Colorado Concealed Carry Laws

Colorado Concealed Carry Laws

Colorado Concealed Carry Laws

Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.

Summary of Colorado Gun Laws

Concealed Carry Permits

Colorado is a shall-issue state where concealed carry permits are issued by local sheriff’s offices to county residents. There are no purchase permits or firearms registration requirements for handguns. Non-residents can obtain a concealed carry permit if they hold a valid permit from a state recognized by Colorado. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. A state-approved firearms training course is mandatory for obtaining a concealed carry permit.

Open Carry Laws

Open carry is legal in Colorado for individuals aged 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm, except in Denver County and other areas where signage prohibits it. Local governments have the authority to regulate open carrying within their jurisdiction, provided appropriate signage is displayed.

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Self-Defense Laws

Colorado follows the Castle Doctrine, allowing individuals to expect absolute safety within their homes. There is no duty to retreat, and this principle applies within one’s residence or any other occupied dwelling. While Colorado does not explicitly have a stand your ground law, the Colorado Supreme Court has clarified that individuals acting in self-defense are not required to retreat and can stand their ground.

Use of Force in Defense

Defense of Property: Individuals may use reasonable force to prevent theft, criminal mischief, or tampering involving property. Deadly force is permissible in defense of oneself or others.

Defense of Person: Reasonable force can be used to defend against unlawful physical force. Individuals are justified in using the necessary degree of force to protect themselves or others.

Defense Against an Intruder: Any occupant of a dwelling can use any level of force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe an intruder has unlawfully entered and is committing a crime or poses a threat of physical force.

Defense of Premises: Property owners or those in control of premises can use reasonable force to prevent unlawful trespassing. Deadly force is only justified to prevent a trespasser from committing first-degree arson.

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Civil and Criminal Immunity

Individuals who use justified physical force, including deadly force, in accordance with Colorado law are immune from criminal prosecution and civil liability for injuries or deaths resulting from such actions.

[Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18–1–704, 18–1–704.5, 18–1–705 & 18–1–706]

Self-Defense Laws in Colorado

Colorado adheres to the Castle Doctrine, providing its residents with the right to anticipate absolute safety within their residences. There is no obligation to retreat under Colorado law, which extends to both one’s home and any other inhabited structure. While Colorado does not explicitly enforce a stand your ground law, the Colorado Supreme Court has upheld that individuals acting in self-defense are not required to retreat and are permitted to stand their ground, especially when they are not the aggressors in the situation.

Colorado Gun Laws at a Glance

Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?

• What is the minimum age in Colorado to get a concealed carry permit?
• Answer: 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)?
• Answer: Handguns only. [Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18–12–204(2)(a)]

Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?

• Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Colorado?
• Answer: Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Colorado.

Ammunition Restrictions?

• Does Colorado have ammunition restrictions?
• Answer: There are no state laws. However, the City of Aurora prohibits the sale or possession of Teflon-coated or treated ammunition.

Tasers or Stun Guns?

• Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Colorado?
• Answer: Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.

Constitutional Carry?

• Does Colorado allow constitutional carry?
• Answer: No.

Gun Permit Licensure?

• If Colorado requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
• Answer: Shall issue.

Open Carry Permitted?

• Is open carry permitted in Colorado?
• Answer: Per state law, open carry is allowed without a permit for any person who is at least 18 years old and who can legally possess a firearm. However, municipalities such as Denver County may prohibit the open carry of a firearm in buildings or specific areas within the local government’s jurisdiction. Any local governments that have prohibited areas must post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that the open carrying of firearms is prohibited. [Colo. Rev. Stat. § 29–11.7–104]

Magazine Limits for Handguns?

• Does Colorado have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
• Answer: No more than 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 Denver and the City of Vail have specific ordinances regarding magazine limits that may differ from state law. As of December 12, 2021, the City of Boulder’s appeal of the lower court decision striking Boulder’s Ordinance 5–8–2 was dismissed with prejudice by the court, maintaining the Colorado state limit of no more than 15 rounds. [Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18–12–302]

Carry Locations FAQs

CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and 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, although employers may have a policy.

CARRY IN VEHICLE?

Can you carry a concealed handgun 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/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Colorado?

Colorado statutes don’t specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy.

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Key State Laws

Duty to Inform Officer You’re Carrying?

• Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Colorado?
• No. There is no duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Colorado.

Red Flag Law?

• Does Colorado have a red flag law?
• Yes. Colorado has a red flag law. It 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 for up to a year.

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.

Preemption?

• Does Colorado have preemption laws related to concealed carry?
• The state of Colorado has partial preemption. Local governments may prohibit the open or concealed carry of a firearm in certain areas within their jurisdiction and enact more restrictive laws regarding firearms.

Brandishing?

• Does Colorado state law define brandishing?
• No definition of brandishing was found in Colorado law. However, actions that intentionally cause fear or involve the display of a deadly weapon can lead to charges of disorderly conduct or menacing.

PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?

• Does Colorado allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
• No.

DRIVER’S LICENSE LINKED TO CCW PERMIT?

• Is my Colorado driver’s license linked to my Colorado CCW permit?
• No. Your Colorado driver’s license is not linked to your Colorado CCW permit.

Carry While Using Alcohol or Controlled Substances?

• Does Colorado have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or controlled substances?
• Not while under the influence. Carrying a concealed firearm while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances is prohibited.

“No Weapons Allowed” Signs Enforced?

• Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Colorado?
• No.

Handgun Purchase & Possession

Waiting Period?

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Colorado?

Yes. On April 28, 2023, Governor Polis signed HB 23–1219 which establishes a 3-day waiting period for all firearm purchases. It is now in effect.

Handgun Registration?

Handgun Registration?

No.

Background Checks for Private Gun Sales? Exceptions?

Are background checks required for private gun sales in Colorado?

Are there exceptions? Yes. Colorado requires a background check on nearly all transfers, requiring both private gun sellers and federally licensed dealers to initiate a background check when transferring a firearm. With few exceptions, any individual seeking to transfer possession of a firearm must have a background check conducted on the prospective transferee by a licensed gun dealer and must obtain approval of the transfer from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following the background check request. There are exemptions which include sales or transfers to family, transfers to an estate or trust upon the owner’s death or temporary transfers for self-defense where the unlicensed transferee reasonably believes that possession of the firearm is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury.

Purchase Permits? Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Colorado? No.

Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Colorado?

18 years old, although the following exceptions apply to those under the age of 18 while: In attendance at a hunter’s safety course or a firearms safety course; Engaging in legal target shooting; Engaging in certain organized firearm competitions or performances; Hunting or trapping with a valid state hunting license; Traveling with an unloaded handgun to or from these activities; While on real property under the control of the person’s parent, legal guardian or grandparent and with permission of their parent or legal guardian; or When at the person’s residence, with the permission of the person’s parent or legal guardian, for the purpose of lawful self-defense.

Possess a Handgun on My Private Property Without a Permit?

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit?

Yes. A permit is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to carry a handgun in his or her own dwelling or place of business or on property owned or under his or her control at the time of the act of carrying.

Colorado Permit Exempts from Background Check?

Does my current Colorado concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?

No.

Colorado Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States

Alabama (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Alaska (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Arizona (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Arkansas (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Delaware (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Florida (handguns only, at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Georgia (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Idaho (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Indiana (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Iowa (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Kansas (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Kentucky (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Louisiana (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Mississippi (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Missouri (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Montana (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Nebraska (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

New Hampshire (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

New Mexico (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

North Carolina (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

North Dakota (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Ohio (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Oklahoma (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Pennsylvania (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

South Dakota (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Tennessee (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Texas (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Utah (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Virginia (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

West Virginia (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Wisconsin (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Wyoming (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)

Other States’ Reciprocity With Colorado

• Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
• Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Delaware
• Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Louisiana
• Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Colorado

• Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
• Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
• Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)

Permitless Carry States

• Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
• Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
• Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)

Colorado Concealed Carry License Information

Processing Time: 90 days

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

Application: CHP Information Packet
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 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.

Residency Changes:

• Moving to Colorado and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply? Colorado issues permits to residents and members of the military permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate family members. You can apply for your permit with your local sheriff once you have established your residence.
• Moving from Colorado and have a Colorado resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Colorado permit remains valid? If a person with a Colorado permit to carry a concealed weapon establishes residency in another state, the permit expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.

Requirements: An applicant must:

• Be at least 21 years of age;
• Be a legal resident of Colorado;
• Not have been convicted of perjury;
• Not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages;
• Not be an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance;
• Not be subject to a protection order;
• Demonstrate competence with a handgun; and
• Meet federal law requirements

Colorado Concealed Carry Permit Application Process

Step 1: Complete a firearm training course if required.

Step 2: Download the application or pick it up from your local sheriff’s office.

Step 3: Take your completed, unsigned application to your local sheriff’s office. You will need the following documents:

• Training certificate;
• Driver’s license or state ID;
• Passport-style photo taken within the last thirty days;
• Proof of residency. You will be fingerprinted.

Step 4: You will be notified if your application has been approved.

Colorado Location Restrictions

Where Can’t I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Colorado?

Places off-limits even with a permit/license:

• Public elementary, middle, junior high or high schools (CCW permit holders may have handguns inside of vehicles; if the permittee is not in the vehicle, the handgun must be in a compartment within the vehicle and the vehicle locked) [Co. Rev. Stat. § 18–12–105.5];
• Public buildings with fixed security checkpoints such as courthouses [Co. Rev. Stat. § 18–12–214];
• Public facilities in the city of Aurora, including, but not limited to, municipally owned, operated or leased buildings, properties, recreational facilities, parks, trails, and open spaces [Ord. Sec. 94–154];
• Secure areas of airports [Denver Municipal Airport System Rules and Regulations 20.1];
• On a snowmobile [Co. Rev. Stat. § 33–14–117];
• Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.

On March 30, 2022, Gov. Jared Polis signed HB 1086 into law. It prohibits a person from openly carrying a firearm within any polling location or central count facility, or within 100 feet of a ballot drop box or any building in which a polling location or central count facility is located, while an election or any related ongoing election administration activity is in progress. The law will go into effect on May 29, 2022.

Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Colorado?

• Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, unless posted, and provided you are not under the influence.
• Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes.
• Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
• Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes.
• Carry on public transportation? Yes, with a permit (permit is legal authority).
• Carry in places of worship? There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.

FAQ: Colorado Concealed Carry Questions

CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?

Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Colorado?

• Yes. A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry a handgun while legally engaged in hunting activities within the state.
• [Colo. Rev. Stat. 18–12–204(3)(a)(ii)]

CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?

Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Colorado?

• Yes. A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry a handgun while legally engaged in hunting activities within the state.
• [Colo. Rev. Stat. 18–12–204(3)(a)(ii)]

WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS IN COLORADO?

In Colorado, what are the laws regarding knives?

• You can own almost any knife except a ballistic knife. All legal knives can be carried openly. It is illegal to carry concealed a knife with a blade longer than 3.5 inches unless it is a fishing or hunting knife. Knives with blades shorter than 3.5 inches can be carried openly or concealed. Deadly weapons are prohibited on school grounds. Local laws may also apply, such as in Boulder County where any concealed knife carrying is illegal.
• [Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18–12–102, 18–12–105 & 18–12–105.5]

HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?

Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Colorado?

• Yes. No person shall willfully prevent or interfere with the lawful participation of any individual in the activity of hunting, trapping, or fishing.
• [§ 33–6–115.5]

WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?

I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Colorado, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?

Yes. There is no known statute in Colorado making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. Additionally, the Weld County sheriff has stated, “Nowhere in Colorado law does it state one cannot wear a face mask and lawfully carry a concealed weapon at the same time.”

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