we are armed logo
store
STORE
Stay informed with the latest firearm laws, safety tips, and news for responsible gun owners. Click Here
×

Colorado Firearm Laws - Complete Guide

Comprehensive analysis of Colorado gun laws, permit requirements, carry regulations, and recent legislative updates for responsible gun owners.

COLORADO

Colorado Gun Laws at a Glance

Colorado is not a constitutional carry state. Concealed carry requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) issued by county sheriffs. The state has a 3‑day waiting period for firearm purchases and a 21+ minimum purchase age for all firearms. Colorado also has universal background checks, a 15‑round magazine limit, and an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) process. A 2024 law added broad “sensitive spaces” where both open and concealed carry are prohibited statewide. Since 2021, local governments may enact stricter gun ordinances than state law (e.g., open‑carry bans).

  • Permit Required for Concealed Carry (Shall‑Issue): CHP required; new 2025 training standards.
  • Waiting Period & Age to Purchase: 3‑day wait; 21+ for any firearm purchase.
  • Magazine Limit: 15‑round and larger magazines generally prohibited (grandfathered if possessed before 7/1/2013).
  • Red Flag Law (ERPOs): Prevents gun ownership and new purchases by dangerous individuals
  • Sensitive Places: Statewide bans in specified government buildings, K‑12 & college campuses, childcare sites, polling locations.
  • Local Control: Cities/counties may adopt stricter rules than state law (e.g., Denver open‑carry ban).
COLORADO

Areas of Restriction

002-colegio

Federal Prohibited Locations

Schools, Federal buildings

003-deportes-con-balones

State-Specific Restrictions

Government buildings, public and private colleges/universities, polling places/central count facilities

001-seguridad-de-casa

Private Property Rights

Owners/tenants may forbid firearms, using posted signage and directives.

004-no-alcohol

Intoxication Prohibitions

No carry/possession while under the influence (criminal offense).

Concealed Carry

Permit Required - No Constitutional Carry

Eligibility & Basics

  • Age: 21+
  • Residency: Colorado resident (or qualifying military while stationed in CO)
  • Legal: Not prohibited by state/federal law; not subject to certain protection orders; other statutory criteria apply
  • Training (new standard): At least 8 hours, including live‑fire and a written exam; must be taught by a Verified Instructor. Training must be current per statute.

 

Permitless Carry Limitations

  • Colorado does not allow general permitless concealed carry.
  • Concealed handgun in a private vehicle for lawful protection is allowed without a permit.
  • All carry must comply with sensitive place restrictions and local ordinances.

Advantages of Licensed Carry

  • Interstate Recognition: Valid in ~33 states (resident permits only); verify before travel.
  • Streamlined Interactions: Standardized credential for law enforcement encounters.
  • Campus/Local Rules: Some posted areas recognize permit exceptions where authorized (note: many sensitive places now prohibit carry entirely).
  • Background Vetting: Documented training and background checks.

 

Application Requirements

  • Age: 21+
  • Background Check & Fingerprints: CBI/NICS check; fingerprints required
  • Training Course: 8 hours minimum with live‑fire + written exam
  • Proficiency: Demonstrated safe handling & fundamentals
  • Fee: Sheriff fee (commonly up to $100) + state processing (about $52.50) + fingerprint costs

 

Disqualifying Factors

  • Felony convictions or certain misdemeanor crimes of violence/domestic violence
  • Active protection/restraining orders or conditions of bail/probation
  • Substance abuse/alcohol prohibition findings; mental health adjudications
  • Dishonorable discharge; non‑citizen unlawful status
  • Other statutory disqualifiers under Colorado and federal law

This state has a Red Flag law, which allows authorities to restrict a resident’s ability to own or purchase a gun. 

These are enforced through Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). Emergency orders are one-sided and only last until a court hearing, when the “red flag” person can present their case, and the judge decides if a final order is necessary. 

ERPOs are registered nationally in the NICS, and prevent any new purchases that require a background check.

  • Effective Date: 2019 (petitioner expansion 2023)
  • Petitioners: Law enforcement; family/household; licensed medical/mental-health providers; educators; district attorneys
  • Orders: Emergency 14 days; final up to 364 days (renewable)
  • Firearm Surrender: Required per court order
  • Purchase Denial: Orders entered in NICS

Open Carry

Handgun Open Carry

Permitted with Restrictions. Open carry is generally lawful for adults who may possess firearms except where state law or local ordinances prohibit it (e.g., Denver). Statewide sensitive spaces also ban open carry. Always heed posted signs.

Carry Methods

  • Holstered Recommended: Retention‑capable holster; muzzle discipline
  • Vehicles: Open carry in vehicles is lawful, but many choose concealed in‑vehicle
  • Signage & Events: Obey posted bans and special‑event restrictions
  • Contact: Expect law‑enforcement contact in some locales; remain courteous and compliant

 

Long Gun Open Carry

General Provisions

  • Vehicles: Long guns in/on vehicles must have the chamber unloaded
  • Local Rules: Cities/counties may restrict open carry in buildings/areas with posted signage
  • Hunting/Outdoors: Observe wildlife and land‑management regulations
  • Sensitive Places: Long guns barred anywhere firearms are prohibited

Federal Requirements Applied in Colorado

Background Check Process

  • Licensed Dealer Sales: Colorado Bureau of Intelligence approval required before transfer
  • Private Sales: All private transfers must go through a licensed dealer for a background check and approval
  • Out‑of‑State Purchases: Must comply with federal law and receiving state’s laws; handguns transfer to home‑state Federal Firearms License
  • Prohibited Persons: Federal & state disqualifiers apply (e.g., felonies, DV misdemeanors, restraining orders)

 

Age Requirements

  • Firearm Purchases (Colorado law): 21+ for any firearm
  • Ammunition (Federal): 21+ to buy handgun ammo; 18+ for rifle/shotgun ammo

Colorado‑Specific Purchase Laws

Waiting Periods

  • State Waiting Period: 3 days from purchase to transfer (dealer & private sales)
  • Exemptions: Certain emergency/active‑duty situations; see statute for details

 

Purchase Limitations

  • Purchase Limits: None statewide (local laws may differ)
  • Registration: No statewide registration
  • Permit to Purchase: None
  • Unserialized Firearms: Manufacture/transfer/possession of unserialized frames/receivers is prohibited (with limited exceptions)

Prohibited Locations

prohicion armas

Absolutely Prohibited Locations

  • Government Buildings (state/local) & adjacent parking areas: Firearms prohibited; narrow exceptions may apply
  • K‑12 Schools & Licensed Childcare Facilities: Firearms prohibited; limited exceptions for secured storage/vehicle drop‑off scenarios
  • Colleges/Universities/Seminaries: Firearms prohibited on property with defined exceptions
  • Polling Places & Central Count Facilities; within 100 feet of ballot drop boxes: Firearms prohibited during election activity
  • Secured Areas of Airports & Court Facilities: Prohibited per federal/state law

Government Buildings

  • State Capitol/Agencies: Posted facilities prohibit carry
  • Courthouses & Judicial Facilities: Strict screening and prohibitions
  • Municipal/County Buildings: Local rules may add sites and special‑event areas
  • Public Transit & Parks: May be restricted by local ordinance; check postings

Business Prohibition Authority

  • Posted Signs/Policies may forbid firearms on premises
  • Ask‑to‑Leave rules enforceable as trespass
  • Event Permits may impose temporary weapon bans
  • Housing/Leases may include firearm/weapon clauses subject to law

General Storage Requirements

Safe Storage Required.

Firearms must be responsibly and securely stored to prevent access by unsupervised juveniles and other unauthorized users. Dealers must provide a locking device with each firearm and post required notices.

Child Access Prevention

  • Lock/Container when minors can access
  • Unload when stored; store ammunition separately when practicable
  • Education: Provide safety information and lock use; dealers post notices
  • Lost/Stolen Reporting: Owners must report within 5 days of discovery

Vehicle Storage

General Provisions

  • Unattended Handguns: Must be in a locked, hard‑sided container, out of plain view, in a locked vehicle/trunk
  • Other Firearms: Locked hard‑ or soft‑sided container out of view (soft‑sided requires a locking device on the firearm)
  • Exceptions: Limited (e.g., farms/ranches, certain hunting activities)
  • Penalty: Civil infraction; fines apply

Transportation Rules

arma de fuego en vehiculo

Licensed/CHP Holders & Lawful Possessors

  • Handguns: May be concealed in a private vehicle without a permit for lawful protection
  • Local Preemption in Vehicles: Localities cannot restrict lawful transport in private vehicles
  • Long Guns: Chamber must be unloaded when in or on a motor vehicle
  • Observe Sensitive‑Place Rules when parking/entering prohibited areas

 

Unlicensed Individuals

  • Handguns: Concealed in your private vehicle for lawful protection is lawful
  • Long Guns: Transport with chamber empty; follow hunting/land regulations
  • Stops/Overnight: Keep firearms secured; comply with local posting and vehicle storage law
  • No Carry While Intoxicated: Criminal offense

Federal Safe Passage (FOPA)

  • Lawful Origin and Destination: Legal possession at both locations
  • Unloaded and Secured: Ammunition separated from firearm
  • Inaccessible Storage: Locked container or vehicle trunk
  • Continuous Journey: Minimal stops for necessities only

Self-Defense Laws

Castle Doctrine

Home Protection

  • “Make My Day” Law authorizes deadly force against unlawful intruders who pose a threat
  • Immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability when criteria met
  • Applies to dwellings (including hotel rooms/temporary lodging)
  • Preserves right to safety in one’s home

 

Vehicle and Workplace

  • Standard self‑defense rules apply outside the home
  • Use of force must be reasonable
  • Some workplaces/buildings may be posted no‑carry
  • No special civil immunity outside dwelling unless statute provides

Stand Your Ground

Public Places

  • Colorado has no specific “stand‑your‑ground” statute
  • No duty to retreat under Colorado case law when you’re where you may lawfully be
  • Deadly force only when lesser force is inadequate and threat meets statutory standards
  • Always consider local restrictions and sensitive‑place bans

 

Legal Protections

  • Affirmative defense standards
  • Castle Doctrine immunity in dwelling cases
  • Lawful defensive display/use still subject to investigation
  • Civil exposure limited where immunity applies

Knife and Blade Laws

kampveyaban
kampveyaban

Maximum Legal Blade Length (Concealed Carry)

  • 3.5 inches: Concealing a knife with a blade over 3.5″ is generally unlawful (limited exceptions for home/business/vehicle)
  • Local Preemption: No full statewide knife preemption; some localities may impose stricter rules. Limited preemption applies while traveling in private vehicles.

 

Categories of Knives

Colorado generally regulates concealed carry of larger blades rather than ownership.

 

Prohibited and Federally Regulated Knives

  • Switchblades: Legal in Colorado (since 2017)
  • Ballistic Knives: Prohibited
  • Federal Interstate Ban: Both switchblades and ballistic knives remain subject to federal commerce restrictions 

 

State‑Specific Legal Knives

  • Gravity Knives: Legal (2017 reform)
  • Butterfly/Balisong Knives: Generally legal unless restricted locally
  • Assisted‑Opening Knives: Treated as ordinary folders
  • Concealed/Disguised Knives: May be restricted as “dangerous weapons” under specific circumstances

 

Generally Legal Knives

  • Pocket/Folding Knives: Concealed carry ≤3.5″ blade generally lawful
  • Fixed/Utility Knives: Open carry broadly lawful; concealed carry of >3.5″ blades generally unlawful

Carry Restrictions

  • Concealed Carry: Blade >3.5″ generally unlawful to conceal; exceptions for own home, business, or in a private vehicle for lawful protection
  • Open Carry: Generally allowed unless restricted by local ordinance or posted area
  • Restricted Locations: Schools, campuses, courthouses, and posted government buildings prohibit knives as “deadly weapons”

 

Local Ordinance Preemption

  • No full preemption; verify city/county rules (e.g., Denver and college campuses have stricter regulations)

 

Significant Differences from Gun Laws

  • No background checks/permits required for knives
  • Blade length (3.5″) drives concealed‑carry legality
  • Local variation is more common for knives than firearms

Recent Updates

New Laws