Connecticut Concealed Carry Permit Application Process

Overview

Connecticut uses a two-step permit process for carrying pistols and revolvers. Applicants must first obtain a local/temporary permit from their municipality, then convert it to a State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU). The process is governed primarily by C.G.S. §§ 29-28, 29-28a, and 29-29.

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Step 1: Obtain a Local (Temporary) Permit

Where to Apply

• Residents: Apply at the police department or first selectman's office in the town where you reside.
• Non-residents: Apply directly to the Connecticut State Police, Special Licensing and Firearms Unit. Email requests to SLFU.OOS@ct.gov.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must be a legal resident of the United States
• Must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S. (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or documentation issued by ICE)
• Legal alien residents must provide Alien Registration numbers and 90-day proof of residency
• Naturalized citizens must provide proof of citizenship

Disqualifying Factors (C.G.S. § 29-28)

Applicants are ineligible if they:

• Have been convicted of a felony at any time in any jurisdiction
• Have been convicted within the preceding 20 years of any of the following misdemeanors:
  1. Illegal possession of controlled or hallucinogenic substances (C.G.S. § 21a-279(c))
  2. Criminally negligent homicide (§ 53a-58)
  3. Assault in the third degree (§ 53a-61)
  4. Assault of a victim 60 or older in the third degree (§ 53a-61a)
  5. Threatening (§ 53a-62)
  6. Reckless endangerment in the first degree (§ 53a-63)
  7. Unlawful restraint in the second degree (§ 53a-96)
  8. Riot in the first degree (§ 53a-175)
  9. Riot in the second degree (§ 53a-176)
  10. Inciting to riot (§ 53a-178)
  11. Stalking in the second degree (§ 53a-181d)
• Were convicted as a delinquent for a serious juvenile offense (as defined in § 46b-120)
• Were discharged from custody within the preceding 20 years after being found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect (§ 53a-13)
• Were confined in a hospital for psychiatric disabilities within the preceding 12 months by order of a probate court (§ 17a-495)
• Were voluntarily admitted to a hospital for psychiatric disabilities on or after October 1, 2013, within the preceding 12 months by order of a probate court
• Are subject to a restraining or protective order involving the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force
• Are subject to a firearms seizure order pursuant to C.G.S. § 29-38c
• Are an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States
• Have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
• Have renounced United States citizenship
• Have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
• Are prohibited by federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or (n))

Required Training

• Must successfully complete a handgun safety course consisting of no less than the NRA Basic Pistol Course prior to submitting the application
• Live fire is required - computer-generated programs, dry-fire, simulated shooting tools, plastic bullets, air guns, or other alternatives are not acceptable
• Students must fire a semi-automatic pistol or revolver
• The NRA "Home Firearms Safety Course" and "First Steps Pistol Orientation Program" are NOT approved courses
• As of July 1, 2024, the NRA course certificate date must be within 2 years of the date of application submission (per City of Bridgeport notice citing statute)
• A list of CT-approved instructors is maintained by DESPP/SLFU

Application Documents Required

1. Completed and notarized Connecticut State Police Form DPS-799-C
2. Copy of valid state-issued photo identification (driver's license or ID card)
3. Copy of proof of legal presence in the U.S. (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or ICE documentation)
4. Documentation of successful completion of an approved firearms safety and use course
5. Copy of DD-214 if applicant has ever been a member of the Armed Forces and has been discharged
6. FBI Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights & Privacy Act Statement (signed and dated)
7. Fingerprints (processed through electronic fingerprinting vendor)

Fees for Local Permit

• $70.00 - Local authority application fee
• Fingerprinting fees - Vary by municipality; typically includes:
  • Approximately $75.00 for State of Connecticut processing
  • Approximately $13.25 for FBI processing
  • Some municipalities charge an additional local fingerprinting fee (e.g., $10-$30 depending on town)

Processing & Background Check

• Applicants must submit to a background investigation, criminal history check, and provide fingerprints and photographs
• DESPP will be notified by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) if the applicant has been confined in a hospital for psychiatric disabilities within the preceding 12 months
• The licensing statute contains a "suitability clause" which provides that the issuing authority may deny the application if it determines the applicant is not a suitable person to possess or carry a pistol or revolver (C.G.S. § 29-28(b))

Timeline

• The issuing authority has 8 weeks to review the application and approve or deny it (C.G.S. § 29-28a)
• Some municipalities may take 8-10 weeks in practice
• Applicants will be notified in writing of the decision

Applicant Rights (per Public Act 23-53, effective October 1, 2023)

• A right to request and obtain an application to apply for a permit
• A right to submit an application no more than one week after requesting to do so
• A right to be informed in writing of the result within eight (8) weeks of submission
• A right to file an appeal in the event of a denial
• A state and federal constitutional right to own, possess, and carry a firearm for protection of the individual's home or family as lawfully chosen

Denial & Appeals

• If denied, the applicant may appeal to the Board of Firearm Permit Examiners as provided in C.G.S. § 29-32b
• If the applicant fails to pick up the temporary permit within 60 days of the approval letter, or is denied, they may reapply 1 year from the date of the certified letter

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Step 2: Obtain the State Permit

Timeline

• Once the temporary (local) permit is issued, the holder has 60 days to apply for the full State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers at a DESPP/SLFU office
• The temporary permit may not be renewed. If it expires before obtaining the state permit, the applicant must re-apply for a new temporary permit

Where to Apply

• DESPP-HQ is open for new pistol permit applicants - no appointments required
• Apply in person at a DESPP Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU) processing location

What to Bring

• Proof of citizenship or legal residence (e.g., birth certificate, passport, green card)
• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license)
• $70.00 - State permit fee (check, money order, or exact cash payable to "Treasurer State of Connecticut")
• Temporary permit issued by local jurisdiction

Instructions Form

• Form DPS-769-C provides detailed instructions for new and renewal state permit applicants

Permit Details

• The State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers is valid for 5 years
• The temporary permit is valid for 60 days and allows lawful possession of a pistol/revolver in Connecticut but does NOT allow the holder to purchase firearms

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Total Fee Summary

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Non-Resident Applications

• Non-residents may apply for a non-resident Connecticut State Pistol Permit
• Non-residents apply directly to the Connecticut State Police, Special Licensing and Firearms Unit
• Email SLFU.OOS@ct.gov to request an application packet
• Call 860-685-8290 for a complete packet including fingerprint card
• The same form DPS-799-C is used for non-resident applications

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Permit Renewals

• Permits expire after 5 years and must be renewed
• Renewal instructions are included in form DPS-769-C
• Renewals may be done in person or by mail (per DESPP instructions)

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Key Statutory References

• C.G.S. § 29-28 - Permit to carry pistol or revolver; suitability clause; confidentiality
• C.G.S. § 29-28a - Application for permit; notice of decision to applicant (8-week deadline)
• C.G.S. § 29-29 - Information concerning criminal records of applicants
• C.G.S. § 29-30 - Fees for permits; expiration and renewal
• C.G.S. § 29-32 - Revocation of permit; notification; penalty for failure to surrender
• C.G.S. § 29-32b - Board of Firearms Permit Examiners; appeals; hearings
• C.G.S. § 29-35 - Carrying of pistol or revolver without permit prohibited; exceptions
• Public Act 23-53 - 2023 legislation affecting permit application rights and procedures