Connecticut Gun Laws

Connecticut is considered a “May Issue” state. However, Connecticut tends to operate more like a “Shall Issue” state due to multiple court decisions. There is a 2 step process to get a permit. First, an applicant must apply for a temporary permit from the local authorities and then another application is made at the state level. This results in you paying for two permits, $140 in total. Connecticut gun laws are also strict on training and they will only accept the NRA’s basic pistol course.

Connecticut Gun Laws Quick Facts

Open Carry Permitted?	Yes – Connecticut allows for open carrying of a firearm (including a handgun) so long as you have the Connecticut pistol permit.
Carry In Vehicle?	Yes – So long as you have a Connecticut pistol permit you may carry your firearm in your vehicle (loaded or unloaded and/or openly or concealed). If you do not have the state permit then you must carry your firearm unloaded in a carrying container with the ammunition in a separate container. There’s also mention of a requirement to lock your handgun into a locked safe, glove box, or trunk if you leave your handgun unattended.
Carry In State Park?	Yes/No – There are some sections of the Appalachian Trail within Connecticut which allows for an individual to conceal or open carry so long as you have a valid Connecticut pistol permit because it’s a national park. However, within Connecticut code there are two specific references to carrying a firearm within a state park. In the code 23-4-1 there’s specific language that states carrying of firearms, archery equipment, or other weapons are not permitted in any state park unless authorized by the Department of Environmental Protection (of Connecticut). There’s also an opinion by the Attorney General (in 2010) of Connecticut where they stated that carrying a firearm was allowed so long as that person had the correct permits and was hunting appropriate game at the correct designated time. Connecticut seems to be strict in regards to firearms being allowed within state parks so it’s best to error on the side of caution and not carry.
Carry In Restaurants?	Yes – From our research there’s no code that specifically prohibits a person from concealed carrying a firearm (so long as you have the Connecticut pistol permit) in an establishment that serves alcohol. This is true unless the establishment specifically prohibits firearms. Read below for more info.
Constitutional Carry?	No – Connecticut does not recognize constitutional carry.
No Weapon Sign Enforced?	Yes – Connecticut code maintains that nobody is allowed to carry a firearm if a building or premises explicitly prohibits firearms from entering the building (through a posted sign). There’s language that breaking this law results in a felony.
Must Notify Officer?	No – There’s no specific language around the duty to inform an LEO upon interaction. However, there is clear language that you must carry your permit and a valid photo ID on your person at all times when carrying a pistol or revolver. You must present your permit and ID upon request by a law enforcement officer if they observe you and suspect you of a crime.

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States Honoring CCW

States NOT Honoring CCW

• California
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Washington

Honors These States CCW Permits

• None

How Reciprocity Works In Connecticut

Connecticut is one of the few states where CCW from another state doesn’t carry over.

Reciprocity Agreements In Connecticut

Connecticut: Where Is CCW Allowed?

Places Allowed

• Road side rest areas
• Vehicle

Places Not Allowed

• Public or private elementary or secondary school property
• A permit to carry is required to carry a handgun outside one’s home (even though one may still be on his own property);
• In any place of business in which one is merely an employee, not an owner or operator;
• A permit is also required to transport a handgun back and forth between one’s home and place of business, or to and from a range for target shooting.
• Any building in which the chamber of either house of the General Assembly is located or in which the official office of any member, officer or employee of the General Assembly or the office of any committee of the General Assembly or either house thereof is located or any building in which a committee of the General Assembly is holding a public hearing.
• Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.

Connecticut: Conceal Carry Laws

Open Carry

Yes

You cannot open carry without a permit/license. However, if you have a permit/license then open carry is legal but not common. Counties and Cities can set their own laws/regulations on where you can open carry.

Carry In Vehicle

Yes

HOWEVER – You are legally required to have a permit/license to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle. If you don’t have the appropriate permits, then you must carry your firearm unloaded in a carrying case where the ammo is separated from the firearm.

You must also lock your handgun into a secure location (either a locked glove box, safe, or trunk) if you leave your handgun unattended in a vehicle. Basically, it cannot be out in plain sight.

Carry In State Parks

Yes/No

There’s specific language within the Connecticut code prohibiting the carrying of any firearm (long barrel or handgun) in state parks UNLESS you’re hunting during the appropriate season and have the appropriate permits.

From our research, Connecticut appears to be strict on this.

There is mention of being allowed to carry firearms on federal land within the Appalachian trail so long as you have the Connecticut pistol permit.

Carry In Restaurants

Yes

You can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol, provided you have the right permits, however if there’s any signage which prohibits firearms then you are not allowed to carry.

Constitutional Carry

No

Connecticut does not recognize constitutional carry.

No Weapon Signs Enforced

Yes

Connecticut gun laws give the force of law to “No Weapons” signs. There are legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs.

Must Notify Officer

No

We did not find any information related to duty to inform within the Connecticut code. This means you are not required to tell an officer you’re carrying a firearm upon an interaction with them. However, if a law enforcement officer specifically asks you if you’re carrying a firearm and to produce your concealed carry permit, you’re required to give a valid permit and photo ID matching the permit.

This means you must carry your permit on you at all times when carrying a firearm.

Additional Resources

Connecticut Concealed Carry Laws
Connecticut Open Carry Laws
Connecticut Gun Permit Laws
Connecticut Hunting Laws