A state-issued Certificate of Eligibility does not allow you to carry pistols or revolvers while your appeal is pending with the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners (BFPE).
It does allow you to:
- Buy handguns
- Show valid identification
- Confirm you passed a national criminal background check
This certificate shows you met basic requirements set by the Department of Public Safety. It does not give you the right to carry. You do not need to show “suitability” to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility.
If you:
- Provide valid identification
- Pass a background check with no disqualifying arrests or court orders
Meeting these steps may help you qualify
If you have a valid Certificate of Eligibility at the time of your hearing, we will accept it as proof that:
- Your identity has been verified
- You have no disqualifying criminal or civil issues at that time
This helps confirm your current record
A Certificate of Eligibility does not prove that you meet the legal requirement of “suitability” to receive or get back a pistol or revolver permit.
The Board must decide this after a full hearing. We review all facts related to your denial or revocation before making a decision. The final decision is made after your hearing.
Information below was copied from Department of Public Safety website: www.ct.gov/despp
Certificate of Eligibility (new and renewals)
- New applicants must complete the DPS-799-C and DPS-164-C and sign in the presence of an official when your photo is taken.
- Submit a letter or certification attesting that you have completed an approved course in the safety and use of pistols/revolvers. This must be signed by one of the following: an N.R.A. certified pistol/revolver instructor, a DEP certified instructor or a state-certified firearms instructor.
- Submit a complete set of fingerprints with a check or money order for $35.00 payable to DPS.
- When applicable, criminal and/or mental health records must be submitted (C.G.S. 29-36g).
- Renewal applicants must submit a DPS-129-C and follow instructions for pistol permit renewal above, including citizenship and residency requirements.
Pistol permit schedules and locations
Reminder: Troop locations will be closed on State and Federal holidays and during inclement weather. No appointments are necessary.
DPS Headquarters @ The Special Licensing & Firearms Unit
Tel. (860) 685-8290
1111 Country Club Road (1st floor, left side of elevators), Middletown, CT. 06457
Mon. – Fri.: 8:30 am – 4:15 pm / Directions: I-91 N or S exit 20, Turn left at stop sign and follow signs to Department of Public Safety
Troop C – Tolland
Tel. (860) 896-3271 Troop G – Bridgeport Tel. (203) 696-2532
1320 Tolland Stage Road 149 Prospect Street
Tolland, CT 06084 Bridgeport, CT 06604 (closed Monday)
1st & 3rd Tues. of the Month, 8:30 am-12:00pm & 12:30-4:00pm T-W-F-S, 8-12 & 12:30-4 pm Thurs. 11-1:30 &2-7pm
Troop E – Montville
Tel.: (860) 848-6539 Troop L – Litchfield Tel.: (860) 626-7914
I-395 N (between exits 79 & 79A) 452 Bantam Road
Montville, CT 06382 Litchfield, CT 06759
2nd & 4th Monday of the month, 8:30 am-12:00 & 12:30-4 pm 1st & 3rd Monday of the month, 8:30-1200 & 12:30-4 pm
Troop D – Danielson
55 Westcott Road
Danielson, Ct 06239
3rd Saturday of every month, 9 am – 3 pm.