Purchasing a firearm in Connecticut

Steps to Register a Firearm in Connecticut

To register an assault weapon, a person can contact the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) for a certificate of possession. If the person who wants to register is a Deadly Weapon Offender, than the registration information asked by the DESPP are :*

Only if your weapon has features of an assault weapon, they are required to be registered. Assault weapon registration is required by the state and is done by contacting the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) for a certificate of possession to continue to possess the assault weapon. The certificate has unique and detailed descriptions of the firearm identification marks, the name, address, date of birth and thumbprint of the owner, and any other information DESPP may deem appropriate.

Requirements to hold a firearm license

In Connecticut, you are only required to own a handgun license permit and is also recognized in other states as well.

More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.

Does Connecticut Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?

Yes, Connecticut has a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm.

Connecticut is a point-of-contact state for National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”). All firearm transfers by licensed dealers are processed through the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (“DESPP”).

In Connecticut, a person, firm, or corporation who seeks to sell a long gun

Owning a firearm in Connecticut

Does Connecticut have a Gun Free Zone law?

Yes, Connecticut has a defined list of gun free zones:

Does Connecticut Require a Safety Course to own a Firearm?

Yes, you are required to take a safety course prior to owning a firearm in Connecticut.

You are required to complete a handgun safety course before you can apply for a permit. The course must consist of no less than the NRA's "Basic Pistol Course from the approved firearms training instructors. Some of the requirements are :

Common Firearm Offenses in Connecticut

More on Connecticut Firearm Laws