Is a Vermont Resident Permit Valid in Connecticut?

Why

• Vermont does not issue carry permits at all (vermont issues no carry permits to anyone, resident or non-resident — there is no permit system at all. vermont residents who need a permit recognized elsewhere must obtain a non-resident permit from another state that issues them) — there is no Vermont permit to recognize.

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.

Carry rules in Connecticut

Recognition is only half the question. Once you're inside Connecticut, its carry rules apply to you exactly as they do to locals.

• 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 Vermont resident permit valid in Connecticut?

Vermont has no permit to check. The state never built a permitting system (carry is permitless there), so reciprocity with Connecticut starts from a permit you hold from some other state.

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 Vermont issue carry permits at all?

No — to anyone. Vermont has no carry-permit system; carry there is permitless. Vermont residents who want reciprocity coverage elsewhere obtain a non-resident permit from a state that issues one.