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Connecticut Gun Laws

Connecticut gun laws are a “May Issue” state. However, Connecticut tends to operatet 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.

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Connecticut Gun Laws Quick Facts

Open Carry Permitted? Yes!
Carry In Vehicle? No
Carry In State Park? No
Carry In Restaurants? Yes!
Constitutional Carry? No
No Weapon Sign Enforced? Yes!
Must Notify Officer? No

Connecticut CCW Reciprocity List

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

 

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

 

  • Connecticut does not honor any other states CCW

How Reciprocity Works In Connecticut

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

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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

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.

YES

HOWEVER - You are legally required to have a permit/license to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

NO

State parks, national forests and wildlife management area’s are all off limits. You can carry in roadside rest areas.

“Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.

NO

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.

There is nothing in Connecticut gun laws that states you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. The law does require that you carry your permit/license at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun.

Gun Laws

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