How to Renew Your CT Pistol Permit

When to Renew

A Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers is valid for five years. The Connecticut DESPP typically mails a renewal notice as your expiration date approaches, but the responsibility to renew on time is yours. Start the process a few months early — processing takes time, and you don't want a gap where your permit has lapsed.

How to Renew Your CT Pistol Permit

1. Check your expiration date. It's printed on your permit. Mark a reminder for several months ahead.
2. Complete the DESPP renewal application. Renewal is handled by the Connecticut DESPP Special Licensing and Firearms Unit using the renewal form they provide.
3. Pay the renewal fee. Submit the current state renewal fee with your application. Fees are set by the state and can change — confirm the current amount with DESPP.
4. Receive your renewed permit. Once processed, you're issued a renewed five-year permit.

Good news: you do not need to retake the pistol safety course to renew. The course is a one-time requirement to get your permit the first time — renewal is a paperwork-and-fee process.

What Happens If It Lapses

If your permit expires before you renew, you're no longer authorized to carry on it, and depending on how much time has passed you may have to repeat parts of the application process. That's avoidable — renew early. If you're not sure where you stand, give us a call and we'll point you in the right direction.

Renewing vs. Getting a Permit for the First Time

Renewing is far simpler than the original application — no course, no fingerprinting in most cases, just the DESPP renewal and fee. If you've never held a CT pistol permit, you'll want our how-to-get-your-CT-pistol-permit guide instead, which starts with the state-required course.