Connecticut Non-Resident Guide

All by Mail, No Trip to Connecticut. You Must Already Hold a New York Carry License.

At a glance (checked Nov 1, 2026):

• Can a New Yorker apply? Yes, but only if you already hold a valid NY carry license (not premises)

• Training: A Connecticut-approved handgun course (no less than NRA Basic Pistol) with live fire, plus the State Police Connecticut-law supplement, taken within the last 2 years

• Fingerprints: 1 FD-258 card, plus online pre-enrollment and background fee

• In person: None in Connecticut. In New York: fingerprints, a notary, and a signature from your NY licensing office

• Cost: $70 permit fee, plus the background-check fee (state $75 + FBI $13.25 on the state fee list; pay what the portal shows)

• Processing: State Police: 8 weeks (the packet says up to 5 months); recent applicants report 3 to 5 weeks

• Valid for: 5 years

• You must hold a valid permit or license to carry a pistol or revolver from your home state. A NY or NYC carry license qualifies; a premises license does not (the law says "permit or license to carry").

• You must be 21 or older, a legal U.S. resident, and not disqualified (felony, certain misdemeanors, certain mental-health commitments, protective orders). The State Police also judge "suitability."

• You need proof of citizenship: a copy of your birth certificate or U.S. passport.

• A course approved by the State Police, taught by an NRA-certified or state-certified instructor. It must be no less than the NRA Basic Pistol Course. The NRA Home Firearms Safety Course and First Steps Pistol Orientation are not approved.

• Live fire is required. "Computer-generated programs, dry-fire, other simulated shooting tools, plastic bullets, air guns or any other alternatives are not acceptable."

• Since July 1, 2024 the course must include Connecticut law (safe storage, lawful use and carrying). The State Police made a Connecticut-law supplement; the instructor gives you two certificates: the safety course and the supplement.

• The course must be within the last 2 years when you mail the application.

• The NYS 18-hour class certificate is acceptable (my experience).

  Note: Since July 1, 2024, Connecticut also requires its own Connecticut-law add-on, live fire, and a course completed within the last 2 years. Several New York instructors offer a "CT add-on" (the Connecticut supplement plus live fire); applicants report it was accepted.

• Connecticut does not post the non-resident application online. Request the current non-resident packet by email from the State Police Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (the address is on their page: link). Include your full name and mailing address. Phone: (860) 685-8290.

• The packet comes back by email as PDFs, often the same day (applicants report minutes to an hour).

• Always follow the packet you receive; forms and codes change.

You will fill out the application and check off the box on top that you are applying for a Non-Resident Permit. The packet (latest copy we could see) includes:

• DPS-799-C: sign it in front of a notary.

• DPS-46-C application card.

• DPS-129-C: sign in front of a notary and attach a recent 2"x2" color photo.

• FBI Privacy Rights form, signed and dated.

• Out of State Carry Permit Verification (DESPP-0793-C): this must be filled out and signed by an official of the office that issued your NY license (your county licensing office or the NYPD License Division). Start this early; it can take time to get back.

1. Pre-enroll for fingerprints online on the Connecticut IDEMIA portal using the service code printed on your packet's instructions page. Pay the background-check fee there by card and print the confirmation email with the barcode for the packet.

2. Get fingerprinted on an FD-258 card at any police department or certified fingerprinting service. The card must be signed and completed. Watch your email (and spam folder) for a rejection notice from IDEMIA.

3. Write a $70 check or money order payable to Treasurer, State of Connecticut. Use separate checks for separate payments.

4. Put the packet together: the forms above, a photocopy of your home state Concealed Handgun License (with all information clearly visible), the FD-258 card, the barcode email, both course certificates, a copy of your birth certificate or U.S. passport, your DD-214 if you are a veteran, and the $70 payment. Incomplete packets are returned.

5. Mail the completed application packet (use Priority Mail with Return Receipt) to:

Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection

Division of State Police - Special Licensing and Firearms Unit

1111 Country Club Road

Middletown, CT 06457

• The State Police say they have 8 weeks to approve or deny; the packet says to allow up to 5 months. The permit is mailed to you.

• Valid for 5 years. A renewal notice is sent 90 days before it expires. Renew online or by mail for $70; no in-person renewal. A permit expired more than 90 days is not renewed.

• Report an address change within 2 business days.

• Lost or stolen permit: $5 replacement by mail.

• Not valid in New York.

• Connecticut does not honor any other state's permit, so you need a Connecticut permit to carry in Connecticut.

• Connecticut does not publish a list of states that honor its permit. Check each state's own list.

• Carry the permit on you. Show it to an officer on request when your firearm is seen.

• The permit does not allow carry where the law or the property owner prohibits it.

• Fingerprint service codes change between packet versions. Use only the code in your own packet.

Every state has different laws pertaining to carrying, restrictions etc. It is your responsibility to know these laws and be familiar with them before visiting that state.

This guide summarizes the state's published instructions as of November 1, 2026 and is not legal advice. Fees, forms and rules change; always check the official page before you apply. Tips from others' experience come from users on the chats; they are personal experiences, not official rules.

Checked November 1, 2026.

• CT State Police, State Pistol Permit (non-residents, fee, training, mailing address): link

• CT State Police, Pistol Permit FAQ: link

• Form DPS-799-C (Rev. 07/16/2024): link

• Public Act 25-18 (non-resident eligibility, training rules): link

• CT State Police Bureau of Identification (fingerprint and background fees): link

• CT General Statutes chapter 529 (fees, carry rules): link