Do I need a permit to carry in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.

Does Connecticut honor out-of-state permits?

No. Connecticut does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.

Where can I check Connecticut's official rules?

Check Connecticut DESPP, Special Licensing and Firearms Unit. The controlling law is Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-28.

Carry laws · 2026

Connecticut concealed carry laws, backed by the statute

At a glance

Carry rule: Shall-issue permit
Minimum age: 21
Non-resident permit valid here?: No
Statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-28

Carrying in Connecticut

Connecticut is a shall-issue state. Adults 21 and older who meet the requirements can get a permit.

If you pass the background check, finish any required training, and pay the fees, the state must issue your permit.

Two-step process: a temporary state permit via local authority first, then the state permit.

Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-28. Connecticut DESPP, Special Licensing and Firearms Unit. Reviewed Q3 2026.

Does a non-resident permit work in Connecticut?

A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.

No. Connecticut does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on it there is illegal, even if Connecticut honors some other permits.

What it costs if you get this wrong

Carrying in Connecticut without a license it recognizes is a crime. Class D felony, up to 5 years and $5,000. One year cannot be suspended absent mitigating circumstances.

Base offense for carrying without a valid or recognized license. Aggravating factors can raise it. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 29-35, 29-37(b).

Getting Connecticut's own permit

Apply through Connecticut and meet the listed requirements. If you qualify, the state must issue the permit.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to carry in Connecticut?: Yes. Connecticut requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.
Does Connecticut honor out-of-state permits?: No. Connecticut does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.
Where can I check Connecticut's official rules?: Check Connecticut DESPP, Special Licensing and Firearms Unit. The controlling law is Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-28.

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Sources and verification

CT: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-28. Connecticut DESPP, Special Licensing and Firearms Unit.

Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.