Connecticut State Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection



State Police Headquarters Modified Services/Hours
  • Announcement for New Pistol Permit Applicants Only - 5/26/2021
  • Effective June 15, 2020, DESPP-HQ Fingerprint Identification Unit will re-open for in person fingerprinting requestsby appointment only. - 6/5/2020
  • Effective June 15, 2020, DESPP-HQ Reports and Records will re-open for in person requestsby appointment only. For information or to schedule your appointment please click HERE - 6/5/2020
  • At this time, pistol permit renewals will continue to be done by mail only.
  • Fingerprinting Limitations and License Expiration/Renewal extensions; view documentHERE- 4/30/2020
  • Suspension of requirements for unarmed security guards from other states; view documentHERE- 4/30/2020
  • Still regular business hours for Sex Offender Registry and Deadly Weapons Offender Registry- 4/30/2020
  • No service for guard cards (see Governor Lamont’s Executive Order changes to licensing requirements HERE )- 4/30/2020
  • Individuals will be asked to wait outside until called into the building- 4/30/2020

The following handguns are approved for this program:

Qualification will be conducted using the holster that you will be carrying your firearm in.

  • Pistols: double-action or SINGLE-ACTION SEMI-AUTO PISTOLS
  • Caliber: .380, .40, .45ACP, .357 SIG, 9mm and 10mm
  • Revolvers: double-action revolvers. NO SINGLE ACTION REVOLVERS
  • Caliber: .38, .357, 9mm and .45ACP

All handguns will be inspected by CSP FTU personnel to ensure they meet manufacturers specifications. Mechanical and/or safety defects will result in the firearm being rejected. Only "factory" ammunition (ie., Remington, Federal, Winchester, CCI, etc..¦) will be utilized for qualification and that same ammunition will be carried in the handgun upon successful completion of the program. No re-loads or hand-loaded ammunition is allowed. Each attendee will need a minimum of 100 rds. of ammunition for his/her handgun. The assessment course requires each attendee to fire one (1) qualification run of 80% or better, to establish safety and proficiency. (Qualification is 40 or better out of 50 rounds fired).

If you are qualifying with a semi-auto pistol, in addition to ammunition you will need:

  1. Minimum of two (2) magazines for the pistol
  2. Magazine pouch
  3. A range appropriate holster that secures pistol without threat of falling out. Shooter must be able to draw and re-holster with one hand without holster collapsing on itself. For safety, no cheap nylon or leather, inside-the-pants holsters. Contact the FTU 860-658-1925, if you are not sure about the suitability of your equipment.
  4. Eye and hearing protection.

If you are qualifying with a revolver, in addition to ammunition you will need:

  1. Minimum of two (2) speed-loaders for the revolver. No loading of loose rounds from pocket.
  2. Speed-loader pouch
  3. A range appropriate holster that secures pistol without threat of falling out. Shooter must be able to draw and re-holster with one hand without holster collapsing on itself. For safety, no cheap nylon or leather, inside-the-pants holsters. Contact the FTU 860-658-1925, if you are not sure about the suitability of your equipment.

Appropriate clothing should be worn, long pants, long sleeve shirt, hat with brim, sturdy footwear, etc... Shorts, sandals, dress shoes, bare feet are not allowed. Any unsafe behavior or violation of safety rules will result in immediate dismissal from the program.