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.

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.