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 except in Denver county and other posted areas. The minimum age is 18 years old. 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.
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. [Colo. Rev. Stat. § 29-11.7-104] |
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 conceal carry weapons other than handguns in Colorado with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
Handguns. [Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-204(2)(a)] |
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 in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle in Colorado? |
Yes, without a permit. [Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-204(3)(a)] |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Colorado? |
Yes. |
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. [Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-214] |
Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in Colorado? |
Yes, unless posted, and provided you are not under the influence. [Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-106(1)(d)] |
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. |
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
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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](https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/terminology/firearms-and-ammunition/preemption) 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. [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. [House Bill 19-1177] |
The right of no person to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person and property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall be called in question; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to justify the practice of carrying concealed weapons. "
Which states' permits does Colorado honor?
The state of Colorado recognizes the validity of any permit issued to a resident of that state (C.R.S 18-12-213). Colorado does not recognize permits issued in the District of Columbia.
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.
Which states honor permits from Colorado with restrictions?
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.
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
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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: |
City of Denver Permit Info and application page Link to application |
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Colorado and members of the person's immediate family living in Colorado. |
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. |
How to Apply for a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Complete a firearms training course. |
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. |
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:
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.
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 (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
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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Do firearms need to be registered in Colorado? |
No. |
Is a permit required to purchase a gun in Colorado? |
No. |
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Colorado? |
Yes. |
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a firearm in Colorado? |
No, although the background check turnaround times vary. |
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. |
What are the laws regarding carrying a firearm while using alcohol or prescription medication in CO? |
Not while under the influence, per Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-106(1)(d). |
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 04/26/2019 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
| 04/17/2019 | Links checked |
| 04/15/2019 | Added new ERPO Law and effective date to the At A Glance table |
| 03/15/2019 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
| 02/15/2019 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
| 02/09/2019 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
| 02/06/2019 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
| 01/25/2019 | Added church info to location restrictions section |
| 01/25/2019 | Links checked |
| 01/24/2019 | Added FAQ about alcohol or prescription medication |
| 01/10/2019 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
| 11/29/2018 | Added parking lot info to At A Glance table |
| 10/22/2018 | 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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