively engaged in permitted hunting. This means in locations where hunting is permitted, with a current license, in the proper season, and with the appropriate firearm and ammunition for the animal being hunted.
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Connecticut?
No. Per the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's 2019 Hunting and Trapping Guide, possession of a firearm while archery hunting is prohibited.
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Connecticut?
Yes. No person shall obstruct or interfere with the lawful taking of wildlife by another person at the location where the activity is taking place with the intent to prevent such taking.
All types of knives are legal to own, although there are a number of restrictions on what can be carried openly or concealed. Stilettos, blackjacks, dirks, automatic knives, switchblades with blades longer than 1.5 inches, and any knives with blades longer than 4 inches are illegal to carry and transport. There are exceptions for members of the military, when transporting to a gun show, historic reenactments, among others.