# How to Legally Buy a Firearm in Connecticut **URL:** \ **Category:** Knowledge Base\ **Tags:** guide, official\ **Created:** [February 18, 2025, 3:48pm UTC](https://ctguns.org/t/how-to-legally-buy-a-firearm-in-connecticut/644 "2025-02-18T15:48:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![InvisibleCat](https://ctguns.org/user_avatar/ctguns.org/invisiblecat/32/3_2.png) [@InvisibleCat](https://ctguns.org/u/InvisibleCat)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2025, 3:48pm UTC](https://ctguns.org/t/how-to-legally-buy-a-firearm-in-connecticut/644/1 "2025-02-18T15:48:06Z")
# **How to Legally Buy a Gun in Connecticut** Buying a firearm in Connecticut involves following strict state laws, whether purchasing from a licensed dealer or a private seller. This guide explains the step-by-step process for multiple options, ensuring you stay compliant. **Disclaimer:** _It is your responsibility as a Buyer/Seller to ensure you follow the law, this guide may become outdated, as such the information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice._ * * * ## **Buying a Firearm from a Licensed Dealer** Purchasing from a **Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer** (such as a gun shop) is the most common and simplest way to buy a firearm in Connecticut. ### **Step 1: Meet the Requirements** There are various different types of firearms permits in Connecticut, here is a quick summary, more details in the [CT Firearms Permit Types](https://ctguns.org/t/ct-firearm-permit-types/41/3) guide. Before purchasing, ensure you have one of the following: **Connecticut Pistol Permit (Best Option)** – Required for purchasing handguns, long guns and for carrying. [Learn how to obtain this permit here.](https://ctguns.org/t/how-to-get-a-connecticut-pistol-permit-step-by-step-guide-costs/617) **Eligibility Certificate for Pistol or Revolver** – Allows purchase but **not** carrying. **Eligibility Certificate for Long Guns** – Allows purchase of only rifles, shotguns and ammo. **Ammunition Certificate** – Required for buying ammunition, but **not firearms**. ### **Step 2: Select Your Firearm & Begin Background Check** At the store, you will: - Choose a firearm. - Pay for the firearm. - Provide your valid permit/certificate. - Complete **Form DPS-67-C** (State of CT Application to Purchase a Firearm). - Complete **ATF Form 4473 (Firearm Transaction Record)** - Submit to **State and National Instant Criminal (NICS) Background Checks** through the dealer via online system. ### **Step 3: Approval & Waiting Period** - The **Connecticut State Police (SLFU/DESPP) issues an approval number** if you pass the background check. - **Handguns & Semi-Auto Rifles:** No waiting period. You may only purchase 3 pistols in a 30 day rolling period. - **Long Guns:** No waiting period. ### **Step 4: Take Possession of the Firearm** Once approved, you’ll: - Receive purchase receipt. - Receive a **DPS-3-C (DESPP Sale or Transfer of All Firearms Form)** form with sale authorization number. - Take your firearm home, following safe storage and transportation regulations. - Save the receipts and **DPS-3-C** for your records, these could be used to show proof of legal possession of the firearm. **Additional Notes:** - You must be **21+** to buy a handgun, and **18+** for a long gun. - **“Assault weapons” and “high-capacity magazines”** (over 10 rounds) are restricted unless grandfathered in before the ban via registration with state (Registration currently not available). * * * ## **Buying a Firearm Online** Purchasing a firearm online follows a similar process to buying from a dealer, but requires an additional step of shipping the firearm to a licensed FFL dealer. ### **Step 1: Choose a Firearm from an Online Retailer** - Find a firearm from a **reputable online gun store** or auction site. - Verify that the firearm is **legal in Connecticut** before purchasing. ### **Step 2: Select an FFL Dealer for Transfer** - The firearm **must be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer** in Connecticut. - Contact your local gun store or FFL holder to ensure they will accept the transfer before ordering. ### **Step 3: Complete the Background Check & Paperwork** - When the firearm arrives at the FFL, you’ll visit the dealer. - Pay any **FFL transfer fees.** - Provide your **pistol permit or eligibility certificate**. - Complete **Form DPS-67-C** , **ATF Form 4473** and submit to a **State and NICS background check**. ### **Step 4: Take Possession of the Firearm** - Once approved by SLFU/DESPP, you’ll p\* and take your firearm home. - Save the receipts and **DPS-3-C** for your records, these could be used to show proof of legal possession of the firearm. **Additional Notes:** - **Private sellers on online marketplaces** must still follow CT laws for private sales (authorization number, background check, etc.). - Online retailers will **not ship directly to individuals** —only to FFLs. * * * ## **Buying a Firearm from a Private Seller** As of recent changes in Connecticut law, **all private firearm sales must be conducted through a licensed FFL dealer**. Private individuals can no longer obtain an authorization number from the Connecticut State Police for direct transfers. ### **Step 1: Find an FFL Dealer Willing to Handle the Transfer** Both the buyer and seller must visit a licensed **Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer** to process the sale. ### **Step 2: The Dealer Conducts the Background Check** - The buyer must present a **valid pistol permit or eligibility certificate** for handguns or a **long gun eligibility certificate** for rifles/shotguns. - The dealer will complete a **background check through State and NICS** and ensure the buyer is eligible. ### **Step 3: Complete the Transfer Paperwork** - The FFL dealer will complete the required **Form DPS-3-C (Sale or Transfer of Firearm)**. - The dealer will keep records of the sale and report it to the **appropriate authorities**. ### **Step 4: Pay the Transfer Fee & Take Possession** - The buyer will pay the FFL dealer’s transfer fee (dependent on FFL). - Once approved, the buyer can legally take possession of the firearm. - Both Seller and Buyer should retain any bills of sale, transfer documents for future reference. **Additional Notes:** - **Private sales at gun shows must also go through an FFL dealer**. - It is **illegal** to transfer a firearm privately without going through an FFL. - **“Assault weapons” and “high-capacity magazines”** **cannot** be sold privately. * * * ![Guide Logo-04](https://ctguns-uploads.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/original/1X/c477c82ed035bd9f7db8077b38898be0caf6c230.png)