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Blue Cord Firearms

Permit guide

How to get a Connecticut pistol permit

A Connecticut State Pistol Permit is required to carry a handgun in the state, and it also lets you buy one. Here's the process from class to permit, in plain English.

  1. Check that you can apply

    You must be at least 21 and a legal resident of the United States. Some criminal convictions and other conditions rule an applicant out; the state police list them in full on their pistol permit page.

  2. Take an approved handgun safety course

    Connecticut requires a course of at least the NRA Basic Pistol course, including live fire, completed before you apply. Shorter programs such as the NRA Home Firearms Safety course and FIRST Steps don't qualify. Our Connecticut Pistol Permit class covers this in one day, and you leave with the certificate you'll submit with your application.

  3. Apply in the town where you live

    Connecticut residents apply to their local issuing authority: the police chief, or in towns without a police department, the first selectman or resident state trooper. Bring your course certificate and photo ID, and ask your town what else it needs. Non-residents apply directly to the state police Special Licensing and Firearms Unit.

  4. Fingerprints, photos and a background check

    You'll be fingerprinted and photographed for a state and national criminal history check. Fees are set by the state and your town, so confirm the current amounts when you apply.

  5. Wait for a decision

    The issuing authority has up to eight weeks to approve or deny a complete application. A denial can be appealed to the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners.

  6. Get and keep your permit

    Once your permit is approved, you'll be told where to pick up your State Pistol Permit. It's good for five years, and a renewal letter is mailed about 90 days before it expires. If you move, you must report the new address within two business days.

Rules and fees change. This guide is a summary, not legal advice: check the Connecticut State Police pistol permit page or your town before you apply.

Start with the class

This is the class required by the State of Connecticut to obtain a pistol permit.

Our Connecticut Pistol Permit class is $125.00 and takes one day, classroom plus range. Classes are held at 160 Christian St., Oxford, CT 06478 (located inside the Alternative Heating Building). We serve students from across Connecticut, including Seymour, Southbury, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Waterbury, Prospect, Cheshire, Southington, Monroe, Easton, Newtown, Danbury, Bethel, Redding, Ridgefield, New Canaan, Shelton, Derby and Ansonia.

We also hold women's only Connecticut pistol permit classes for women from across New Haven, Fairfield, Litchfield and Hartford counties.

See class datesRead the FAQ

Questions? Call or text 203-586-1893.