NRA / ILA
Firearms Laws for
A synopsis of stAte lAws on purchAse,
possession And cArrying of fireArms.
Compiled by:
NRA-Institute for Legislative Action
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(800) 392-8683
www.nraila.org
Connecticut
May 2008
QUICK REFERENCE CHART
Rifles and
Shotguns
Handguns
Permit to Purchase
No*
Yes
Registration of Firearms Yes**
No
Licensing of Owners
No
No
Permit to Carry
No
Yes
*2-week waiting period
**“Assault Weapons”
STATE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION
“Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself
and the state.” Article 1, Section 15.
PURCHASE
No state permit is required for the purchase of rifles
or shotguns. No sale or delivery of a rifle or shotgun
can be made until the expiration of two weeks from the
date of application for purchase. The waiting period
does not apply to law enforcement officers, active duty
military personnel, holders of a valid state permit to carry
a handgun, holders of a valid hunting license or antique
firearms.
A permit to carry a handgun, a permit to sell
handguns, or a handgun eligibility certificate is required
to purchase a pistol or revolver. Any person, firm or
corporation who sells or otherwise transfers a handgun
must contact the Connecticut State Police to verify the
validity of the permit to carry handguns or the handgun
eligibility certificate. All firearms sellers are required to
retain records of firearms sales for a minimum of five
years.
Any person who is twenty-one years of age or older
may apply to the Commissioner of Public Safety for
an eligibility certificate for a pistol or revolver. The
Commissioner must issue this certificate if the applicant
may lawfully possess a handgun under state and federal
law, and has successfully completed an approved
handgun safety or training course. The applicant must be
fingerprinted and pay all appropriate fees. The certificate
is valid for 5 years. The Commissioner of Public Safety
must be notified within 2 business days of an addres