Pistol Permit Application Instructions

The process of applications for permits is governed by Connecticut General Statute 29-28, et seq.

Updated March 28, 2024

Permit Process overview (complete instructions located below)

Step One: Complete the application for a State Pistol Permit and submit it to the town police or resident trooper where you reside using form DPS-799-C (pdf below).  South Windsor charges a $70.00 application fee and the fingerprint vendor South Windsor uses charges a $30.00 fee.  Application Packets are available in the Police Department lobby which is open 24 hours a day.  There are pdf forms available below as well.  

Step Two: Upon successful completion of the application paperwork, payment, and successful background check you are issued a Temporary State Permit from your local law enforcement authority, in this case, South Windsor Police Department's Police Chief.

Step Three: Within 60 days of receiving your temporary permit, you then apply directly to the State Police for the State of Connecticut Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers using information sheet and forms DPS-769-C (pdf located below for your convenience-please verify correct revisions with state website).  This is done at a processing location as listed by the State Police.

Detailed Instructions:

The Temporary State Permit to Carry Pistols and/or Revolvers:

• The temporary permit is valid for sixty days.  It allows the holder of the permit, to lawfully possess a pistol and/or revolver in the State of Connecticut in accordance with statute.
• The temporary permit DOES NOT allow the holder to purchase firearms.
• During the sixty days that the Temporary Permit is valid, the holder of the permit may apply for a State Permit to Carry a Pistol and/or Revolver at any of the Department of Public Safety processing locations as listed on the state website.  See pdf attachments below. 
• The temporary permit MAY NOT BE RENEWED.  If it expires prior to the holder obtaining a State Permit, the holder must re-apply for a new Temporary Permit.

The application process for a temporary state permit is as follows:

1. Completed and notarized Connecticut State Police Form DPS-799-C (Rev. 08/04/2022).  PDF available below. 

2. Copy of valid state issued photo identification card (license or id card)

3. Copy of Legal Presence in U.S. (Birth Certificate, US Passport or documentation issued by I.C.E.)

4. Documentation of successful completion of an approved Firearms Safety & Use Course

5. Copy of DD-214 if you have ever been a member of the Armed Forces and have been discharged

6. $70.00 application fee (cash, personal check, or bank check/money order) payable to the Town of South Windsor is due with application submission. 

7. FBI: Noncriminal Justice Applicant’s Privacy Rights & Privacy Act Statement – Signed and Dated (keep 1 copy, bring 1 copy).  PDF below. 

Upon completing and submitting the above documents to the South Windsor Police Department, you will be issued a service code for fingerprinting.  The service code will be used to pre-enroll under #8 below: 

8. Signed Fingerprint Card & Applicant Tracking Number. 

a. All pistol permit applicants are required to pre-enroll via the link below with the Agency Code provided prior to submitting a pistol permit application to the Town of South Windsor.

b. Pre-enrollment link https://ct.flexcheck.us.idemia.io/cchrspreenroll

c. SWPD Agency Code: Provided upon acceptance of application or by calling Records once application is completed at 860-648-6223. 

d. Upon completion of the “pre-enrollment” process you will receive an “Applicant Tracking Number.” You must print that tracking number and bring it with you to be fingerprinted by Biometric Identification Services (BIS).

e. We offer fingerprinting via BIS at SWPD headquarters, 151 Sand Hill Rd, South Windsor, on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday's of the month from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Alternate locations and times for fingerprinting can be located on the vendor's website: http://www.bioidentserv.com/

f. A $30.00 fee is payable by cash, bank check/money order or business check. (Personal checks and credit cards cannot be accepted).

g. All applicants needing fingerprints taken must present valid photo identification. 

h. The vendor also offers NOTARY service.

Refusal To Grant Temporary State Pistol Permit (CGS 29-28(b))
Connecticut General Statute 29-28(b) states, "The issuing authority shall find that such applicant intends to make no use of any pistol or revolver which such applicant may be permitted to carry under such permit other than a lawful use and that such person is a suitable person to receive such permit."  Below is a partial listing of disqualifying convictions or events for an applicant and is not all-inclusive as the state law is constantly updated.

• Application will be DENIED if you have ever been convicted of a crime deemed a FELONY at any time in any jurisdiction.
• Application will be DENIED if you have been convicted of any of the following crimes in the preceding TWENTY years:

1. Illegal possession of controlled or hallucinogenic substances, as specified under C.G.S. 21a-279 (c) 
2. Criminally negligent homicide - 53a-58 
3. Assault in the third degree - 53a-61 
4. Assault of a victim 60 or older in the third degree - 53a-61a 
5. Threatening- 53a-62 
6. Reckless endangerment in the first degree - 53a-63 
7. Unlawful restraint in the second degree - 53a-96 
8. Riot in the first degree - 53a-175 
9. Riot in the second degree - 53a-176 
10. Inciting to riot - 53a-178 
11. Stalking in the second degree - 53a-181d 

Other Standards for Permit Denial include, but may not be limited to the following:

The application will be denied if the applicant is the subject of any protective or restraining order involving the use or, or threatened use of force.

The applicant will be denied if they were CONVICTED of a MISDEMEANOR CRIME in Connecticut for illegal possession of controlled or hallucinogenic substances, as specified under CGS 21a-279 on or after 10/1/2015

The applicant will be denied if they were CONVICTED of a MISDEMEANOR CRIME of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 
This means an offense that (1) is a misdemeanor under federal or state law; and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent or guardian of the victim, or by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, or by a person who is cohabiting with or who has cohabited with the victim or spouse, parent, or guardian, or by any person similarly situated to a spouse, parent or guardian of the victim.

The application will be denied if it is determined that:

• You were discharged from custody within the preceding 20 years after having been found NOT GUILTY OF A CRIME BY REASON OF MENTAL DISEASE OR DEFECT 53a-13.
• You were CONFINED TO A HOSPITAL for any psychiatric disability (17a-495) within the preceding 12 months by order of a judge of a probate court.
• You are subject to a RESTRAINING ORDER or PROTECTIVE ORDER issued by a court in a case involving the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force.
• You are now subject to a Firearms Seizure Order issued pursuant to Public Act 99-212 Sec. 18, prohibiting possession of firearms.
• You are an ILLEGAL ALIEN in the United States.
• You are UNDER the AGE of 21 years.
• You have renounced your United States citizenship.
• You have been discharged from the Armed Forces under a dishonorable condition.
• You are prohibited by Federal Law Section 922 (g) or (n) of Title 18 of the United States Code.

Notice from Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (State Police):
In order to effectuate C.G.S. 29-28, the Department of Public Safety herein notifies the applicant that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will be notified by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) if the applicant has been confined in a hospital for psychiatric disabilities within the preceding twelve (12) months by order of probate court. The Department of Public Safety will use this information in order to fulfill its obligations under C.G.S. Section 29-28 to 29-38 inclusive. 

For information on the State of CT pistol permit process after obtaining your temporary permit please visit the Connecticut Department of Public Safety web site and see PDFs below.

For further information or to check on the status of an application please contact Chief Lindstrom or call (860) 648-6216,