Connecticut Concealed Carry Firearm Laws

Connecticut: Gun Laws Summary

Connecticut is a may-issue state, meaning that local law enforcement has discretion in determining whether or not to issue a permit to carry a handgun to an applicant based on a “suitability clause”. [1] The suitability clause applies both to the issuance of new permits and 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).

In order to purchase a handgun, a buyer must have a Connecticut Pistol Permit (CTPP) or obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Pistol and Revolvers or Long Guns or Ammunition. [2] A background check is required to buy a handgun from a private individual — private party firearms transfers are required to be performed by a federally licensed dealer.

Open carry and concealed carry are legal in Connecticut with a CTPP. The minimum age is 21. [1] Connecticut residents as well as non-residents with a valid CCW license from their home state can apply for a CTPP. [2] Some areas are off-limits, including schools and state parks. [1] CTPPs require a state-approved firearms training course that includes live-fire exercises. In terms of reciprocity, Connecticut does not honor permits from any other states. [2]

Use of Physical Force in Defense of Person

A person is justified in using reasonable physical force to defend the person or a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of physical force, and the person may use such degree of force which is reasonably believed to be necessary for such purpose; except that deadly physical force may not be used unless the actor reasonably believes that such other person is using or about to use deadly physical force, or inflicting or about to inflict great bodily harm. [3]

Use of Physical Force in Defense of Property

A person is justified in using reasonable physical force when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes it to be necessary to prevent an attempt to commit larceny or criminal mischief involving property or larceny; but he or she may use deadly physical force only in defense of person. [4]

Use of Physical Force in Defense of Premises

A person in possession or control of premises, or a person who is licensed or privileged to be in or upon such premises, is justified in using reasonable physical force when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of a criminal trespass. But a person may use deadly physical force under such circumstances only:

In defense of a person;
When he or she reasonably believes it to be necessary to prevent an attempt by the trespasser to commit arson or any crime of violence; or
To the extent that he or she reasonably believes it to be necessary to prevent or terminate an unlawful entry by force into a dwelling or place of work, and for the sole purpose of such prevention or termination. [5]

Self-Defense

The Castle Doctrine is incorporated into Connecticut law governing the use of physical force in defense of premises. Although there is no duty to retreat in a person’s home, there is a duty to retreat outside of one’s home. [3]

Connecticut: Gun Laws at a Glance


Does Connecticut allow constitutional carry?	No. [source]
Is open carry permitted in Connecticut?	Yes, with a CT Pistol Permit only. [source]
What is the minimum age in Connecticut to get a concealed carry permit?	21. [source]
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Connecticut with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?	No. [source]
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. [source]
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 possess a valid firearms credential (i.e., a handgun or long gun eligibility certificate, permit to carry or sell handguns, or ammunition certificate). [source] [source] [source]
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. [source] [source]
If Connecticut requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?	May-issue. [source]
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. [source]

Connecticut: Carry Locations


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.[Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 29-38d][Public Act 19-7]
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.[Conn. Admin. Rule § 23-4-1][Atty Genl. Opinion 2010-R-0472]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. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.[Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-28(e)]
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.

Connecticut: Key State Laws


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. [source]
Does Connecticut allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?	No, however the information is available for law enforcement. [source]
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. [source]
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. [source]
Does Connecticut state law define brandishing?	No definition of brandishing was found in Connecticut law. 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. 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. [source, source]
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. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences. [source]
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. [source]
If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.	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. [source]
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. [source]

Connecticut: Handgun Purchase and Possession


Handgun Purchase Process	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.
Pistol Permit/Eligibility Certificate Application Form	To obtain a CTPP, applicants must complete the Pistol Permit/Eligibility Certificate Application Form (DPS-799-C) and submit it in person at the local police department, city or town hall or first selectman’s office of your town (non-residents should submit it to the DESPP Headquarters) along with the required documents including a 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.), and 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. (source)
Fingerprints and Criminal History Check	Applicants must submit fingerprints for a criminal history check through a law enforcement agency with payment. (source)
Approval and Eligibility Certificate	Upon approval, the applicant’s photograph will be taken at DESPP and they will be issued an eligibility certificate. (source)
DESPP Pistol Permit Locations	For DESPP pistol permit locations, access www.ct.gov/despp and follow the link to the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit.