Non-Resident permit · MI → CT
Is a Michigan Non-Resident Permit Valid in Connecticut?
The premise fails at the first step. Michigan issues no non-resident carry permit (michigan residents only: applicant must have resided in Michigan for at least 6 months (waivable for emergency licenses and for new residents who hold a valid CPL from another state); active-duty military with Michigan as home of record, or permanently stationed in Michigan, count as residents), so reciprocity with Connecticut never comes into play for this permit type.
Why
- Michigan does not issue carry permits to non-residents (michigan residents only: applicant must have resided in michigan for at least 6 months (waivable for emergency licenses and for new residents who hold a valid cpl from another state); active-duty military with michigan as home of record, or permanently stationed in michigan, count as residents).
Connecticut recognizes no out-of-state permit of any kind. CGS 29-35(a) requires a permit 'issued as provided in section 29-28'; out-of-state permit holders must obtain a Connecticut non-resident permit before carrying.
The permit (Michigan)
- Permit
- Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL)
- Issued by
- County clerk
- Issue policy
- Shall-issue
- Issued to non-residents?
- No — Michigan residents only: applicant must have resided in Michigan for at least 6 months (waivable for emergency licenses and for new residents who hold a valid CPL from another state); active-duty military with Michigan as home of record, or permanently stationed in Michigan, count as residents.
The destination (Connecticut)
- Recognition policy
- Honors no out-of-state permits
- Permitless carry
- No
- Duty to inform
- No (present permit on demand)
- Magazine limit
- 10 rounds
Carry rules in Connecticut
Connecticut's rules control while you're there. These are the ones travelers trip over most.
- No duty to volunteer. The holder must carry the permit while carrying and must present it upon request of a law enforcement officer who has reasonable suspicion of a crime (CGS 29-35(b)).
- Connecticut limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.
- Connecticut is not a permitless-carry state: concealed carry there requires a permit Connecticut recognizes.
- A permit holder may carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle. Without a permit, a pistol may only be transported under narrow exceptions and must be unloaded and not readily accessible from the passenger compartment (or in a locked container) (CGS 29-35(a)(3)-(4)).
Off-limits places in Connecticut
- K-12 school grounds and school-sponsored activities (CGS 53a-217b, class D felony)
- Any premises where the owner or person in control prohibits firearms (CGS 29-28(e))
- Federal facilities and any place where firearms are prohibited by federal law
Frequently asked questions
- Is a Michigan non-resident permit valid in Connecticut?
- The premise fails at the first step. Michigan issues no non-resident carry permit (michigan residents only: applicant must have resided in Michigan for at least 6 months (waivable for emergency licenses and for new residents who hold a valid CPL from another state); active-duty military with Michigan as home of record, or permanently stationed in Michigan, count as residents), so reciprocity with Connecticut never comes into play for this permit type.
- Do I have to tell police in Connecticut that I am carrying?
- No duty to volunteer. The holder must carry the permit while carrying and must present it upon request of a law enforcement officer who has reasonable suspicion of a crime (CGS 29-35(b)).
- Does Connecticut limit magazine capacity?
- Connecticut limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.
- Does Michigan issue non-resident carry permits?
- No. Michigan issues carry permits to residents only (michigan residents only: applicant must have resided in Michigan for at least 6 months (waivable for emergency licenses and for new residents who hold a valid CPL from another state); active-duty military with Michigan as home of record, or permanently stationed in Michigan, count as residents). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.
Official sources
- CT DESPP - Connecticut State Pistol Permit — accessed 2026-08-08
- CT DESPP - Pistol Permit FAQ (non-resident application process) — accessed 2026-08-08
- CGS Chapter 529 - Secs. 29-28 (permits) and 29-35 (carrying without permit prohibited) — accessed 2026-08-08
- CGS Sec. 53-202w - Large capacity magazines (10-round limit) — accessed 2026-08-08
- CGS Sec. 53a-217b - Possession of a weapon on school grounds — accessed 2026-08-08
- Michigan State Police — Reciprocity — accessed 2026-08-08
- Michigan State Police — Concealed Pistol License Requirements — accessed 2026-08-08
- Michigan State Police — Prohibited Premises (MCL 28.425o) — accessed 2026-08-08
- MCL 750.231a — exceptions incl. license issued by state of residence; vehicle transport — accessed 2026-08-08
- MCL 28.425f — duty to disclose to peace officer — accessed 2026-08-08