All Federal Firearms Licenses are issued and regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, a Division of the U.S. Treasury Department. Gun dealers in Connecticut, are further regulated by the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit of the State Police.

The SLFU is your “Point of Contact” with the FBI and all attempts to obtain a gun sale authorization number must be made through our office. Once a request is received a National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) is conducted and a transaction number is automatically assigned. The SLFU utilizes a Dealer Identification Number that correspond with the last five digits of the FFL number plus a Personal Identification Number (P.I.N.) picked by the dealer. These distinct numbers aid SLFU employees with the authorization process and eventually will allow the dealer to access a totally automated system.

Toll-free authorization line: 1-888-335-8438, or local:
(860) 685-8400        IVR - 1-877-410-8717

Authorization line hours:

The SLFU has designed a new Firearms Management
System, which has significantly reduced the time it takes to complete the background checks necessary for obtaining authorization numbers.  Also, presently being used is the Interactive Voice Response (IVR), an automated system utilizing telephone keypad entry to apply or verify authorization numbers for those possessing a pistol permit. The benefit is twenty-four hour access, since the presence of department personnel will not be required.

We are actively pursuing development of a new internet system, which will include “on-line” access, and will permit interested dealers to download department forms and enter transactions directly into our database. These abilities will be available through the use of personal computers and a software security package that will be available to interested dealers. We further suspect these enhancements may reduce dealer costs associated with running their business.

To obtain information on the above IVR program, contact the SLFU at (860) 685-8290. The toll free telephone number, for IVR access is: 1 (877) 410-8717. Only transactions involving state pistol permit and eligibility certificate holders may be processed utilizing the IVR. Sales to non-permit holders must be processed through the SLFU authorization line (toll free 1 (888) 335-8438) during normal business hours, or the dealer interface software.

SLFU will also continue to offer informational seminars on a periodic basis to gun dealers and other interested persons concerning changes in firearm laws and firearm sales and processing procedures. These seminars will be offered in conjunction with ATF.