Does Connecticut have constitutional carry?

No. Connecticut is may-issue in practice — a Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers (Pistol Permit) is required, and issuance involves discretion, delays, or added requirements beyond the base statutory criteria.

How much does a Connecticut Pistol Permit cost?

The Pistol Permit application fee in Connecticut is $70. $70 for the initial local permit and $70 for the state permit / renewal, payable to the Treasurer, State of Connecticut, plus fingerprint/background-check costs.

Does Connecticut honor out-of-state concealed-carry permits?

Connecticut does not currently honor any other state's concealed-carry permit — a Connecticut Pistol Permit (or permitless carry, if eligible) is required to carry in Connecticut.

Where is a Connecticut Pistol Permit honored?

A Connecticut Pistol Permit is honored by 27 other states. See the full outbound reciprocity list for exactly which states and any resident-only or class restrictions.

How long is a Connecticut Pistol Permit valid?

A Connecticut Pistol Permit is valid for 5 years before renewal is required.

This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.

ConnecticutConcealed Carry Permit & Reciprocity

Connecticut is a may-issue-in-practice state. To carry a pistol or revolver — openly or concealed — you must hold a Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers; Connecticut is not a permitless-carry state. The permit is obtained in two steps: an applicant first applies to the local authority (municipal police chief or first selectman) for a 60-day local permit, then the Connecticut State Police (DESPP, Special Licensing and Firearms Unit) issues the five-year state permit. Applicants must be at least 21, complete an approved handgun safety course (at minimum the NRA Basic Pistol Course), submit fingerprints and photographs to a background investigation, and pay $70; issuance takes up to 90 days. Non-residents may apply directly to the State Police for a non-resident permit. Connecticut recognizes no out-of-state permits and has no reciprocity with any state — a permit holder must carry the permit and present it on the demand of a law enforcement officer.

Connecticut Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers (Pistol Permit)

Issuing authority: Local authority (police chief / first selectman) then Connecticut State Police (DESPP-SLFU)
Carry regime: may issue in practice
Minimum age: 21
Fee: $70
Training: Required
Validity: 5 years

Full Connecticut permit requirements →

Carry practicalities

Permitless carry

Not allowed

Connecticut is NOT a permitless-carry state. Carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit is prohibited (Conn. Gen. Stat. §29-35); a Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers is required to carry, with narrow exceptions (e.g. in one's home or place of business). There is no constitutional/permitless carry in Connecticut.

official source · verified 2026-07-10

Open carry

Permit required

Carrying a pistol openly or concealed requires a Connecticut permit (Conn. Gen. Stat. §29-35); there is no separate license-free open-carry right. A permit holder who open-carries may be asked to present the permit and can be subject to enforcement if carrying where prohibited.

official source · verified 2026-07-10

Duty to inform

Not required

Connecticut imposes no affirmative duty to proactively notify a law enforcement officer that you are carrying. A permit holder carrying a pistol must, however, carry the permit and present it on the demand of a law enforcement officer (Conn. Gen. Stat. §29-35(b)).

official source · verified 2026-07-10

Off-limits locations

K-12 school grounds and preschools (Conn. Gen. Stat. §53a-217b)
the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building
courthouses and areas used for court proceedings
state and municipal government buildings where prohibited
polling places on election day
establishments/portions licensed to serve alcohol where prohibited
private property and businesses that prohibit carry
places where carrying a firearm is prohibited by federal law

Curated key categories, not exhaustive. Connecticut prohibits firearms on school grounds under §53a-217b and expanded its list of sensitive locations in 2023 (PA 23-53). Property owners may prohibit carry on their premises.

official source · verified 2026-07-10

Connecticut reciprocity summary

Connecticut honors 0 states' permits · honored by 27 states

Where a Connecticut permit is honored →Whose permits Connecticut honors →

Last verified 2026-07-10 against Connecticut DESPP — State Pistol Permit.

Verify Connecticut rules on the official page →

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Get notified when your state's reciprocity changes.

Connecticut FAQ

Does Connecticut have constitutional carry?: No. Connecticut is may-issue in practice — a Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers (Pistol Permit) is required, and issuance involves discretion, delays, or added requirements beyond the base statutory criteria.
How much does a Connecticut Pistol Permit cost?: The Pistol Permit application fee in Connecticut is $70. $70 for the initial local permit and $70 for the state permit / renewal, payable to the Treasurer, State of Connecticut, plus fingerprint/background-check costs.
Does Connecticut honor out-of-state concealed-carry permits?: Connecticut does not currently honor any other state's concealed-carry permit — a Connecticut Pistol Permit (or permitless carry, if eligible) is required to carry in Connecticut.
Where is a Connecticut Pistol Permit honored?: A Connecticut Pistol Permit is honored by 27 other states. See the full outbound reciprocity list for exactly which states and any resident-only or class restrictions.
How long is a Connecticut Pistol Permit valid?: A Connecticut Pistol Permit is valid for 5 years before renewal is required.

Sources

Connecticut DESPP — State Pistol Permit (2026-07-10)