State Laws · CT
Connecticut Gun Laws
Effective as of October 1, 2023 (Most recent significant amendments). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed Carry
Connecticut requires a State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers for concealed carry, issued by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). Connecticut is effectively shall-issue following statutory amendments but retains some discretion through a "suitability" standard. Applicants must complete an approved firearms safety course, be at least 21, and pass a background check. The permit is valid for five years.
Key statute: C.G.S. § 29-28 — permits to sell at retail or carry pistols and revolvers.
Open Carry
Open carry is legal in Connecticut only with a valid State Permit to Carry. Without a permit, open carry is prohibited.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons convicted of certain misdemeanors (including domestic violence), persons subject to restraining or protective orders, persons adjudicated as mentally ill, persons involuntarily confined to a psychiatric hospital within the past 12 months, persons convicted of certain weapons offenses, and persons under 21.
Prohibited Locations
Connecticut prohibits carry in: schools and school grounds, state capitol and legislative office building, and any private property with posted prohibition. Connecticut's list of state-designated prohibited locations is relatively short compared to other restrictive states.
Purchase Requirements
Connecticut requires a Certificate of Eligibility for long gun purchases and a State Permit to Carry or eligibility certificate for handgun purchases. All sales (including private) require a background check through the state system and must be conducted through an authorized dealer or with an authorization number. Connecticut has an assault weapons ban, a magazine capacity limit of 10 rounds, a mandatory waiting period of 14 days for long guns (no waiting period for handgun purchases by permit holders), and a prohibition on 3D-printed firearms and ghost guns.
Citations
C.G.S. Title 29 (public safety and state police); C.G.S. Title 53a (penal code, weapons offenses); C.G.S. § 53-202 series (assault weapons).
Look up statutes at Connecticut General Assembly →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Connecticut statutes
Connecticut General Assembly →This link goes to Connecticut's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.