Connecticut Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

21.

No.

As of October 1st, 2023, no person shall knowingly carry any firearm openly, except in your home, on your land, or at a business you own.​

STUN GUNS - 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).

PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. There are no restricitons on size or concentration, and can be purchased, owned, and carried anywhere in Connecticut. Misuse may result in criminal charges.

BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. There are no state-specific restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to criminal charges.

BLUGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are illegal to carry outside of your home under Connecticut General Statute § 53-206. This includes police batons, nightsticks, billy clubs, slapjacks, and similar items. These are classified as "dangerous weapons," making their possession outside the home punishable.

NUNCHUCKS - prohibited unless specifically authorized for training purposes.

BRASS KNUCKLES - Illegal to carry outside of your home under Connecticut General Statute § 53-206. 

[Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann § 29-38]

Yes.

Not addressed in Connecticut state law, although employers may have a policy.

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]

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]

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]

Yes, to individuals who hold a valid permit/license issued by a recognized United States jurisdiction.

No, however the information is available for law enforcement.

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]

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 up to 6 handguns in a 30-day period. Exceptions for police departments, exchanges of pistols at the same FFL within 30 days, transfers to museums, antique pistols, and transfers between FFLs. Violation are a class C felony.

1. 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 below:

• • 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.

1. Submit fingerprints for a criminal history check through a law enforcement agency with payment.

1. Upon approval, your photograph will be taken at DESPP and you will be issued an eligibility certificate.

For DESPP pistol permit locations, access www.ct.gov/despp and follow the link to the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit.

$105

• $35 Eligibility Certificate/Temporary State Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers/Non-Resident Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers, &
• $70 permanent permit

Plus fingerprint and background check fees.

$70 for renewals

Link to instructions

Temporary Pistol Permit Application (DPS-799-C)

Moving to Connecticut and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?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? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Connecticut permit remains valid?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, or
  • 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; and
• 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.

• Public or private elementary or secondary school property and school-sponsored activities [Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann § 53-206];
• State Parks, state/national forests, except as authorized by the Department of Environmental Protection [Conn. Admin. Rule § 23-4-1(c)];
• Bluff Point Coastal Reserve [Conn. Admin. Rule § 23-4-4(2)(c)];
• State/national parks, state/national forests and WMAs [Atty Genl. Opinion 2010-R-0472];
• 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 [Conn. Gen. Stat. § 2-1e(c)]; 
• All town-owned property in Woodbridge [Town of Woodbridge Genl. Ord. § 231-3];
• Any private property that is posted or where it is prohibited by the person who owns or exercises control over such premises [Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann § 29-28(e)]; and
• Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.

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 intent to prevent such taking.

[Connecticut General Statutes 53a-183a]

All types of knives are legal to own, although there are a number of restrictions on what can be carried open 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 to carry for members of the military, when transporting to a gun show, historic reenactments, among others.

[Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann §§53-206 & 29-38(a)]