Connecticut Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

No.

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).

[Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann § 53-206] [Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann § 29-38]

Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Connecticut.

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.

[Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 53-202w]

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.

[Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 29-38m(c) and 53-202l(a)]

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.

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 it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.

[Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-28(e)]

Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a valid CT Pistol Permit, unless posted.

Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of Connecticut - No
Mohegan Indian Tribe of Connecticut - With a valid CT Permit issued by the Department of Public Safety. Sec. 6-121

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]

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.

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)]

No. There is no state preemption of firearms laws in Connecticut. Therefore, local authorities may regulate firearms and ammunition.

Yes. Connecticut broadly prohibits any person from possessing an assault weapon. Individuals who owned an assault weapon before it was prohibited may continue to possess the assault weapon if they obtain a certificate of possession before the appropriate deadline. The state also prohibits any person from distributing, transporting, importing into the state, keeping, offering or exposing for sale, or giving an assault weapon to any person.

You can find a list of weapons here.​

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.

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.

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.

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.

5 years

60 days

Connecticut has a two-step permitting process: a 60-day temporary permit issued by local authorities followed by a 5-year regular permit issued by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). 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”. The suitability clause applies both to the issuance of new permits and revocation of existing permits.

A temporary state permit to carry pistols or revolvers entitles the holder to purchase a firearm and transport same to their residence or place of business. It does not entitle the holder to carry a pistol or revolver on their person. Issuance of a temporary permit is technically not a prerequisite to apply for a regular 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.

• 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.
•  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.

No. Per the Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection's 2019 Hunting and Trapping Guide, possession of a firearm while archery hunting is prohibited.

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.

[Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 53-37a]

No. 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.