Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Connecticut gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Constitution State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in Connecticut?
Connecticut is a may-issue state, and permits are issued based on a “suitability clause.” In reaction to NYSRPA v. Bruen, Governor Ned Lamont said, “This Supreme Court decision will not prevent Connecticut from enforcing its responsible gun ownership laws.” Concealed carry is legal in Connecticut with a Connecticut Pistol Permit (CTPP). The minimum age is 21. As of Oct. 1, 2023, no person shall knowingly carry any firearm openly, except in his or her home, on his or her land, or at a business he or she owns. In terms of reciprocity, Connecticut does not honor permits from any other states.
Connecticut Concealed Carry Permit
Connecticut residents, as well as any non-resident with a valid CCW license from his or her home state, can apply for a CTPP. Connecticut Pistol Permits require a state-approved firearms training course that includes live-fire exercises.
Connecticut has a two-step permitting process. First, an applicant must apply for a temporary permit from the local authorities. Following issuance of the 60-day temporary permit, he or she must submit another application at the state level through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). Issuance of a temporary permit is technically not a prerequisite to apply for a regular 5-year permit, but in practice, an applicant must await a decision from local authorities on the temporary permit application before applying to DESPP for the regular permit.
This results in you paying a total of $140 ($70 temporary permit, $70 permanent permit and fingerprint and background check fees). The fee for permit renewals is $70. There is an additional fee for completing the prerequisite handgun safety course approved by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Stand Your Ground
The Castle Doctrine is incorporated into Connecticut law governing the use of physical force in defense of premises. This law states that a person who possesses or controls a premise, or is licensed or privileged to be on such premises, is justified in using reasonable physical force upon another person when he or she reasonably believes it to be necessary to prevent or stop someone from criminally trespassing.
Deadly force is reasonable only (1) to defend oneself or another; (2) when one reasonably believes deadly force is necessary to prevent an attempt by the trespasser to commit arson or any violent crime; or (3) to the extent the person reasonably believes it is necessary and only to prevent or terminate an unlawful entry by force into his or her dwelling or place of work. Although there is no duty to retreat in a person’s home, there is a duty to retreat outside of one’s home.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
A firearms buyer must have a CTPP or obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Pistol and Revolvers. Applicants must complete an approved safety course and pass a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check and mental health records check prior to issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility. A purchaser must be at least 21 years old to buy a handgun. Private party firearms transfers require that a federally licensed dealer perform a background check on the buyer. Private sales are allowed between CTPP holders provided the DESPP transfer form is submitted and an authorization number is received.
Connecticut has bans on defined “assault weapons,” which include any selective-fire firearm capable of fully automatic, semiautomatic or burst fire at the option of the user or any from a list of specified semiautomatic firearms. That is unless it was purchased before October 1, 1993, as well as a limited list of semiautomatic AR, AK and SKS variants.
The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection maintains a de facto registry of the sale of handguns and long guns purchased in-state. Any transfer, be it from a dealer or private party, must be accompanied by an authorization number issued by the DESPP, and a form containing personal and weapon identification must be submitted to DESPP and local police.
Magazine Capacity Limits
Connecticut prohibits handgun magazines that allow more than 10 rounds. Armor-piercing and incendiary .50-caliber ammunition is prohibited. A handgun carry permit, gun sales permit, long-gun/handgun eligibility certificate or ammunition certificate is required to purchase ammunition.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
Stun guns and Tasers are legal for home or business use only; carrying is prohibited. It is also illegal to have an electronic defense weapon in a vehicle. Pepper spray can be carried without a CTPP.
Where Can One Carry in Connecticut?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Connecticut’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.
Locations where a concealed handgun may be carried include:
- Restaurants that serve alcohol (unless posted)
- Roadside rest areas
Locations where carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:
- Public or private elementary or secondary school property and school-sponsored activities
- State/national parks, state/national forests and WMAs, except as authorized by the Department of Environmental Protection
- Any building in which the chamber of either house of the general assembly is located or in which the official office of any member or committee of the general assembly is located or any building in which a committee 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
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Connecticut?
You can carry a gun in your car in Connecticut with a valid Connecticut 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 glove box, or in a locked toolbox or utility box attached to the bed of a pickup truck.
Ready to Learn More About Connecticut Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Connecticut’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Connecticut gun laws page now…
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
