The following is summarized from the website of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP): https://portal.ct.gov/DESPP/Division-of-State-Police/Special-Licensing-and-Firearms/Special-Licensing-and-Firearms. Permits to carry guns are issued through the Special Licenses and Firearms Unit of DESPP.
APPLYING FOR A FIREARM PERMIT:
In order to get a Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers, applicants in Connecticut must first apply for, and be granted a local pistol permit. Applications can be obtained at your local police department or First Selectman’s office in the city or town where you reside or maintain a place of business. Out of state residents apply directly to the Connecticut State Police, Special Licensing and Firearms Unit. Out of state residents may apply for a nonresident Connecticut State Pistol Permit by emailing their request to SLFU.OOS@ct.gov –The application contains instructions for obtaining the permit. There is a $70.00 fee.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS ON PERMIT: A change of address on an individual’s permit is required within 2 business days of any change of address. Persons holding a state pistol permit may change their address via our online portal by clicking here. A change of address may also be done by mailing a letter to DESPP-CT State Police, Special Licensing & Firearms Unit, 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT, 06457. Please include your name, permit number, old address and new address. Any problems with the online portal, please contact us via email DESPP.SLFU@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 685-8290.
PERMIT RULES AND RESTRICTIONS: The permit is valid for five years from date of issue unless it is revoked or suspended. A permit may be kept if the applicant moves out of state provided that they notify the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit of their change of address and continue to renew their permit. Only people who are permit holders, along with Eligibility Certificate holders and sworn police officers, may purchase a handgun. These restrictions also apply to the purchaser of any handgun that you sell. Contact the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for information on selling a handgun.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Answers to questions about the firearms permit process can be found at the DESPP website and at the website of the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners: (https://portal.ct.gov/DESPP/Division-of-State-Police/Special-Licensing-and-Firearms/Firearms-and-Permit-Related-Forms-and-Information)
TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT’S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service name: Firearm Permits
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SOURCE: Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection website; Board of Firearms Permit Examiners website
PREPARED BY: 211/nl
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: November2024