Bridgeport Police Department - Pistol Permits - Bridgeport, CT

Bridgeport Police Permits and Licensing Division

The Permits and Licensing Division of the Bridgeport Police Department is the local authority responsible for processing applications for the Temporary State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers. Located within the Police Headquarters at 300 Congress Street, this division serves as the first step for Bridgeport residents seeking to obtain a Connecticut Pistol Permit. State law requires applicants to apply with the police chief of their town of residence before they can be issued a full state permit by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). This office also handles other local licenses, but its primary volume comes from firearm permit applications and fingerprinting services.

Application Process and Requirements

Applying for a pistol permit in Bridgeport is a strict, multi-step process. Applicants must be 21 years of age and bona fide residents of the city. The following documentation is mandatory at the time of submission:

• Application Form: A completed and notarized State of Connecticut Pistol Permit Application (Form DPS-799-C).
• Safety Course: A valid NRA Basic Pistol Safety Course certificate issued within the last 2 years.
• Identification: A valid CT Driver's License or ID card, plus a birth certificate or passport.
• Proof of Residency: Three (3) distinct forms of proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease, car registration) are strictly required to prove Bridgeport residency.

Submission and Fingerprinting Hours

Unlike general police records, the Pistol Permits window has very specific operating hours. Applications are accepted only on Mondays and Wednesdays. During these times, applicants submit their paperwork and, if approved, proceed immediately to fingerprinting. There is typically a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM during which transactions pause.

Fees and Payment Methods

The division enforces a strict payment policy. Personal checks, cash, and credit cards are NOT accepted for the city fees.

• City Fee: Applicants must bring a Money Order or Certified Bank Check payable to ”City of Bridgeport” (typically covering the application and fingerprinting fees).
• State/Federal Fee: A separate pre-enrollment payment for the background check (State and FBI) must often be made online via credit card to generate a tracking barcode before the visit.

Location and Security

The division is located on the right side of the main lobby at 300 Congress Street. As this is an active police headquarters, all visitors must pass through a security checkpoint. Weapons of any kind are prohibited inside the building, even for applicants seeking a permit. Visitors should have their identification ready and ensure all paperwork is organized before approaching the window to keep lines moving efficiently.