A constructive denial means your police department or other issuing authority did not approve or deny your temporary pistol permit application within 8 weeks. We explain when to file, what to do first, how to submit your appeal, and what happens if your town responds before your hearing.
What counts as a constructive denial
A constructive denial happens when 8 weeks pass after you properly apply and you do not receive a decision from the issuing authority. The Board of Firearms Permit Examiners (BFPE) delay form states that the application is still pending and no approval or denial was issued within 8 weeks.
When to file
File your appeal only after 8 weeks have passed without an approval or denial from the issuing authority.
What to do before you file
Before you file, contact your issuing authority and ask about the delay. Keep this information ready because the BFPE form will ask for it:
- The date you applied
- The name of the issuing authority
Having this information ready will help you complete your form faster.
Forms and questionnaires you will need
Use the required forms and questionnaire in one place so you can complete and submit your appeal without searching other sites:
- Constructive denial (delay) appeal form: confirms your application is still pending after 8 weeks
- Appellant questionnaire: provides details about your application and issuing authority
Download, complete, and submit these documents together with your appeal.
How to submit your appeal
Submit your completed form and questionnaire by email or mail.
- Submit by email
Send your completed documents to bfpe@ct.gov.
- Submit by mail
Mail your completed documents to:
Office of Governmental Accountability
Attn. Board of Firearms Permit Examiners
165 Capitol Ave., Ste. 1070
Hartford, CT 06106
Choose the method that works best for you and keep a copy of your submission for your records.