Constitutional Carry in Connecticut: What the Law Allows

Constitutional Carry in Connecticut

Connecticut does not have constitutional carry. The state requires a permit to legally carry a handgun.

Under CGS § 29-28, a person must obtain a permit to carry a handgun in Connecticut. There is no provision in Connecticut law that allows the permitless carrying of concealed or open firearms.

As noted in the Connecticut General Assembly's Office of Legislative Research report (2020-R-0289), "to legally carry a handgun, a person must obtain a permit to do so (CGS § 29-28)." This requirement applies broadly, including in state parks and forests where additional restrictions under Conn. Agencies Regs. § 23-4-1(c) further limit firearms carry.

Key Points

• Permit Required: Connecticut requires a state-issued permit (Connecticut Pistol Permit) to carry a handgun, whether openly or concealed.
• No Permitless Carry: Connecticut has not enacted any constitutional carry or permitless carry legislation.
• Statutory Authority: CGS § 29-28 governs the issuance of permits to carry pistols and revolvers.
• Penalties for Carrying Without a Permit: Carrying a handgun without a valid permit is a criminal offense under Connecticut law.

Connecticut remains one of the states that requires a government-issued permit for both open and concealed carry of handguns.