Special Licensing and Firearms
SLFU is currently processing mailed in pistol permit renewals received on 02/26/2024
CT DEALERS:
- To read the 9/26 memo regarding the dealer inventory and other legislative changes click here
- To access the new inventory form click here
CT PISTOL PERMIT INSTRUCTORS:
- As indicated in the memo dated March 18, 2024, DESPP has created a standardized PowerPoint, in accordance with Public Act 23-53, to supplement the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course as well as any independent curriculum approved by the Commissioner. After teaching this PowerPoint, in conjunction with the full safety course curriculum and live fire portion, the instructor should issue both the certificate of completion of the safety course, as well as the certificate of completion for the DESPP supplemental. While this supplemental is mandatory for any class taught on or after July 1, 2024, It is recommended that instructors begin teaching this supplemental as soon as possible, in case the students delay in submitting their application.
- Please see the attached memo regarding updates about the NRA Course for the Pistol Permit Application Training Requirement. More information will be posted here as it develops. NRA Instructors - New Legislative Requirements
- To read the memo for CT pistol permit firearms instructors click here
- To access the instructor Lesson Plan Tracking form click here
Effective 9/14/2023, SLFU will now be accepting pistol permit renewals online. For the instructions on how to complete an online renewal, click HERE. To access the online renewal portal, click HERE. This process can still be completed by mail; however, it is STRONGLY recommended that you utilize the online portal.
Starting 1/1/24 all credit card transactions will include a 3% service fee. The service fee is applicable exclusively to transactions made with a credit card, both in person and online. The fee is not included when using cash, checks or money order as a form of payment.
Effective 9/14/2023, SLFU has opened an online portal for you to register your “2023 assault weapon” pursuant to PA 23-53. This registration will need to be completed by 5/1/2024. For the most recent version of the Assault Weapon Certificate Application (DPS-414c) click HERE. For the instructions on how to complete the online AW registration, click HERE. To access the online registration portal, click HERE. This process can still be completed by mail; however, it is STRONGLY recommended that you utilize the online portal.
Effective 9/11/2023, SLFU will no longer facilitate the private sale of a firearm between two individuals. The State statute for a firearm sale requires a query of the FBI-NICS system, which is not authorized by the FBI unless an FFL is involved. In order to satisfy the state law and the federal regulation, every private citizen sale to another private person must be facilitated through an FFL.
On 6/6/2023, Public Act 23-53 (House Bill 6667) was signed into Connecticut law. Sales of so-called “other” and “pre-ban” weapons, unless pursuant to an exception, are now prohibited. Follow the link to File No 841 with the final text and summary of each section. File No. 841
Updated information about Form 1 filing pursuant to ATF Regulation change - Memo 3/30/2023
FAQ's for recent change to Federal Regulations about arm braces/stabilizing braces: Memo - 02/08/2023
State of Connecticut
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
Division of State Police - HQ
Special Licensing and Firearms Unit
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Telephone (860) 685-8290
Email: DESPP.SLFU@ct.gov
Special Licensing & Firearms Unit - HQ
- Effective January 1, 2019, the FBI Fingerprinting Fee will increase to $13.25
- Effective December 1, 2017, the State Criminal History Record search rate will increase from $50.00 to $75.00
Exact Cash, Checks or Money Orders ONLY. We do not have the ability to make change.
The Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU) is responsible for the issuance of the following:
- State Pistol Permits
- Eligibility certificates for pistols and revolvers
- Eligibility certificates for the purchase of long guns
- Ammunition certificates
- Oversight and regulation of firearm sale transactions
- Licensing of Professional Bail Bondsman
- Licensing of Private Security Companies
- Licensing of Private Investigators
- Licensing of Bail Enforcement Agents
- Licensing of Precious Metals and Pawn Brokers
- Security Guard Cards
- Licensing for Fireworks and Explosives
The unit is located at Connecticut State Police Headquarters in Middletown, CT. We also have a satellite office at Troop G in Bridgeport and Troop E in Montville to process pistol permit applications.
The unit is also responsible for investigating violations of state law relating to the purchase, sale and transfer of firearms, and violations of statutes relating to the various professional licenses it issues.
Office HoursSpecial Licensing & Firearms Unit - HQ
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Tel. (860) 685-8290
- Monday through Friday: 8:30 am - 4:15 pm
Directions:
91 South from Hartford:
- Exit 20 for Middle Street
- Turn Left on Middle Street
- 1st right on Country Club
- Destination will be on the left
91 North toward Hartford:
- Exit 20 for Middle Street
- Turn left on Country Club Road
- Destination will be on the left
Troop G - Bridgeport
149 Prospect Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Tel. (203) 696-2532
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 8:00am - 12:00pm & 12:30pm - 4:00pm
- Thursday Hours will be 10:30am - 2:00pm & 2:30pm - 6:30pm
Directions:
95 South:
- Exit 27 toward Lafayette Boulevard
- Take 27A on the left for Trumbull
- Merge onto South Ave.
- Turn right on Warren Street
- Take the 1st right onto Prospect Street
95 North toward New Haven:
- Take Exit 27 toward Lafayette Boulevard
- Slight right onto South Frontage Road
- Take 1st left onto Warren Street
- Turn right onto Prospect Street
- Destination will be on the right
Troop E - Montville
I-395 North (Between exits 6 & 9)
Montville, CT 06382
Tel. (860) 848-6518
- Tuesdays and Saturdays 8:00am-10:15am, 10:30am-12:00pm, 12:30pm-2:00pm, 2:15pm-4:15pm
Directions:
- Located on 395 North between exits 79 & 79A
*Attention Active Military Personnel and Veterans*
MOS Security Training and Licensing Fee Waiver for qualifying armed forces personnel.
Public Act 14-131: Effective October 1, 2014, military personnel seeking license as a security officer in Connecticut may qualify for a waiver of the required security training course and licensing fee. Please contact the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit at 860- 685-8494 to speak to security licensing personnel for additional information and specific requirements.