A Connecticut Firearm Bill of Sale is a document that sellers and buyers sign to transfer firearm ownership in Colorado.
Connecticut does not require a waiting period to buy a firearm.
However, due to the background check requirement, securing the correct permit and completing the pre-purchase forms may take time.
Firearm laws: CGS Sec 29-37a(c), CGS Chapter 529, CGS Section 29-35
Restrictions: Yes
State permit to purchase: Yes
Registration of firearm: Partial
License to own: Yes
Assault weapon law: Yes
Magazine capacity restriction: Yes
Permit for concealed carry: Yes
Permit for open carry: Yes
How to Sell a Firearm Privately
Connecticut takes firearm transfers seriously, monitoring the process through the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit of the state police.
All transactions require completing the Connecticut firearm bill of sale form to create a record with the police, and buyers must meet requirements in CT Gen Stat § 29-33(c).
Requirements
Private sales of pistols and revolvers are legal in the state, but the seller must complete the proper forms, DPS-67-C and DPS-3-C.
The seller must also contact the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit to get an authorization number for the transaction, and the number must be added to both forms. The seller must retain the DPS-67-C for 20 years.
The seller holds onto the original copy of the DPS-3-C for their records, gives a copy to the buyer as a receipt, and submits one copy to the local police and the Commission of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
It is also the seller’s responsibility to ensure the buyer has the legal right to purchase the pistol or revolver. Only residents of the state who have a valid permit or eligibility certificate or are police officers or firearm dealers can buy within Connecticut.
These rules only apply to pistols and revolvers. The sale of long guns is illegal without a specific eligibility certificate (CGS Sec 29-37a(c)). It also requires an authorization number from the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Restrictions
Connecticut law specifies that certain people are not eligible to own firearms (CGS Chapter 529).
Persons to whom any of the following apply are ineligible:
- Criminal guilt based on mental illness
- An illegal or unlawful alien
- Subject to a restraining or protective order involving the use or threatened use of physical force against another person
- Residency in a mental hospital in the past 12 months
- Convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors
You must be at least 21 to purchase handguns and at least 18 to buy rifles and long guns.
You must pass the required criminal background check that the state police conduct to secure a firearm permit.
Every person buying a firearm must have a valid permit.
Firearm Inheritance Laws
To inherit a firearm in Connecticut, you must go through the same process as you would when buying one. You need to have a valid permit or eligibility certificate.
If you do not meet the requirements to own a firearm, you must surrender it to the police (CGS Section 29-36k) or transfer it to an eligible party.
Registration
You must go through the state police to buy any firearm, which also requires the submission of a Connecticut firearm bill of sale.
The Special Licensing and Firearms Unit also maintains a registry for owners of assault weapons and machine guns.
The state’s Special Licensing and Firearms Unit manages and regulates the required documentation and necessary permits or licenses for all firearm sales transactions.
They also maintain the sales records, giving them a form of ownership.
Assault weapons must be registered per Gen Stat § 53-202d.
All licensed firearms vendors must maintain records of transactions per CT Gen Stat § 29-31.
Concealed and Open Carry Permit
Connecticut requires a permit to carry a pistol or revolver in public (CGS Section 29-35). A permit is not necessary to have a firearm at home or in your place of business.
The rule does not apply to long guns; active duty military and law enforcement are exempt.
Permits are valid for five years, and the state police issue them. A fee payment and background check are required to secure the permit.
You also must supply proof that you have completed a firearm safety course.
How to Apply
Follow the steps below to apply for a concealed or open carry permit.
Step 1 – Get Trained
Complete a gun safety training course approved per CT Gen Stat § 29-28.
Step 2 – Submit Permit Application
Complete, and submit a State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers from a Pistol Permit location. [1]
Step 3 – Pay Fee
You must submit a $70 application fee.
Step 4 – Pass Background Check
All illegible applicants must pass a background check before receiving a permit.
Step 5 – Wait for Approval or Denial
Your issuing authority will approve or deny your application within eight weeks of receiving it.
Open Carry
Connecticut allows licensed open carry.
This means that a Connecticut Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers lets you carry handguns openly or concealed in any place not prohibited under state law.
Gun Reciprocity
Connecticut requires anyone entering the state and wishing to carry a firearm to get a permit within the state (CGS Section 29-28(f)).
Visitors to the state with a valid permit in their home state can use their existing permit for specific purposes:
- Taking a handgun training course
- Seeking repair services
- Attending gun shows
- Transporting a firearm through the state during travel
Beyond these limited circumstances, Connecticut does not honor other states’ firearm permits.
Some other states do recognize a Connecticut firearm permit, including:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont