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Colorado Concealed Carry Laws |
Colorado is a shall-issue state for concealed carry permits, issued by local sheriff’s offices to county residents. No purchase permits or firearms registration are required for handguns. Private-party transfers require a background check by a licensed dealer and approval from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Open carry is legal in Colorado for individuals 18 years or older who can legally possess a firearm, except in Denver county and other posted areas. Local governments may restrict open carry in specific areas if properly posted.
Residents aged 21 or older, not prohibited from possessing firearms, may obtain a Colorado Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit. Non-residents with a valid CCW from a state recognized by Colorado can also carry concealed. Permits require state-approved firearms training.
Colorado follows the Castle Doctrine, allowing residents to expect safety in their homes without a duty to retreat. While not explicitly a stand your ground state, Colorado law permits non-aggressors to defend themselves without retreating.
- Defense of Property: Reasonable force can be used to prevent theft or criminal mischief. Deadly force is justified only in defense against threats to life.
- Defense of Persons: Reasonable force is allowed to defend against imminent unlawful force. Deadly force is permissible if necessary to prevent death or serious injury.
- Defense Against Intruders: Deadly force is justified against someone unlawfully entering a dwelling and committing or intending to commit a crime, if there’s reasonable belief of harm.
Occupants using justified force in defense are immune from criminal prosecution and civil liability under Colorado law.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
What is the minimum age in Colorado to get a concealed carry permit?
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.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Colorado?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Colorado.
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.
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.
Constitutional Carry?
Does Colorado allow constitutional carry?
No.
Gun Permit Licensure?
If Colorado requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Shall issue.
Open Carry Permitted?
Is open carry permitted in Colorado?
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.
Magazine Limits for Handguns?
Does Colorado have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
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 it. Various cities like Denver and Vail have additional restrictions.
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.
[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 employee parking lots?
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.
[Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-12-105(2)(b) and 18-12-204(3)(a)]
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.
[Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-214]
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 its own policies, and you should contact the hotel directly to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
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.
[Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-204(2)(a)]
Red Flag Law?
Does Colorado have a red flag law?
Yes. Colorado has a red flag law that allows law enforcement or a family member to petition the court to temporarily remove guns and ammunition from people deemed by a judge to pose a danger to themselves or others for up to a year.
[House Bill 19-1177]
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 regulate the open or concealed carry of firearms within their jurisdictions.
[Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 29-11.7-103 & 18-12-105.6(2)(a)]
Brandishing?
Does Colorado state law define brandishing?
No specific definition of brandishing was found in Colorado law. However, displaying a deadly weapon in an alarming manner or committing menacing are offenses under Colorado statutes.
[Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-9-106 & 18-3-206]
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?
Does Colorado allow public access to concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No.
[Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-12-206(3) & 18-2-208(2)]
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.
[Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-206(3)]
Carry While Using Alcohol or Controlled Substances?
Does Colorado have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or controlled substances?
No, while under the influence of controlled substances.
[Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-106(1)(d)]
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Colorado?
No.
Question: Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Colorado?
Answer: 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.
Question: Is handgun registration required in Colorado?
Answer: No.
Question: Are background checks required for private gun sales in Colorado? Are there exceptions?
Answer: 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.
Question: Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Colorado?
Answer: No.
Question: What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Colorado?
Answer: 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.
- When at the person’s residence, with the permission of the person’s parent or legal guardian, for the purpose of lawful self-defense.
Any person who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly provides a handgun with or without payment to any person under the age of 18, or any person who knows of such juvenile's conduct in violation of this law and fails to make reasonable efforts to prevent the violation commits the crime of unlawfully providing a handgun to a juvenile or permitting a juvenile to possess a handgun.
Question: Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit?
Answer: 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.
Question: Does my current Colorado concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
Answer: No.
Which states' permits does Colorado honor?
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)
Which states honor permits from 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)
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
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)
Louisiana (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)
- Answer: 90 days
- Answer:
- Initial Permit: $52 (The sheriff can charge an additional fee up to $100)
- Permit Renewal: May vary from $50 to $63
- Answer: 5 years
- Answer: The application and relevant information can be found on the City of Denver's website.
- Answer: 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.
- Answer: Within 30 days after a permittee changes the address specified on their permit or 3 business days after their permit is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the permittee must notify the issuing Sheriff of the change of address or permit loss, theft, or destruction using the appropriate form. Failure to notify the Sheriff is a Class 1 Petty Offense.
- Answer: If a permit is stolen or lost, it becomes invalid, and the issuing sheriff must be notified within 3 business days. Complete the permit lost or destroyed form and have it notarized.
- Answer:
- Moving to Colorado: 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: 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.
- Answer: 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
- Meet federal law requirements
Yes. A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry a handgun while legally engaged in hunting activities within the state.
Yes. A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry a handgun while legally engaged in hunting activities within the state.
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 with a blade longer 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. Deadly weapons may not be possessed on school grounds. Local authorities may also have laws, such as in Boulder County where it is illegal to carry any concealed knife.
Yes. No person shall willfully prevent or interfere with the lawful participation of any individual in the activity of hunting, trapping, or fishing.
There is no known statute in Colorado making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. In addition, 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.”