Colorado is a “shall-issue” state, meaning that if you meet the legal criteria for a concealed handgun permit (CHP), your county sheriff is required to issue one. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, be legal residents of Colorado, and be legally eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law. The sheriff also retains discretion to deny a permit if there is documented behavior suggesting the applicant may pose a risk to themselves or others.
To apply, you must demonstrate competence with a handgun. This can be satisfied by completing a certified handgun training course within the past 10 years, with credentials from organized shooting competitions, active or recently discharged military service, or prior law enforcement certification. The course must be in-person only, and must include at least eight hours of instruction, a written exam (minimum 80%), and a live-fire test with 70% accuracy. Certifications must include instructor’s original signature and applicant’s full legal name matching ID.
Beginning July 1, 2025, House Bill 24‑1174 imposes stricter criteria: applicants must take courses instructed by a state-verified instructor, listed by the local sheriff, and all portions must be conducted in person, online training is no longer valid. Certification for new applicants lasts one year, and for renewals six months.
Colorado law allows concealed carry in most public areas, but it prohibits carrying in specific locations even with a permit, including K‑12 schools, courthouses and government facilities with fixed security checkpoints, secure airport zones, polling places, child care centers, universities, and certain areas in municipalities like Aurora. Local jurisdictions, especially Denver and Boulder, may enact further restrictions on open carry, though they cannot fully ban permit holders from carrying concealed in their jurisdictions .
Colorado recognizes concealed handgun permits issued by other states only if the issuing state reciprocates and the person is 21 or older. Colorado residents may carry concealed only using a Colorado-issued permit,nonresident permits are not valid for established residents.
Colorado follows robust self-defense laws, including “Make My Day” and Stand Your Ground legal precedents. There is no duty to retreat before using deadly force if you are lawfully present and not the initial aggressor. Notably, the Make My Day law applies within your dwelling against unlawful intruders,and extends to renters or temporary occupants such as Airbnb guests.
CHP permits are valid for five years. Renewal requires resubmitting an application, possibly completing a two-hour refresher course (with written and live-fire testing), and current fingerprint and background checks. Permits that expire beyond six months are permanently expired and cannot be renewed, they must be reapplied for from scratch.
Finally, while local jurisdictions may restrict open carry and enforce additional ordinances, state law prohibits firearm registration statewide. Colorado also imposes a limit on magazine capacity, no resident may possess magazines larger than 15 rounds unless it was lawfully owned prior to July 1, 2013.
Summary Table (Key Points)
| Topic | Details |
| Permit Issuance | Shall‑issue; must be 21+, legal Colorado resident, legally eligible |
| Training Requirements | In-person 8 hours, written 80% pass, live-fire 70% pass; effective 7/1/2025 by state‑verified instructors |
| Validity & Renewal | 5-year permits; renew with refresher course (2 hours) before expiration; permanently expires after 6+ months |
| Prohibited Locations | Includes schools, courthouses, polling places, secure airport areas, municipal restrictions |
| Reciprocity | Valid only if the other state honors CO permits; CO residents can’t use out-of-state permits |
| Self‑Defense Laws | No duty to retreat; strong castle doctrine for dwellings under “Make My Day” |
| Magazine Law | 15‑round max, unless grandfathered pre-2013 magazines |
At Basalt Firearms, our upcoming Colorado Concealed Carry Courses already comply with these evolving legal standards. We can ensure your training meets statutory requirements and help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and restrictions under Colorado law.
