Connecticut Concealed Carry FAQ

Connecticut Concealed Carry Laws - Frequently Asked Questions

Permit Requirements

Connecticut requires a permit to carry a handgun. Under CGS § 29-28, a person must obtain a permit to legally carry a pistol or revolver.

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU), administers the state pistol permit process. Common FAQ topics addressed by SLFU include:

• Applying for a pistol permit
• Getting licensed by SLFU
• Hearings with the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit

For detailed pistol permit FAQs, DESPP directs applicants to their official FAQ page at portal.ct.gov/despp/knowledge-base/articles/frequently-asked-questions/slfu/pistol-permit-faq.

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Carrying Handguns in State Parks or Forests

Can a person legally carry a handgun in a state park or forest?

DEEP regulations generally prohibit hunting or carrying firearms or other weapons in a state park or forest (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 23-4-1(c)), with limited exceptions:

• A person may legally possess a handgun in a state park or forest only when carrying the handgun for hunting small game (e.g., rabbits, squirrels) or participating in other authorized activities, such as at a firearms range or during a hunter education class.
• This is permitted only at predetermined times in areas set aside by DEEP and posted for such purposes (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 26-66-2(d)).
• A person cannot use a handgun with centerfire ammunition to hunt on state-owned land. Handguns with ammunition larger than .22 caliber rimfire long rifle cartridges are also prohibited on state-owned lands (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 26-66-2(a)).
• A valid permit to carry a handgun is still required (CGS § 29-28).

Penalties for illegally carrying weapons in a state park or forest:

• Violation of § 23-4-1(c) constitutes an infraction (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 23-4-5(b)(1))
• Total fine: $75 (as set by the judges of the Connecticut Superior Court)
• DEEP may evict the violator from the property for 24 hours (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 23-4-5(a)(1))
• DEEP may prohibit a violator from entering any state park for up to one year after their conviction date (CGS § 23-4(a))

Appalachian Trail and Federal Lands:

• Federal law allows anyone who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws to possess firearms on parts of the Appalachian Trail managed by the National Park Service (16 U.S.C. § 1a-7b).
• State laws and regulations apply to parts of the Appalachian Trail that pass through state-owned parks and forests. A person cannot carry a handgun in these areas except as described above.
• A person is responsible for knowing their location and which law applies.

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Assault Weapons and Large Capacity Magazines

Following PA 13-3 (Sandy Hook legislation), the following FAQs were addressed:

What can someone do if they possess a banned assault weapon they have not registered and/or a high capacity magazine they have not declared?

1. If the weapon is no longer located in the state, you are in compliance.
2. If the weapon has been sold to an authorized firearms dealer, you are in compliance.
3. If the weapon is still in your possession, you may:
   • Arrange to relinquish your assault weapon(s) and/or large capacity magazine(s) to a state police troop or police department having jurisdiction where you reside; or
   • Render the assault weapon(s) and/or large capacity magazine(s) permanently inoperable.

Will law enforcement be going door to door to confiscate unregistered assault weapons or undeclared magazines?

No, but just like any other item that is unlawful (i.e., contraband) to possess, if an individual is found to be in possession of an unregistered assault weapon or undeclared magazine, they are subject to arrest and prosecution.

May I use my assault weapon before it's been acknowledged?

Yes.

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Important Disclaimer

The information provided should not be substituted for the State of Connecticut General Statutes. The full text of the Connecticut General Statutes should be consulted for authoritative legal guidance.

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Key Statutes Referenced