Slow Californication
Carrying a concealed firearm in Colorado can feel complex, especially with ever-changing local rules due to an influx of CA refugees. This article explores concealed carry laws Colorado enforces, from firearm permit requirements to self-defense statutes.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about concealed carry training options, rules on local restrictions, and how Colorado fits into CCW requirements by state nationwide. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive overview of the laws and feel more at ease if you decide to carry concealed in the Centennial State.
Legal Note
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances can vary. It is solely the reader’s responsibility to verify the accuracy and applicability of any information presented here. The author, publisher, and any affiliated entities assume no liability for actions taken by readers based on the content of this article. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified attorney.
Table of Contents
Shall-Issue State with Strict Requirements
Colorado operates as a shall-issue state, meaning county sheriffs must grant a concealed carry permit to any legal resident at least 21 years old who meets specific conditions. These include:
- No severe criminal history (e.g., no felony convictions)
- Proof of in-person firearm competency through a certified course or qualifying military or law enforcement background
- Compliance with state and federal firearm laws
Colorado does not allow so-called “constitutional carry,” so a valid permit is mandatory if you wish to carry concealed in most public places, with a few key exceptions for carrying in your own home, business, or vehicle.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
Open Carry
- Legal for anyone 18 or older who can lawfully possess a firearm, although local governments may prohibit open carry in certain buildings or areas.
- Denver County bans open carry outright, and other cities may post signs restricting open carry at specific public entrances.
Concealed Carry
- Requires a valid Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) unless you are at home, on property you own or control, or inside a private vehicle.
- The permit only covers handguns; carrying other weapons (like rifles or knives) concealed falls under different statutes.
Where Can You Carry?
Most public areas are open to concealed carry if you have a permit. However, several locations remain off-limits even with a valid permit:
- K-12 Schools
- Prohibited unless the handgun is locked in a compartment inside the vehicle and you remain in the car (or lock the vehicle if you step away).
- Secure Government Buildings
- Such as courthouses or locations with security checkpoints.
- Licensed Daycare Centers
- Firearms are generally not allowed, regardless of a permit.
- Airports (Secured Areas)
- You can carry in non-secure zones if you have a valid permit, but never beyond TSA checkpoints.
- Local Bans
- Municipalities can ban concealed or open carry in buildings they control, provided they post clear signage at entrances.
- Polling Locations
- You cannot conceal carry within 100 feet of a polling station or ballot drop box on election days.
Waiting Period & Background Checks
Waiting Period
In April 2023, Colorado enacted a 3-day waiting period on all firearm purchases. This means you must wait three days after buying a firearm before taking it home. The waiting period applies statewide.
Universal Background Checks
Both private and dealer sales require a background check, except in limited situations like direct family transfers. If you’re selling a handgun privately, you and the buyer must go through a licensed dealer or the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to complete the required paperwork and background check.
Self-Defense: Castle Doctrine & No Duty to Retreat
Colorado law strongly supports a homeowner’s right to defend themselves:
- Castle Doctrine: You can use deadly force if someone unlawfully enters your dwelling with the intent to commit another crime, and you reasonably believe they might use physical force.
- No Duty to Retreat: Although Colorado does not have a “stand your ground” statute in name, courts have stated non-aggressors are not required to retreat before using lawful force in self-defense.
Any lawful occupant using justified force—up to and including deadly force—against an intruder is immune from criminal and civil liability if acting within the confines of state law.
For additional information on self-defense laws, we have a dedicated legal section in our online resources hub.
Transporting Firearms in Vehicles
Concealed Carry Without a Permit
Colorado does allow carrying a handgun concealed in a private vehicle if you can legally own a firearm. However, if you exit the vehicle, you generally need a permit to continue concealing the handgun on your person.
Safe Storage in Unattended Vehicles
State law mandates that any handgun left in an unattended vehicle be locked in a secure, hard-sided container and placed out of plain view, with the vehicle itself locked. This measure reduces the chances of theft and unlawful use.
Magazine Capacity Limit
State law restricts handgun magazines to 15 rounds. Possessing or transferring a magazine over 15 rounds is illegal unless you owned it before July 1, 2013, and maintained continuous possession. Certain cities, like Denver, mirror or add to this limit. Boulder’s previous capacity limit was struck down, restoring the 15-round statewide limit. Always double-check local regulations if you travel with firearms.
Concealed Carry Training for Colorado Permits
To obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit, you must provide proof of concealed carry training. Some qualifying options include:
- Completing a certified handgun training class in-person (online-only courses are not accepted).
- Demonstrating prior pistol qualifications during honorable military discharge within the past ten years.
- Retiring from a Colorado law enforcement agency with relevant pistol qualifications on record.
After August 7, 2024, training certificates are valid for one year from the completion date. You must submit the original certificate—signed by the instructor—with your application to the county sheriff.
Reciprocity and CCW Requirements by State
Colorado’s reciprocity rules are strict. It only honors permits from states that:
- Honor Colorado permits in return,
- Issue permits only to residents,
- Mandate the holder be at least 21, and
- Require the permittee to carry valid state-issued identification.
If you have a non-resident permit from another state, it won’t be recognized in Colorado unless you’re active military stationed in Colorado. Always research CCW requirements by state before traveling, as local laws can vary widely.
Summary: Carry with Confidence, Carry with Awareness
Navigating concealed carry laws Colorado can be a bit challenging, but understanding these key points will help ensure you stay on the right side of the law:
- Obtain a Permit: Unless you’re only carrying in your private vehicle or on your own property, you need a valid Colorado permit.
- Comply with Local Bans: Some municipalities prohibit open or concealed carry in buildings they own—watch for posted signs.
- Follow Magazine Limits: Stick to 15 rounds or fewer to avoid legal trouble.
- Heed the 3-Day Waiting Period: Plan ahead for your firearm purchase and any training sessions.
- Practice Safe Storage: Keep handguns locked away if leaving them in an unattended vehicle.
- Use Self-Defense Law Responsibly: Colorado defers to your right to protect yourself at home without a duty to retreat, but always ensure your use of force is justified.
For additional information, and specific statues that apply to firearms, HandgunLaw.us maintains a guide to concealed carry laws Colorado that you can view here.
Concealed Carry Laws Colorado: Q&A Section
CARRY BASICS QUESTIONS
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| CHEMICAL SPRAY/PEPPER SPRAY? Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Colorado? | Yes, there is no specific statute restricting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Colorado. There are no special prohibitions beyond standard misuse or criminal acts. |
| GUN PERMIT LICENSURE? If the state requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? | Colorado is a shall-issue state. County sheriffs issue Concealed Handgun Permits (CHPs) to residents meeting legal requirements. Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-12-201, 18-12-203 |
| OPEN CARRY PERMITTED? Is open carry permitted in Colorado? | Yes. Any lawful firearm possessor aged 18+ can open carry statewide, except where local ordinances (like Denver County) or posted areas prohibit it. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 29-11.7-104 |
| TASERS OR STUN GUNS? Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Colorado? | Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal without a permit. They must still be used lawfully and responsibly. |
| WEAPONS OTHER THAN HANDGUNS ALLOWED? Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Colorado with a concealed carry permit? | No. A Colorado CHP authorizes concealed carry of handguns only. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-204(2)(a) |
| AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS? Does Colorado have ammunition restrictions? | No statewide restrictions on ordinary ammo. Aurora bans Teflon-coated ammo. |
| MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS? Does Colorado have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? | Yes. Maximum capacity is 15 rounds for magazines acquired after 7/1/2013. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-302 |
| MINIMUM AGE FOR CONCEALED CARRY? What is the minimum age in Colorado to get a concealed carry permit? | 21 years old. |
| CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY? Does Colorado allow constitutional carry? | No. A permit is required to carry concealed in Colorado. |
CARRY LOCATION QUESTIONS
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| CARRY IN RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL? Can you carry a concealed firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in Colorado? | Yes, if you have a valid permit. No law specifically bans carry in places serving alcohol. Must not be under the influence. |
| CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)? Is concealed carry allowed here? | Yes, if you have a Colorado permit or a permit from a state Colorado honors. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-214 |
| CARRY IN VEHICLE? Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Colorado? | Yes, without a permit, for any lawfully possessed firearm. However, firearms left unattended in vehicles must be secured, out of view, in locked containers. Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-12-105(2)(b), 18-12-204(3)(a) |
| CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL? Is it legal to carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Colorado? | State law doesn’t specifically address hotels. Each hotel may set its own policy. Check with hotel management about firearm rules. |
| CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS? Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Colorado? | Yes, with a valid permit (CHP or honored out-of-state license). |
| STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT? Any laws about keeping guns in employee parking lots? | Colorado law does not address this specifically. Employers may set their own policies. Always secure your firearm to prevent theft. |
KEY STATE LAWS
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY? Is the registry accessible to the public? | No, Colorado law keeps CHP records private. Colo. Rev. Stat.§ 18-12-206(3), 18-12-208(2) |
| DUTY TO INFORM OFFICER YOU’RE CARRYING? Must you notify a police officer in Colorado? | No, there is no duty to inform an officer. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-204(2)(a) |
| RED FLAG LAW? Does Colorado have a red flag law? | Yes. Law enforcement or family members can request an extreme risk protection order to temporarily remove guns from individuals deemed dangerous. HB19-1177 |
| “NO WEAPONS ALLOWED” SIGNS ENFORCED? Are these signs enforced in Colorado? | Generally, no. Violating private signage isn’t a crime unless you refuse to leave if asked, which can lead to trespassing. |
| TRIBAL LAND? Can you carry on tribal lands in Colorado? | Rules vary by tribe. For example, the Southern Ute Tribe restricts firearm possession in vehicles unless unloaded. Always inquire with the specific tribe beforehand. |
| CARRY WHILE USING ALCOHOL OR A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE? Any limitations on carrying while under influence? | Yes. It’s illegal to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-106(1)(d) |
| NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING? Does Colorado issue permits to non-residents? | Yes, only for military permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate family members residing in the state. |
| BRANDISHING? Is there a brandishing law in Colorado? | Not by that term. Displaying a firearm in an alarming manner may be disorderly conduct or menacing. Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-9-106, 18-3-206 |
| DRIVER’S LICENSE LINKED TO CARRY PERMIT? Is a Colorado driver’s license linked to a CHP? | No. A driver’s license is not automatically linked to a concealed handgun permit. |
| PREEMPTION? Does state law override local gun regulations? | Partial preemption. Localities can restrict open/concealed carry in certain public buildings & areas. They also may enact stricter gun laws after SB256. Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 29-11.7-103, 18-12-105.6(2)(a) |
HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION QUESTIONS
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIOD? Is there a waiting period for handgun purchases in Colorado? | Yes. There is a statewide 3-day waiting period for all firearm purchases, per HB 23-1219. |
| PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK? Does a CCW exempt me from checks in CO? | No, Colorado requires background checks for all firearm purchases. |
| PURCHASE PERMITS? Is a permit required to buy a handgun in Colorado? | No, there’s no separate purchase permit requirement. |
| BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? Are private transfers subject to checks? | Yes, nearly all gun sales/transfers require a background check via a licensed dealer, with a few family exceptions. Colo. Rev. Stat. 18-12-112 |
| MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT? What is the minimum age to possess/transport a handgun? | 18 years old. Under 18 may only handle with parental permission in limited scenarios (hunting, target shooting, etc.). Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-12-108.5, 18-12-108.7 |
| POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT? Is a permit needed for a handgun at home? | No, you don’t need a permit inside your home, business, or property you control. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105(2)(a) |
| HANDGUN REGISTRATION? Do handguns need to be registered? | No, Colorado does not require handgun registration. |
CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY WITH OTHER STATES
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| WHAT ARE ALL STATE CONCEALED CARRY LICENSES DOES COLORADO HONOR? | Colorado honors permits only if:
Colorado’s current reciprocity list: AL, AK, AZ, AR, DE, FL (resident, 21+ only for handguns), GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY, with resident-only & 21+ conditions. |
| WHAT ARE ALL OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RECIPROCITY WITH COLORADO? | The following states honor a Colorado permit:
“PC-18” means permitless carry at age 18. |
| WHAT ARE ALL THE OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RESTRICTED RECIPROCITY WITH COLORADO? | These states have special rules or require resident-only or age limits:
|
| WHAT ARE ALL THE PERMITLESS CARRY STATES? | Alabama (19+), Alaska (21+), Arizona (21+), Arkansas (18+), Florida (21+), Georgia (21+), Idaho (18+), Indiana (18+), Iowa (21+), Kansas (21+), Kentucky (21+), Louisiana (21+), Maine (21+), Mississippi (21+), Missouri (19+, 18 for military), Montana (18+), Nebraska (21+), New Hampshire (18+), North Dakota (18+), Ohio (21+), Oklahoma (21+), South Carolina (18+), South Dakota (18+), Tennessee (18+), Texas (21+), Utah (21+), Vermont (18+), West Virginia (21+), Wyoming (21+). *PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 |
CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION QUESTIONS
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| WHAT DO YOU DO IF A PERMIT IS LOST OR STOLEN? | Notify the issuing Sheriff within 3 business days. The lost/stolen permit becomes invalid. You must submit the permit lost form (notarized). |
| HOW LONG ARE PERMITS VALID FOR? | 5 years. |
| LINK TO APPLICATION | Colorado CHP Application or contact your local sheriff’s office. |
| ARE NON-RESIDENT CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS ISSUED? | Yes, but only for military stationed in Colorado & immediate family. Otherwise must be a Colorado resident. |
| WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU MOVE TO OR OUT OF COLORADO AND WANT OR HAVE A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? | Moving to Colorado? Establish residency & apply at your local sheriff’s office. Moving away? Your Colorado permit expires upon establishing residency elsewhere. |
| WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? | – $52 initial state fee + up to $100 sheriff fee – Renewal typically costs between $50 and $63 Contact your Sheriff for exact fee structure. |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME? | Up to 90 days after receiving a completed application. |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES? | Notify issuing Sheriff within 30 days of address change. Must provide new contact info & pay a small fee for an updated permit. |
| WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? | – At least 21 years old – Resident of CO or active military/family stationed in CO – Not prohibited from firearm possession – Demonstrated handgun training competence – Good moral character (no felonies, etc.) |
| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS? | 1. Download/pick up application 2. Complete required firearms training 3. Submit application & fees to local sheriff 4. Get fingerprinted 5. Sheriff issues/denies within 90 days |
| WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE? | Must complete a firearms training course (in-person, no online only) within the previous 10 years. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-203(1)(h) |
| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT RENEWAL PROCESS? | – Renew up to 120 days before expiration – Submit renewal application, ID, updated info & fee – Sheriff processes within 90 days |
| WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? | – Most places not prohibited by statute – Bars/restaurants serving alcohol – Roadside rest areas – State/National parks & forests – Private property (with permission) |
| WHERE CAN’T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? |
|
| IS THERE A HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW? | Yes. It’s illegal to interfere with lawful hunting or fishing activities. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 33-6-115.5 |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE HUNTING? | Yes. A lawful firearm possessor may carry a handgun while engaged in legal hunting (rifle/shotgun or archery). Colo. Rev. Stat. 18-12-204(3)(a)(ii) |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING? | Yes. Same allowance: a lawful possessor may carry a handgun. Colo. Rev. Stat. 18-12-204(3)(a)(ii) |
| WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS? | – Legal to own almost any knife unless ballistic – Illegal to conceal carry a blade over 3.5 inches – Some localities have stricter laws |
| CAN I WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY CONCEALED? | There’s no Colorado statute banning masks + CCW together. Wearing a mask for health reasons is not illegal while carrying. |
| ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR LEO’S OR RETIRED LEO’S? | Yes, under LEOSA qualified retired and active LEOs can carry nationwide. Colorado provides IDs & qualification for RLEOs through local agencies. |
Legal Note
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances can vary. It is solely the reader’s responsibility to verify the accuracy and applicability of any information presented here. The author, publisher, and any affiliated entities assume no liability for actions taken by readers based on the content of this article. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified attorney.
