File an appeal

 

Need to file an appeal for a firearm permit?

Find information about the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners (BFPE) appeal process. If your pistol permit was denied, revoked, or still pending after eight weeks without a decision, you may be able to file an appeal.

Learn how to:

  • Prepare before filing an appeal
  • Choose the correct appeal type
  • Submit your appeal on time
  • Understand what happens at your hearing and after a decision

You must file your appeal within 90 days of the date listed at the top of your denial or revocation letter. The 90 days starts on the date listed at the top of your letter.

 

Explore eligibility certificates for firearms in Connecticut

These certificates allow you to buy firearms or ammunition. But they do not allow you to carry a handgun. Having a certificate means you passed a background check and showed valid identification. It does not determine whether you qualify for a permit to carry.

Many people confuse certificates with carry permits. This section explains the difference so you can choose the right option.

Get details about firearm certificates  

Get ready to file an appeal

Learn what to do if your firearm permit was denied or revoked. A denial means your application was not approved. A revocation means a permit you had was removed.

To file your appeal, you must send a written request to the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners (BFPE). Include the date from the decision letter you received.

You must file your appeal within 90 days of the date listed at the top of your denial or revocation letter. Once we receive your appeal, we will schedule a tentative hearing. At the hearing, the Board will review your case and decide whether the denial or revocation should remain in place.

Did you apply for a temporary permit and not receive a decision after 8 weeks? We call this constructive denial. It means your application is still waiting and has not been approved or denied in time.

To move forward, fill out the Delay Appeal Form. Include details about when you applied and any follow-up you tried to make. After you file the appeal form, you will receive a tentative hearing date. The Board will review your case and decide if the delay was justified. Submit the Delay Appeal Form to begin the process.

Appeals must start within 90 days of the date listed at the top of your denial or revocation letter. The 90 days starts on the date listed at the top of your letter, not when you mail it. This section explains how to use the date on your decision letter to calculate your deadline. By tracking this date, you can meet your deadline and avoid delays in your case.

Complete the Delay Appeal Form and submit it to BFPE

Understand each step of an appeal

Learn what to do after a denial, revocation, or constructive denial. You can also find information about hearings, decisions, and the next steps in your case.


Go to denial or revocation guidance 

Find clear information for cases where a permit was denied or revoked. Learn who can file an appeal, what materials you may need, and how the review process works from start to finish.

Open constructive denial information 

Get details for situations where a decision has not been issued after 8 weeks. Review what qualifies for a constructive denial, how delays are handled, and what to expect from your appeal.

Learn about decisions after a hearing 

Learn what happens after a hearing. Find out how the Board reviews your case, when you will receive a decision, and what options may be available afterward.

Request to delay or expedite a hearing

If you cannot attend your hearing, you can ask to delay it or speed it up by emailing BFPE@ct.gov. Include the reason and proof, such as a doctor’s note or travel plans. Requests sent less than 24 hours before the hearing may not be reviewed.

If your permit was revoked and it affects your job, you can ask for a faster hearing. Be ready to send proof of your current employment. The Board Secretary will review your request and decide what happens next.

Get more details on hearing requests