Summary of Colorado Gun Laws
Colorado is a shall-issue state where concealed carry permits are issued to county residents by local sheriff’s offices.
No purchase permits or firearms registration are required for handguns. For private-party transfers of firearms, the seller must request that a licensed dealer perform a background check of the buyer and must get approval of the transfer from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Open carry is legal in Colorado for any person who is at least 18 years old and who can legally possess a firearm, except in Denver county and other posted areas. Local governments may enact regulations prohibiting open carrying of firearms in a building or specific area within the local government’s jurisdiction, as long as signs are posted to that effect.
Concealed carry is legal in Colorado for residents with a Colorado permit to carry a concealed weapon (CCW) and non-residents of states with which Colorado has reciprocity agreements. CCW permits can be issued to any resident at least 21 years old and not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. Concealed carry permits require a firearms training course that has been state-approved. Colorado doesn’t issue non-resident permits with the exception of members of the military permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate family members that live in the state. In terms of reciprocity, Colorado will only honor resident CCW licenses from states with which it has a reciprocity agreement.
Colorado is a Castle Doctrine state. It grants its citizens the “right to expect absolute safety within their own homes.” A person is justified in using physical force on another person in order to defend himself or herself or a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by that other person, and he or she may use a degree of force which he or she reasonably believes to be necessary for that purpose. Any person who uses a gun in self-defense in accordance with the law has immunity from criminal or civil law. There is no duty to retreat, and the law applies at a person’s residence or in another dwelling. There is a duty to retreat outside a person’s residence. You may not legally use deadly force in Colorado in order to protect any other type of property.
Colorado Gun Laws Quick Links
Reciprocity | Permit Information | Permit Application | Permit Renewal | LEOs & RLEOs | Location Restrictions | Recent Updates
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Colorado Gun Laws at a Glance
Open Carry/ Concealed Carry Basics
Constitutional Carry?Does Colorado allow constitutional carry? |
No. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Colorado? |
Yes, without a permit, except in Denver County and other posted areas. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm is allowed to carry. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If Colorado requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? |
Shall issue. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Colorado to get a concealed carry permit? |
21. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Colorado with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
Handguns only. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Colorado? |
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. |
Non-Resident Permitting?Does Colorado issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? |
Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate families. |
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?Does Colorado allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
No. |
Carry Locations
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle in Colorado? |
Yes, without a permit. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Colorado? |
Yes, with a Colorado permit to carry a concealed weapon or a permit issued by a state that Colorado honors. |
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Colorado? |
Yes with a Colorado permit to carry a concealed weapon or a permit issued by a state that Colorado honors. |
Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in Colorado? |
Yes, with a Colorado permit to carry a concealed weapon or a permit issued by a state that Colorado honors, unless posted, and provided you are not under the influence. |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?Does Colorado have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? |
Not addressed in Colorado state law. |
Additional Related State Laws
Must Notify Officer You're Carrying?Are you required to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Colorado? |
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Magazine Limits for Handguns?Does Colorado have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
15 rounds It is illegal to sell, transfer or possess a "high capacity" magazine (defined as >15 rounds for firearms other than shotguns), unless you owned the large-capacity magazine on July 1, 2013 and maintained continuous possession of the large-capacity magazine. Large-capacity magazines capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition and tubular magazines that are contained in lever-action firearms are exempt. The City of Boulder has Ordinance 5-8-2 which makes any ammunition feeding device with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds illegal. |
Ammunition Restrictions?Does Colorado have ammunition restrictions? |
There are no state laws. However, the City of Aurora prohibits the sale or possession of Teflon-coated or treated ammunition. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Colorado? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
No. |
Preemption?Does Colorado have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Partial. Local governments may prohibit the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area within the local government’s jurisdiction. A local government may not enact an ordinance, regulation or other law that prohibits the sale, purchase or possession of a firearm that a person may lawfully sell, purchase or possess under state or federal law. A local government may not restrict a person’s ability to travel with a weapon in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance. [Colo. Rev. Stat. § 29-11.7-104] |
Red Flag Law?Does Colorado have a red flag law? |
No. However, an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law was passed on April 12, 2019. The law will go into effect on January 1, 2020. It will allow Law Enforcement or a family member to petition the Court to temporarily remove someone’s guns for up to a year. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or Prescription Medication?Does Colorado have laws regarding carrying a firearm while using alcohol or prescription medication? |
Yes, but not while under the influence. [Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-106(1)(d)] As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Colorado? |
No. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?Are background checks required for private gun sales in Colorado? |
Yes. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Colorado? |
No. |
Handgun Registration?Handgun Registration? |
No. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Colorado? |
18 years old. (1)(a) Except as provided in this section, it is unlawful for any person who has not attained the age of 18 years to knowingly have any handgun in such person's possession. (2) This section shall not apply to: (a) Any person under the age of 18 years who is: (I) In attendance at a hunter's safety course or a firearms safety course; or (b) Any person under the age of 18 years who is on real property under the control of such person's parent, legal guardian or grandparent and who has the permission of such person's parent or legal guardian to possess a handgun; (c) Any person under the age of 18 years who is at such person's residence and who, with the permission of such person's parent or legal guardian, possesses a handgun for the purpose of exercising the rights contained in section 18-1-704 or section 18-1-704.5 . [Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-108.5] (1)(a) Any person who intentionally, knowingly or recklessly provides a handgun with or without remuneration to any person under the age of 18 years in violation of section 18-12-108.5 or any person who knows of such juvenile's conduct which violates section 18-12-108.5 and fails to make reasonable efforts to prevent such violation commits the crime of unlawfully providing a handgun to a juvenile or permitting a juvenile to possess a handgun. |
Carry While Hunting
Carry While Gun Hunting?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Colorado? |
Yes. (3)(a) A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry a handgun under the following circumstances without obtaining a permit and the handgun shall not be considered concealed: |
Carry While Bow Hunting?Can you concealed carry while bowhunting in Colorado? |
Yes. (3)(a) A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry a handgun under the following circumstances without obtaining a permit and the handgun shall not be considered concealed: |
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State Constitutional Provision
Colorado Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
Which states' permits does Colorado honor?
In accordance with Colorado law (C.R.S. 18-12-213) the State of Colorado will recognize a valid concealed carry permit issued by another state only if all of the following criteria are met:
The issuing state recognizes/honors a Colorado permit (CHP).
The permit holder is a resident of the issuing state.
The permit holder is in possession of a matching state issued driver’s license or a State ID showing that they are a resident of that state.
The permit holder is 21 years of age or older.
The permit holder is in possession of a valid permit.
Colorado does not recognize permits issued in the District of Columbia.
Other States' Reciprocity With Colorado
Which states honor permits from Colorado?
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Colorado
Permitless Carry States
Anyone who can legally possess a firearm may carry it concealed in permitless carry states without a permit/license. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
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Discover MembershipColorado Concealed Carry Permit Information
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
|
Fees: |
Initial Permit $52 (The sheriff can charge an additional fee up to $100.) Permit Renewal may vary from $50 to $63. |
Valid For: |
5 years |
Processing Time: |
90 days |
Application: |
|
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate family members that live in the state. The process is the same as for residents. |
Name/Address Changes: |
Within 30 days after a permittee changes the address specified on his or her permit or 3 business days after his or her permit is lost, stolen or destroyed, the permittee shall notify the issuing Sheriff of the change of address or permit loss, theft or destruction using the address change/permit lost or destroyed form. Failure to notify the Sheriff is a Class 1 Petty Offense. |
Lost/Stolen Permits: |
If a permit is stolen or lost it becomes invalid and the issuing sheriff must be notified within 3 business days. Download and complete the permit lost or destroyed form and have it notarized. |
Colorado Concealed Carry Permit Application Process
How to Apply for a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Complete a firearm training course if required. |
Step 2: |
Download the application or pick up from your local sheriff’s office. |
Step 3: |
Take your completed, unsigned application to yor local sheriff's office. You will need the following documents:
You will be fingerprinted. |
Step 4: |
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved. |
Firearms Training Requirements in Colorado
Applicants for a Colorado permit to carry a concealed handgun must demonstrate competence with a handgun by submitting evidence of completion of one of the following:
- A training certificate from a handgun training class obtained within the 10 years preceding submittal of the application.
- Evidence of experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competitions or current military service;
- Evidence that, at the time the application is submitted, the applicant is a certified instructor;
- Proof of honorable discharge from a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces within 3 years or that reflects pistol qualifications obtained within the 10 years preceding submittal of the application; or
- A certificate showing retirement from a Colorado law enforcement agency that reflects pistol qualifications obtained within the 10 years preceding submittal of the application.
The applicant shall submit the original training certificate or a photocopy thereof that includes the original signature of the class instructor. The training cannot be through an online course, but must be attended in person at a physical location with a certified instructor.
No additional training is required for permit renewals.
Colorado Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process
How to Renew a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Within 120 days prior to expiration of a permit, the permittee may obtain a renewal form from the county sheriff’s office where you reside, own property or own a business. A permittee who fails to file a renewal form on or before the permit expiration date and up to 60 days after the expiration date, may renew the permit by paying a late fee of $15.00 in addition to the renewal fees. No permit shall be renewed 6 months or more after its expiration date and the permit shall be deemed permanently expired. A person whose permit has permanently expired may reapply by submitting a new application and the required fees. Complete a firearms training course, if required. |
Step 2: |
Download the application or pick up from your local sheriff’s office. |
Step 3: |
Submit a completed renewal form, photo ID, proof of residency (i.e., lease agreement, mortgage statement, copy of tax statement), a notarized affidavit stating that the permittee remains qualified pursuant to the criteria specified and renewal fee. |
Step 4: |
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved. |
Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details, check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
Colorado has State Standards for Departments to provide photo IDs to RLEOs. They require a complete background check and fees may be charged.
Col. Rev. Stat. § 24-33.5-112 Dept of Public Safety State law enforcement agencies to provide identification cards to retired peace officers upon request
Col. Rev. Stat. § 24-31-109 Attorney general to provide identification cards to retired peace officers upon request
Col. Rev. Stat. § 24-35-119 Dept of Revenue Law enforcement agencies of the department to provide identification cards to retired peace officers upon request
Col. Rev. Stat. § 31-30-106 Police to provide identification cards to retired peace officers upon request
Col. Rev. Stat. § 23-5-142 Postsecondary Education State Universities and Colleges Institution law enforcement agencies to provide identification cards to retired peace officers upon request
Col. Rev. Stat. § 17-1-115.2 Correctional law enforcement agencies to provide identification cards to retired peace officers upon request
Per the CO DPS State Patrol website, the Colorado State Patrol Academy Range can only provide firearms qualification service to retired Colorado State Patrol Sworn Officers. Anyone other than retired Colorado State Patrol Sworn officers should contact their Local County Sheriff’s Department.
Forms
CO DPS Retired Commissioned Officers Firearms Training Program Application (CSP 31)
CO DPS Colorado State Patrol Retired Officers Medical Release (CSP 31B)
County Sheriff’s of Colorado Separated LEOSA Carry Application
County Sheriff’s of Colorado LEOSA Carry Application
Colorado Location Restrictions
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Colorado? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Colorado?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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FAQ: Colorado Concealed Carry Questions
What Are the Knife Laws in Colorado? |
In Colorado, you can own almost any knife as long as it is not a ballistic knife. All legal knives can be carried in the open. It is illegal to carry concealed a knife that is larger than 3.5 inches unless it is a fishing or hunting knife. Any knife with a blade shorter than 3.5 inches can be carried openly or concealed. Local authorities may also have laws, such as in Boulder County where it is illegal to carry any concealed knife. |
Related Information & Links for Colorado Gun Laws
Colorado Gun Laws Updates:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 2019-08-29 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
| 2019-07-24 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
| 2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-04-26 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
| 2019-04-17 | Links checked |
| 2019-04-15 | Added new ERPO Law and effective date to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-03-15 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
| 2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
| 2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-25 | Added church info to location restrictions section |
| 2019-01-25 | Links checked |
| 2019-01-24 | Added FAQ about alcohol or prescription medication |
| 2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
| 2018-11-29 | Added parking lot info to At A Glance table |
| 2018-10-22 | Added initial CCW law and reciprocity information for Colorado |
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Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States: 2018.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. Members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
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