Connecticut Concealed Carry Laws 2026

Connecticut requires a state-issued pistol permit to carry a handgun in public, whether concealed or openly. The state operates under a may-issue framework and does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state.

This guide is for Connecticut residents, non-residents planning to carry in Connecticut, and anyone seeking accurate information about the state's pistol permit requirements and carry restrictions. All information is drawn from Connecticut General Statutes, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), and recent legislative changes.

Because firearm laws change frequently and enforcement varies, always verify current regulations with official state sources before carrying.

Is Concealed Carry Legal in Connecticut?

Yes, but only with a valid Connecticut pistol permit. Connecticut is a may-issue state that requires all individuals—residents and non-residents alike—to obtain a Connecticut-issued permit before carrying a pistol or revolver on their person in public spaces.

Under C.G.S. 29-35 and 29-31, carrying a handgun without proper authorization is unlawful. Connecticut does not recognize permits issued by other states, meaning out-of-state permits have no legal effect here.

Who may carry:

• Residents who hold a valid Connecticut State Pistol Permit
• Non-residents who obtain a Connecticut Non-Resident State Pistol Permit directly from DESPP
• Qualified law enforcement officers under federal LEOSA provisions (18 U.S.C. 926B and 926C)

The minimum age for a pistol permit is 21 years old. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including passing background checks and completing approved firearms training.

Effective October 1, 2023, Connecticut eliminated general open carry. It is now unlawful to knowingly carry a firearm with intent to display it in public, making Connecticut effectively a concealed-carry-only jurisdiction for permit holders on public streets.

Concealed Carry Permits in Connecticut

Connecticut issues two primary types of pistol permits: resident permits processed through local authorities and validated by the state, and non-resident permits issued directly by DESPP.

Permit names:

• State Pistol Permit (residents): Converts a local temporary permit into a statewide license
• Connecticut Non-Resident State Pistol Permit: Issued directly to out-of-state applicants by DESPP

Issuing authority:

Residents apply through their local police chief, resident state trooper, or borough authority, who issue a temporary pistol permit. This must then be validated through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Special Licensing & Firearms Unit, which administers all state pistol permits.

Non-residents apply directly to DESPP for a Connecticut Non-Resident State Pistol Permit.

Training requirements:

All applicants must complete a handgun safety course equivalent to or exceeding the NRA Basic Pistol Course. Shorter courses like NRA Home Firearms Safety or First Steps Pistol Orientation do not meet the requirement.

Live-fire training with a semi-automatic pistol or revolver is mandatory. Simulators, dry-fire-only courses, air guns, or plastic-bullet systems are not approved.

Under Public Act 23-53 (effective October 1, 2023), applicants must also complete two certificates: one covering safe storage in homes and vehicles, and another on lawful use and carrying of firearms in public. Both must be part of DESPP-approved handgun safety courses.

Validity period:

Connecticut pistol permits are valid for five years from the date of issuance. Renewals cost $70 and can be completed by mail or online. Permits may be renewed up to 90 days after expiration during a grace period, but not beyond 90 days past expiration.

Resident vs. non-resident differences:

Residents apply locally and obtain a state pistol permit valid statewide. Non-residents must apply directly to DESPP for a Connecticut-specific non-resident permit—Connecticut does not honor permits from other states, so this is the only legal pathway for non-residents to carry here.

Where Concealed Carry Is Prohibited in Connecticut

Even with a valid Connecticut pistol permit, carrying is prohibited in numerous locations under state statute and administrative regulation.

Prohibited locations include:

• School property: Elementary and secondary school buildings, grounds, and certain school-sponsored events are off-limits under C.G.S. 29-31
• Court facilities and government buildings: Courthouses and many government facilities restrict firearms through statute or administrative rules
• Hospitals and certain healthcare facilities: Some state-regulated healthcare settings prohibit firearms under Commissioner-authorized regulations
• State parks and forests: DEP Administrative Rule 23-4-1 bans carrying firearms in many state parks and forests, even with a permit
• Private property: Property owners may prohibit firearms on their premises; carrying on property where the owner has forbidden weapons violates C.G.S. 29-31

Connecticut does not have a universal "no-gun sign" statute that makes mere entry with a firearm a standalone offense. However, where statute, regulation, or contract explicitly prohibits firearms, remaining on premises while carrying may support trespass charges, violation of specific statutory provisions, or facility-specific consequences.

Notable exceptions:

No pistol permit is required to carry within your own dwelling house, on land you own or lease, or within your place of business, provided you meet age and eligibility requirements. This carve-out was reaffirmed in Public Act 23-53, effective October 1, 2023.

Concealed Carry Reciprocity in Connecticut

Connecticut does not recognize concealed carry permits issued by any other state. Out-of-state permits—whether from neighboring states or distant jurisdictions—have no legal effect in Connecticut under C.G.S. 29-31.

Non-residents wishing to carry in Connecticut must obtain a Connecticut Non-Resident State Pistol Permit directly from DESPP. There is no statutory provision for recognizing foreign state permits.

Connecticut permits recognized elsewhere:

While Connecticut does not offer reciprocity to other states, at least 24 states recognize Connecticut-issued pistol permits for concealed carry. States reported to honor Connecticut permits include Alabama, Arizona, and Texas, among others. The exact list changes, so verify current reciprocity with each state before traveling.

This creates a one-way reciprocity relationship: Connecticut residents can carry in certain other states, but those states' residents cannot carry in Connecticut without obtaining a Connecticut-specific permit.

Federal Restrictions That Still Apply in Connecticut

A valid Connecticut pistol permit does not override federal firearms restrictions.

Federal law prohibits firearms in:

• Federal courthouses, post offices, IRS buildings, and other federally owned facilities (18 U.S.C. 930)
• Federal aircraft and secure airport areas under TSA regulations (firearms must be transported as checked baggage per 18 U.S.C. 921 and 49 U.S.C. 46504-46506)
• Any location if you are a federally prohibited person under 18 U.S.C. 922(g) or 922(n), including individuals with felony convictions, certain domestic violence convictions, or specific mental health disqualifications

Interstate travel considerations:

When traveling to another state, Connecticut permit holders must comply with that state's concealed carry laws. Connecticut permits are honored in some 20+ states, but each state's reciprocity must be verified before travel.

Federal safe-passage provisions under 18 U.S.C. 926A allow interstate transport of firearms if unloaded and locked, but do not authorize carrying on the person in Connecticut without a Connecticut-issued pistol permit.

Recent Legal Changes or Trends

Public Act 23-53 (effective October 1, 2023):

Connecticut enacted significant changes to its carry laws. The state eliminated general open carry, making it unlawful to knowingly carry a firearm with intent to display it except in limited circumstances. This effectively restricts all public carry to concealed carry with a valid permit.

The same legislation reaffirmed that no permit is required within a dwelling house, on owned or leased land, or within a person's place of business.

Connecticut also tightened pistol permit eligibility by adding misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, certain family violence offenses, and fugitive-from-justice status as statutory disqualifiers under amended C.G.S. 29-28(b).

Post-Bruen landscape:

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in N.Y. State Rifle & Pistol Assn. v. Bruen (2022) did not convert Connecticut into a constitutional carry state. Federal courts and the Second Circuit have reaffirmed that Connecticut's "suitable person" may-issue framework can survive constitutional scrutiny if issuing authorities apply objective, documented standards rather than arbitrary subjective assessments.

Since Bruen, enforcement has focused on aligning discretionary permit decisions with objective criteria. Local issuing authorities still retain some discretion, keeping Connecticut functionally a may-issue state.

Pending legislation (2025-2026):

Connecticut legislators are debating additional firearm-restrictive proposals, including tighter dealer regulations and potential expansion of extreme-risk protection order ("red flag") protocols. While these measures do not currently alter the pistol permit framework, they affect broader firearms access and record-keeping requirements.

Common Misunderstandings About Concealed Carry in Connecticut

"Connecticut recognizes permits from neighboring states."

False. Connecticut does not recognize any out-of-state concealed carry permits. Non-residents must obtain a Connecticut Non-Resident State Pistol Permit to carry legally.

"Open carry is allowed with a permit."

No. As of October 1, 2023, open carry on public streets is effectively banned. Carrying with intent to display a firearm is unlawful except in limited circumstances.

"No-gun signs have no legal force in Connecticut."

Partially misleading. While Connecticut lacks a universal sign statute, carrying on property where the owner has explicitly prohibited firearms can support trespass or statutory violations under C.G.S. 29-31.

"You can carry in state parks with a permit."

Incorrect. DEP Administrative Rule 23-4-1 prohibits carrying firearms in many state parks and forests, even with a valid pistol permit.

"Connecticut became shall-issue after Bruen."

False. Connecticut remains a may-issue state. Post-Bruen litigation has focused on ensuring objective standards, not eliminating discretionary review.

Practical Notes for Concealed Carriers in Connecticut

Connecticut's permit system involves both local and state-level processing, which can result in extended wait times. Residents should initiate applications well in advance of when they need to carry.

Training requirements are specific and non-negotiable. Ensure your course meets DESPP approval standards, includes live-fire training with appropriate handgun types, and covers the two certificate requirements introduced in 2023.

Connecticut's prohibited-locations list is broader than many states. State parks, certain healthcare facilities, and administrative rules create enforceable restrictions even where no "no-gun sign" statute exists. When in doubt, verify with facility administrators or legal counsel.

Because Connecticut does not recognize other states' permits, non-residents visiting from states with reciprocal agreements elsewhere cannot assume their home-state permit provides legal cover here. Obtaining a Connecticut Non-Resident State Pistol Permit is the only legal pathway.

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Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Connecticut concealed carry laws and is not legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently, and enforcement practices vary. Always verify current statutes, administrative rules, and local ordinances with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection or a qualified attorney before carrying a firearm. Compliance with state and federal law is your responsibility.