Selling your firearm checklist
This is a practical checklist for a compliant transfer. If anything feels unclear or high-risk, using a licensed dealer is the simplest way to ensure the transfer is correctly documented and legally compliant.
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1
Confirm the buyer has the required Connecticut permit or certificate.
Connecticut requires buyers to hold the appropriate permit or eligibility certificate for the firearm type. Do not proceed unless the buyer’s credentials are valid and current.
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2
Obtain state authorization for the transfer.
Most firearm transfers require the seller to contact the Connecticut State Police or designated authority to obtain an authorization number before the sale can proceed.
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3
Complete the transfer through a licensed dealer when required.
Depending on the firearm type and circumstances, the transfer may need to be completed through a licensed firearms dealer (FFL) to ensure compliance.
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4
Record and retain transfer documentation.
Maintain records of the authorization number, permits, and firearm details. Proper documentation is critical in Connecticut’s regulatory environment.
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5
Consider selling directly to a licensed buyer.
Selling to a federally licensed buyer like WeBuyGuns.com simplifies compliance by handling permits, authorization, shipping, and documentation in a single licensed process.
Updated: February 14, 2026
State laws for selling a gun in Connecticut
Connecticut requires licensing and state authorization for firearm transfers. Private sales are not informal transactions and most transfers require verification steps, paperwork, and an authorization number before the firearm changes hands.
If you are unsure whether the buyer is properly licensed or whether the firearm can be transferred under Connecticut rules, use a licensed dealer transfer and confirm details using the official links below.
| Topic | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Background check for private transfers | YES | Private transfers require state authorization and eligibility verification. You must obtain an authorization number before the transfer. |
| Waiting period for private transfers | No fixed statutory wait | Connecticut focuses on authorization, licensing, and reporting. Timing varies based on eligibility verification and administrative processing. |
| Can I sell to an out-of-state buyer | NO (directly) | Do not complete a private interstate transfer. Route the transfer through an FFL in compliance with federal law and the buyer’s home state rules. |
| Minimum age: Dealer | YES | From a Licensed Dealer (FFL): 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns (federal baseline). Connecticut licensing rules can add requirements. |
| Minimum age: Private transfer | YES | Private transfers require the buyer to hold the appropriate Connecticut permit or eligibility certificate for the firearm type. |
| Bill of sale | State forms required | Connecticut requires transfer documentation and reporting. Use the required state forms and retain your records. |
| Prohibited persons | Do not sell | Never transfer a firearm if you know or reasonably suspect the buyer is prohibited. If anything is unclear, stop the transaction or use an FFL. |
State law details
Understanding Connecticut firearm sale rules
A detailed breakdown of common requirements.
Understanding Connecticut firearm sale rules
Identification & documentation
Connecticut private firearm transfers require licensing and state authorization. Before transferring a firearm, confirm the buyer holds the correct Connecticut permit or eligibility certificate and obtain the required authorization number. Keep the state transfer paperwork for your records.
- Confirm the buyer holds the correct Connecticut permit or eligibility certificate for the firearm type
- Verify Connecticut residency for private transfers
- Obtain an authorization number before transferring the firearm
- Complete the required state transfer documentation and retain records
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-33 - Sale, delivery or transfer of pistols and revolvers; permit and procedural requirements
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-37a - Sale, delivery or transfer of long guns; eligibility and procedural requirements
Background checks & authorization
Connecticut does not treat private transfers as a casual exchange. Eligibility is enforced through required permits or eligibility certificates and the authorization process before the transfer occurs. If license validity is unclear, do not proceed.
- Private transfers require buyer licensing and state authorization before transfer
- Dealer transfers follow federal procedures and dealer-run checks in addition to state requirements
- If you cannot verify eligibility cleanly, stop the transfer or involve an FFL
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-33 - Transfer requirements and eligibility checks for pistols and revolvers
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-37a - Transfer requirements and eligibility checks for long guns
Age & eligibility
Age requirements depend on firearm type and the permit or eligibility certificate involved. Dealers enforce federal minimums while private sellers must ensure the buyer’s Connecticut credentials clearly cover the firearm being transferred.
- Dealer transfers: federal age rules apply (18+ long guns, 21+ handguns)
- Private transfers: buyer must hold the correct Connecticut permit or eligibility certificate
- If eligibility is uncertain or paperwork does not align, do not transfer the firearm
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-28 - Permit to carry pistols and revolvers; conditions and issuance standards
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-36f - Eligibility certificate for a pistol or revolver; application, issuance, and restrictions
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-37p - Eligibility certificate for a long gun; application, issuance, and restrictions
Waiting periods
Connecticut does not operate like a simple waiting-period state for private transfers. The practical delay is usually tied to eligibility verification, authorization, and administrative processing.
- No single statewide waiting-period clock governs every private transfer
- Delays are often caused by authorization processing, paperwork issues, or eligibility verification
- If timing matters, use clean documentation and follow the required steps in order
Prohibited persons
Connecticut applies federal prohibited-person categories and state-level disqualifiers through its licensing and eligibility certificate system. Your risk rises sharply if you ignore red flags or proceed when eligibility is unclear.
- Do not sell if you know or reasonably suspect the buyer is prohibited
- Red flags include refusal to provide permit details, pressure to skip authorization steps, or evasive answers
- When in doubt, stop the transaction or route it through an FFL
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-217 - Criminal possession of a firearm or electronic defense weapon by certain prohibited persons
Avoid licensing errors and reporting gaps
Connecticut imposes licensing, authorization numbers and strict transfer reporting for firearm sales. Private sellers often face delays or compliance risk if any step is missed. Selling directly to a licensed buyer ensures the transaction is properly authorized and documented.
We’ve purchased over 125 firearms from Connecticut sellers through a fully licensed process that navigates licensing requirements and mandatory state reporting.
Connecticut residents must follow federal laws for private transactions
ATF guidance and prohibited person requirements
Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.
Local ordinances, city rules and municipal policies
Connecticut firearm transfers are governed primarily by state law, particularly through statewide licensing, authorization, and reporting requirements. Cities and towns generally cannot rewrite transfer rules, but local policies can still affect logistics, locations, and enforcement practices.
- Local law enforcement authorization procedures: In some cases, local police departments play a role in the authorization or verification process for private transfers. Response times and procedures can vary by municipality, which may affect how quickly a transfer can be completed.
- Municipal facilities and transfer locations: Cities and towns may regulate firearm possession or handling within government buildings and facilities. While this does not change transfer legality, it can affect where meetings or paperwork exchanges occur.
- Local enforcement priorities: Although the legal requirements are set at the state level, local enforcement practices and scrutiny can vary. Inconsistent paperwork or incomplete authorization is more likely to be flagged in stricter municipalities.
Local rules in Connecticut rarely change whether a firearm can be sold, but they often influence how smooth the process is. Using a licensed buyer with experience navigating Connecticut authorization and reporting requirements can help avoid delays and compliance issues.