Can a felon own a gun in Connecticut?

Connecticut prohibits possession of firearms by any person convicted of a felony or certain serious misdemeanors. The primary path to restoration is through an absolute pardon from the Board of Pardons and Paroles. Connecticut's automatic erasure law does NOT restore firearm rights — erased records can still be used to deny gun permits.

What is the waiting period for gun rights restoration in Connecticut?

5 years after conviction for felonies before pardon eligibility. 3 years for misdemeanors.

Are there exceptions to gun rights restoration in Connecticut?

Automatic erasure/expungement does not restore firearm rights in Connecticut. Only an absolute pardon removes the firearms disability. Provisional pardons do not restore gun rights.

Can a felon get gun rights back in Connecticut?

Yes, but only through an Absolute Pardon from the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles. An Absolute Pardon completely erases your criminal record, removing the firearms disability under both state and federal law. A Provisional Pardon does NOT restore gun rights. Automatic erasure under the Clean Slate law does NOT reliably restore firearms eligibility. You must wait 5 years from conviction (for felonies) before applying for an Absolute Pardon.

What is the difference between an Absolute Pardon and a Provisional Pardon?

An Absolute Pardon erases your criminal record entirely — it is as if the arrest and conviction never occurred. All records are ordered destroyed, and you can legally state you were never convicted. An Absolute Pardon restores all rights including gun rights. A Provisional Pardon (Certificate of Rehabilitation) does NOT erase the conviction — the record remains, but certain barriers to employment and licensing are removed. A Provisional Pardon does NOT restore gun rights.

How do I apply for a pardon in Connecticut?

All applications must be submitted online through the e-Pardons portal on the Board of Pardons and Paroles website. Paper applications are no longer accepted (since June 2020). You will need to provide personal information, details of your conviction, your criminal history report from DESPP, and documentation of rehabilitation. There is no fee for the application itself, but the State Police charge for the criminal history report.

How long does the Connecticut pardon process take?

The process varies but typically takes 6 months to over a year. After submission, the Board conducts a background investigation and telephone interview. If you qualify for an Expedited Review (non-violent offenses, no victim interest), the process may be faster and you may receive a pardon without a hearing. Standard cases require a hearing. The Board's caseload significantly affects processing times.

Does Connecticut's Clean Slate law restore gun rights?

Not reliably. Connecticut's Clean Slate law (Public Act 21-32, effective January 2023) provides for automatic erasure of certain criminal records after 7-10 years. However, the Board of Pardons and Paroles has indicated that this automatic erasure may not have the same effect as an Absolute Pardon for firearms purposes. To definitively restore gun rights, you should pursue an Absolute Pardon rather than relying on the Clean Slate process.

What types of firearms require permits in Connecticut?

Connecticut requires permits for both handguns and long guns. A Pistol Permit (issued by local police under CGS 29-28) is required to purchase or carry handguns. An Eligibility Certificate (issued by DESPP under CGS 29-36f) is required to purchase long guns. Both require background checks, firearms safety training, and meeting eligibility requirements. A felony conviction disqualifies you from both unless the conviction has been erased by an Absolute Pardon.

Can I own a firearm in Connecticut with an out-of-state felony conviction?

No. CGS 53a-217 prohibits firearm possession by any person convicted of a felony, whether the conviction was in Connecticut, another state, or federal court. An out-of-state pardon that restores civil rights (including firearms) and does not expressly exclude firearms should remove the federal prohibition. However, Connecticut may still consider the conviction disqualifying for state permit purposes. Consult an attorney.

Is there a new federal pathway to restore gun rights?

Yes. In 2025, the DOJ revived the 18 USC 925(c) process for federal firearms disability relief. This pathway may be particularly useful for Connecticut residents with federal or out-of-state convictions that the Connecticut Board cannot pardon. The DOJ's FY 2026 budget allocated $448,000 to develop the infrastructure for this program. Application procedures are still being developed.

Felon Gun Rights in Connecticut

Q: How can a felon restore gun rights in Connecticut?

Apply for an Absolute Pardon from the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Must petition for restoration

It depends. The only reliable way to restore gun rights after a felony conviction in Connecticut is to obtain an Absolute Pardon from the Board of Pardons and Paroles. An Absolute Pardon completely erases your record, making you eligible to apply for a gun permit. A Provisional Pardon does NOT restore gun rights. Connecticut's Clean Slate (automatic erasure) law also does NOT reliably restore firearms rights. You must wait 5 years after conviction for a felony before applying for an Absolute Pardon.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

Connecticut prohibits firearm possession by any person convicted of a felony, or certain serious misdemeanors within the preceding 20 years, under CGS 53a-217. The primary and essentially only path to restoration is through an Absolute Pardon from the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles, which completely erases the criminal record. Connecticut's automatic erasure law (Clean Slate) does NOT reliably restore firearm rights — only an Absolute Pardon removes the firearms disability. A Provisional Pardon (Certificate of Rehabilitation) does not restore gun rights. Connecticut has some of the most restrictive firearms laws in the nation, requiring permits for handgun purchases and an eligibility certificate for long gun purchases.

Quick Answer

Federal Law — 18 USC 922(g)

Under 18 USC 922(g)(1), any person convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment is federally prohibited from possessing firearms. In Connecticut, an Absolute Pardon erases the conviction entirely, which removes the federal firearms disability because the conviction no longer legally exists. Federal law provides that a person is not considered 'convicted' if they have been pardoned, unless the pardon expressly bars firearms. Connecticut Absolute Pardons do not bar firearms, so the federal disability is lifted. A Provisional Pardon does NOT remove the federal prohibition. The revived federal 18 USC 925(c) process may provide an additional pathway for federal relief.

Can restore gun rights

✓Persons convicted of a felony who obtain an Absolute Pardon from the Board of Pardons and Paroles — removes the conviction entirely and restores gun rights eligibility
✓Persons convicted of qualifying misdemeanors whose 20-year prohibition period under CGS 53a-217 has expired
✓Persons who were convicted of offenses that have been decriminalized or reclassified since conviction
✓Persons whose federal firearms disability is removed through the revived 18 USC 925(c) process

Cannot restore gun rights

✗Persons convicted of a felony who have only received a Provisional Pardon (Certificate of Rehabilitation) — this does NOT restore gun rights
✗Persons whose records were automatically erased under Connecticut's Clean Slate law — automatic erasure does NOT reliably restore firearms eligibility
✗Persons convicted under federal law or the laws of another state — the Connecticut Board of Pardons can only pardon Connecticut convictions
✗Persons with pending criminal charges or open cases in any jurisdiction
✗Persons currently on probation or parole
✗Persons with a nolle entered within the previous 13 months of their pardon application
✗Persons subject to domestic violence restraining orders — separate prohibition under state and federal law
✗Persons convicted of certain family violence crimes — separate firearm prohibition under CGS 53a-217

Step-by-Step Process

Determine your eligibility for an Absolute Pardon

You must meet all eligibility requirements: (1) At least 5 years have passed since conviction for a felony, or 3 years for a misdemeanor; (2) You have no pending criminal charges or open cases in any jurisdiction (state or federal); (3) You are not currently on probation or parole; (4) You have no nolle entered within the previous 13 months. You must have been convicted of a Connecticut state offense — the Board cannot pardon federal or out-of-state convictions.

Submit your application online through the e-Pardons portal

As of June 1, 2020, all pardon applications must be submitted online through the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles e-Pardons portal. Paper applications are no longer accepted. There is no fee for the pardon application itself, but you must pay for a State Police Criminal History Report (rap sheet) from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), which is required as part of the application.

Background investigation and interview

Board staff will conduct a background investigation, which includes reviewing your criminal history, court records, and other relevant information. You will be contacted for a telephone interview. The staff will assess the nature of your offense, your rehabilitation since conviction, and any victim interests. The investigation may take several months depending on the Board's caseload.

Expedited Review or standard hearing

Based on the investigation, staff will determine whether you qualify for an Expedited Review (for non-violent offenses with no victim interest) or a standard pre-screen review followed by a hearing. Expedited Reviews may result in an Absolute Pardon without requiring your physical presence. Standard hearings require attendance and allow for testimony from the applicant, character witnesses, and victims.

Receive the Absolute Pardon and apply for gun permit

If the Board grants an Absolute Pardon, your conviction is completely erased — all records are ordered destroyed. You can then legally state that you were never arrested or convicted. After receiving the Absolute Pardon, you may apply for a Connecticut Pistol Permit through your local police department (for handguns) or an Eligibility Certificate from DESPP (for long guns). You must still meet all other permit requirements (training, background check, etc.).

Consider the federal 18 USC 925(c) pathway if needed

If you cannot obtain an Absolute Pardon (for example, because your conviction is federal or out-of-state), the DOJ revived the 18 USC 925(c) process in 2025 for federal firearms disability relief. This allows individuals prohibited under federal law to petition the Attorney General for relief. Monitor the ATF and DOJ websites for application details.

Waiting Period

For an Absolute Pardon: 5 years from the date of conviction for felonies; 3 years from the date of conviction for misdemeanors. You must also be off probation and parole and have no pending charges. There is no guaranteed timeline for the Board's decision — the process can take 6 months to over a year depending on the Board's caseload. For the 20-year misdemeanor prohibition under CGS 53a-217: the prohibition expires automatically 20 years after the conviction date for qualifying misdemeanors.

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
CGS 53a-217 — Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Ammunition or an Electronic Defense Weapon	1969 (amended through 2023)	Prohibits possession of any firearm or ammunition by any person convicted of a felony. Also prohibits possession by persons convicted of certain misdemeanors (including family violence crimes, stalking, illegal discharge, and specified violent offenses) for 20 years following conviction. Violation is a Class C felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years imprisonment, with a 2-year mandatory minimum for a first offense.
CGS 54-124a — Board of Pardons and Paroles	1968 (amended through 2022)	Establishes the Board of Pardons and Paroles and grants it the power to issue Absolute Pardons (which erase the conviction entirely) and Provisional Pardons (Certificates of Rehabilitation, which do not erase the conviction). The Board has sole authority to grant pardons in Connecticut — the Governor does not have pardon power.
CGS 29-28 — Pistol Permits	1969 (amended through 2024)	Requires a permit to carry any pistol or revolver in Connecticut. Permits are issued by local police departments. Applicants must pass a background check, complete an approved firearms safety course, and meet eligibility requirements. A felony conviction disqualifies an applicant unless the conviction has been erased by an Absolute Pardon.
Public Act 21-32 — Connecticut Clean Slate Law	2021 (effective January 2023)	Provides for automatic erasure of certain criminal records after specified waiting periods (7 years for most misdemeanors, 10 years for certain other offenses). Important: Automatic erasure does NOT reliably restore firearms eligibility. The Board of Pardons has stated that automatic erasure may not remove the firearms disability in the same way that an Absolute Pardon does. Persons seeking gun rights should pursue an Absolute Pardon rather than relying on Clean Slate.
CGS 29-36f — Eligibility Certificate for Long Guns	2013 (amended through 2023)	Requires an Eligibility Certificate from DESPP for the purchase of long guns (rifles and shotguns) in Connecticut. The eligibility requirements mirror those for pistol permits, including the felony disqualification. An Absolute Pardon removes the disqualification.
18 USC 922(g)(1) — Federal Felon in Possession	1968 (amended through 2024)	The federal prohibition applying to all persons convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. A Connecticut Absolute Pardon removes the federal disability because the conviction is erased. A Provisional Pardon does NOT remove the federal disability.

Edge Cases

My record was automatically erased under Connecticut's Clean Slate law. Can I now buy a gun?

Not necessarily. Connecticut's Clean Slate law (Public Act 21-32) provides for automatic erasure of certain records after 7-10 years, but this automatic process does NOT reliably restore firearms eligibility. The Board of Pardons and Paroles has indicated that automatic erasure may not carry the same legal weight as an Absolute Pardon for firearms purposes. The safest path is to obtain an Absolute Pardon, which definitively erases the conviction and removes all firearms disabilities under both state and federal law.

I received a Provisional Pardon (Certificate of Rehabilitation). Can I get a gun permit?

No. A Provisional Pardon is a Certificate of Rehabilitation that removes certain barriers to employment, licensing, and housing, but it does NOT erase your conviction and does NOT restore gun rights. Under CGS 53a-217, you are still considered a person convicted of a felony and remain prohibited from possessing firearms. You must obtain an Absolute Pardon to restore gun rights.

I was convicted of a serious misdemeanor. Am I prohibited from owning a gun?

It depends on the specific misdemeanor. CGS 53a-217 prohibits firearm possession for 20 years following conviction for certain misdemeanors, including: any crime designated as a family violence crime, stalking, illegal discharge of a firearm, assault in the third degree, strangulation, threatening, and several other enumerated offenses. If your misdemeanor falls within these categories, you are prohibited for 20 years from the date of conviction. After 20 years, the prohibition expires automatically.

The Governor of Connecticut can't grant pardons?

Correct. Unlike most states, the Governor of Connecticut does not have pardon power. Only the Board of Pardons and Paroles can grant pardons in Connecticut. This is established by CGS 54-124a and the Connecticut Constitution. The Board operates independently. Applications for pardons must be directed to the Board, not the Governor's Office.

I was convicted of a federal crime or a crime in another state. Can the Connecticut Board pardon me?

No. The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles can only pardon convictions under Connecticut state law. For a federal conviction, you would need a presidential pardon or relief under the revived 18 USC 925(c) process. For an out-of-state conviction, you must seek a pardon from the state where you were convicted. However, even with an out-of-state or federal conviction, Connecticut's state firearms prohibitions may apply if you reside in Connecticut.

What are the mandatory minimums for felon in possession in Connecticut?

Under CGS 53a-217, criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class C felony with a mandatory minimum of 2 years imprisonment for a first offense and 5 years for a subsequent offense. These mandatory minimums cannot be suspended or reduced. This is one of the harsher felon-in-possession penalties in the nation, reflecting Connecticut's strict firearms enforcement policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a felon get gun rights back in Connecticut?: Yes, but only through an Absolute Pardon from the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles. An Absolute Pardon completely erases your criminal record, removing the firearms disability under both state and federal law. A Provisional Pardon does NOT restore gun rights. Automatic erasure under the Clean Slate law does NOT reliably restore firearms eligibility. You must wait 5 years from conviction (for felonies) before applying for an Absolute Pardon.
What is the difference between an Absolute Pardon and a Provisional Pardon?: An Absolute Pardon erases your criminal record entirely — it is as if the arrest and conviction never occurred. All records are ordered destroyed, and you can legally state you were never convicted. An Absolute Pardon restores all rights including gun rights. A Provisional Pardon (Certificate of Rehabilitation) does NOT erase the conviction — the record remains, but certain barriers to employment and licensing are removed. A Provisional Pardon does NOT restore gun rights.
How do I apply for a pardon in Connecticut?: All applications must be submitted online through the e-Pardons portal on the Board of Pardons and Paroles website. Paper applications are no longer accepted (since June 2020). You will need to provide personal information, details of your conviction, your criminal history report from DESPP, and documentation of rehabilitation. There is no fee for the application itself, but the State Police charge for the criminal history report.
How long does the Connecticut pardon process take?: The process varies but typically takes 6 months to over a year. After submission, the Board conducts a background investigation and telephone interview. If you qualify for an Expedited Review (non-violent offenses, no victim interest), the process may be faster and you may receive a pardon without a hearing. Standard cases require a hearing. The Board's caseload significantly affects processing times.
Does Connecticut's Clean Slate law restore gun rights?: Not reliably. Connecticut's Clean Slate law (Public Act 21-32, effective January 2023) provides for automatic erasure of certain criminal records after 7-10 years. However, the Board of Pardons and Paroles has indicated that this automatic erasure may not have the same effect as an Absolute Pardon for firearms purposes. To definitively restore gun rights, you should pursue an Absolute Pardon rather than relying on the Clean Slate process.
What types of firearms require permits in Connecticut?: Connecticut requires permits for both handguns and long guns. A Pistol Permit (issued by local police under CGS 29-28) is required to purchase or carry handguns. An Eligibility Certificate (issued by DESPP under CGS 29-36f) is required to purchase long guns. Both require background checks, firearms safety training, and meeting eligibility requirements. A felony conviction disqualifies you from both unless the conviction has been erased by an Absolute Pardon.
What is the penalty for a felon caught with a gun in Connecticut?: Under CGS 53a-217, criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class C felony carrying 1 to 10 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 2 years for a first offense and 5 years for a subsequent offense. These mandatory minimums cannot be suspended. Additionally, federal prosecution under 18 USC 922(g)(1) is possible, carrying up to 15 years in federal prison.
Can I own a firearm in Connecticut with an out-of-state felony conviction?: No. CGS 53a-217 prohibits firearm possession by any person convicted of a felony, whether the conviction was in Connecticut, another state, or federal court. An out-of-state pardon that restores civil rights (including firearms) and does not expressly exclude firearms should remove the federal prohibition. However, Connecticut may still consider the conviction disqualifying for state permit purposes. Consult an attorney.
Is there a new federal pathway to restore gun rights?: Yes. In 2025, the DOJ revived the 18 USC 925(c) process for federal firearms disability relief. This pathway may be particularly useful for Connecticut residents with federal or out-of-state convictions that the Connecticut Board cannot pardon. The DOJ's FY 2026 budget allocated $448,000 to develop the infrastructure for this program. Application procedures are still being developed.

Take Action — Direct Links

Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles — Pardon Division
Official Board of Pardons and Paroles page with frequently asked questions about the pardon process, eligibility requirements, and application instructions.
Connecticut e-Pardons Online Portal
The online portal for submitting pardon applications. All applications must be submitted electronically since June 2020.
CCRC — Connecticut Restoration of Rights & Record Relief
Comprehensive guide from the Collateral Consequences Resource Center covering all restoration pathways in Connecticut, including pardons, Clean Slate, and automatic erasure.
Connecticut Judicial Branch — Law About Pardons and Paroles
Connecticut Judicial Branch law library page with links to relevant statutes, Board of Pardons information, and legal resources about the pardon process.
DESPP — Criminal History Records
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection page for obtaining your State Police Criminal History Report, which is required for the pardon application.
CCDL — Connecticut Citizens Defense League Gun Rights Bill Watch
Connecticut Citizens Defense League's tracking of gun-related legislation, including bills that may affect felon firearm rights and the pardon process.
ATF — Federal Firearms Disabilities Relief (18 USC 925(c))
ATF page explaining federal firearms disability relief options under 18 USC 925(c), including the revived DOJ application process.