Amusements
“Amusement” means any circus or carnival presented in the open, including a place where one or more rides or devices capable of accommodating one or more passengers and normally requiring the supervision or services of an operator are presented for amusement or entertainment purposes, and any circus, carnival or other portable show or exhibition presented under any single tent, air-supported plastic or fabric or other portable shelter, and involving the assembly of one hundred or more persons. “Amusement” does not include an inflatable device leased for private residential use.
Please review the information below prior to applying.
Amusement Rides:
- All amusement rides in active use must be listed with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection for the purposes of inspection.
- All ride listing and engineering report submissions must be completed online each year and submitted prior to the first inspection of each ride.
- Please refer to the Ride Listing webpage for information and instructions. Questions can be emailed to dcp.rideinpsection@ct.gov.
- All ride inspections are scheduled and conducted by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection (DESPP). Questions can be emailed to DESPP.FEIU@ct.gov.
Proof of Financial Responsibility:
- A completed and signed Proof of Financial Responsibility Form from the Connecticut Department of Insurance must be included when submitting an application or a current (not expired) form must be on file with our department for your current operating year.
- Questions regarding financial responsibility can be directed to the Department of Insurance at cid.pc@ct.gov or (860) 297-3841.
Proof of Financial Responsibility Form
Carnival/Circus Application:
- A $200.00 application fee is required for each event.
- All rides must be listed with the Department of Consumer Protection for the purposes of inspection. Please refer to the ride listing webpage for information.
- A completed and signed Proof of Financial Responsibility Form from the Connecticut Department of Insurance must be included with this application or a current (not expired) form must be on file with the Department of Consumer Protection to cover all events for your current operating year. Questions regarding financial responsibility can be emailed to the Department of Insurance at cid.pc@ct.gov.
- All applications must be submitted to the Department of Consumer Protection at least ten (10) days prior to the event.
Amusement Park New Application:
- A $100.00 amusement park license fee and a $100.00 amusement ride inspection fee for each ride is required.
- All rides must be listed with the Department of Consumer Protection for the purposes of inspection. Please refer to the ride listing webpage for information.
- A completed and signed Proof of Financial Responsibility Form from the Connecticut Department of Insurance must be included with this application. Questions regarding financial responsibility can be emailed to the Department of Insurance at cid.pc@ct.gov.
- The application must be submitted to the Department of Consumer Protection at least ten (10) days prior to the opening of the amusement park.
Amusement Park Paper Application or 
Amusement Park Renewal: All amusement park licenses expire annually on December 31st. Renewal notices are emailed approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date of the license with the necessary information to renew. If you did not receive a renewal notice, please email the License Services Division at dcp.licenseservices@ct.gov for information.
Amusement Ride Qualified Inspector or Engineer: A qualified inspector or civil engineer familiar with the construction and use of gravity and other amusements rides and devices to conduct such inspections.
Other Information:
Email Address: dcp.licenseservices@ct.gov