In Connecticut, anyone wishing to carry a pistol or revolver must obtain a permit from the legal authority. The permitting law does not distinguish between open or concealed carrying. The chief of police, warden, or selectman must be the one to issue the permit to anyone who meets the requirements. The requirements include that the applicant must:
- Be the age of 21 or older
- Have a legitimate home or place of business in the area in which they want to apply
- Have the intention to use the handgun for which they are seeking the permit only for legal purposes
- Have completed the requisite handgun safety course authorized by the relevant Commissioner
- Not have served or be serving a sentence for a felony of:
- Murder
- Illegal possession of narcotic substance
- Third-degree assault, including third-degree assault on a person who is elderly, disabled, pregnant, or intellectually challenged
- Second-degree terroristic threats
- First-degree reckless endangerment
- Second-degree unlawful restraint
- First or second-degree riot or riot instigation
- Second-degree stalking
6. Never received a delinquent conviction for committing a serious juvenile offense
7. Have not been ordered by a probate court to be confined in a hospital for people with psychiatric disabilities within the previous 12 months
8. Have not been released from custody after being found not guilty of a crime committed due to a mental illness or defect in the past 20 years
9. Not be subject to a protective or restraining order issued by a court in a situation where physical force was used or attempted against another person
10. Not be issued a firearms seizure order due to the risk of imminent self or other-inflicted injury
11. Not have been prohibited by federal law’s mental health restrictions from possessing or receiving a firearm
12. Not be an alien who is forcibly or unlawfully present in the country
Firearm Safety Training
Connecticut mandates that anyone seeking a state concealed weapons permit must complete a course in the safety and usage of pistols and revolvers. The authorities have approved the training to ensure that applicants demonstrate an understanding of the safe use of firearms and guns.
Duration and Renewal
In Connecticut, a handgun-carrying permit is legitimate for up to five years from the date the relevant authorities issue it. The duration of each renewal permit is five years. Since 2011, residents of Connecticut have been able to renew their licenses by mail without any safety training.
Information Use or Disclosure
Connecticut does not disclose personal application or permit information about concealed weapons to permit holders. Before October 1, 2001, when the law allowing state-issued permits to replace local permits became effective, you were not to disclose a state permit to carry a handgun or a provincial license to carry a gun, except in the case of:
- Law enforcement personnel performing their duties
- The firearm transferor is requesting to verify that the permit is still valid and has not been withdrawn or suspended
- If someone in Connecticut has been subject to a mental health commitment order, certain personal information may be shared with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) by the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services (MHAS).
Reciprocity
A U.S. citizen that holds a concealed handgun permit from another state and does not live or work in Connecticut must contact the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection (ESPP) for a carry permit before they can legally carry a gun in Connecticut.
