Colorado Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in Colorado, here are some things about the permit process you should know:
Colorado is a shall-issue state that allows concealed carry for anyone 21 years of age and over. Concealed Handgun Permits (CHP) are issued by local sheriff’s offices.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Colorado?
Yes. There is a three-day waiting period to buy a gun in Colorado.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Colorado?
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Colorado.
Who is eligible to obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) in Colorado?
Any state resident who is at least 21 years of age.
Is firearms training a requirement in Colorado for a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)?
Yes. Colorado requires an applicant to attend a state-approved firearms-training course before applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP).
What are the requirements to obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) in Colorado?
To obtain a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), and applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a legal resident of Colorado
- Meet federal qualifications to purchase a handgun
- Completed a handgun-training course
What are the steps to obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) in Colorado?
- Complete an unsigned application online at your local sheriff’s office website.
- Complete a firearm-training-competency course
- Submit the application, firearm-training documentation, and fees. You will be fingerprinted and a background check will be run.
How much does a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit cost?
The fee for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is $52.50, which includes background-check fee and FBI fingerprint fee, CCIC fingerprint check; renewal is $13.
Does Colorado recognize pistol permits from other states?
Mostly. Colorado recognizes a valid concealed-carry permit issued by another state only if the issuing state reciprocates and recognizes/honors a Colorado concealed-handgun permit.
Is Colorado a Constitutional Carry state?
No. Colorado is not a constitutional-carry state.
Is Colorado an Open Carry state?
Yes. Open carry is allowed in Colorado without a permit for any person who is at least 18 years old and can legally possess a firearm. However, some municipalities, including Denver County, prohibit open carry.
Is Colorado a Stand Your Ground state?
No. But Colorado is a Castle Doctrine state. There is no duty to retreat in your home or on your property.
Are AR-Style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Colorado?
Yes. AR-style and other semi-auto rifles are legal in Colorado. However, some local restrictions or prohibitions on assault weapons exist. Denver, for example, has an ordinance that bans so-called “assault weapons.”
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Colorado?
No. In Colorado, magazines holding more than 15 rounds are illegal.
What are Colorado gun-storage laws?
Yes. Colorado has a safe-storage law, which makes a person in Colorado criminally liable if they knowingly provide access to a handgun to anyone less than 18 years old.
Is Colorado a Red Flag state?
Yes. Colorado has a red-flag law. Colorado allows law enforcement or a family member to petition the court to temporarily remove guns and ammunition from people who have been deemed by a judge to pose a danger to themselves or others. Firearms may be held for up to a year.
