Colorado is a shall-issue state where concealed carry permits are issued to county residents by local sheriff’s offices. No purchase permits or firearms registration are required for handguns. For private-party transfers of firearms, the seller must request that a licensed dealer perform a background check of the buyer and must get approval of the transfer from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Open carry is legal in Colorado for any person who is at least 18 years old and who can legally possess a firearm, except in Denver county and other posted areas. Local governments may enact regulations prohibiting open carrying of firearms in a building or specific area within the local government’s jurisdiction, as long as signs are posted to that effect.
Concealed carry is legal in Colorado for residents with a Colorado permit to carry a concealed weapon (CCW) and non-residents with a CCW permit from a state that Colorado honors. CCW permits can be issued to any resident at least 21 years old and not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. Concealed carry permits require a firearms training course that has been state-approved. Colorado doesn’t issue non-resident permits with the exception of members of the military permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate family members that live in the state. In terms of reciprocity, Colorado will only honor resident CCW licenses from states with which it has a reciprocity agreement.
Colorado is a Castle Doctrine state. It grants its citizens the “right to expect absolute safety within their own homes.” There is no duty to retreat, and the law applies at a person’s residence or in another dwelling. Although the state does not have an express stand your ground law, the Colorado Supreme Court has affirmed Colorado does not include a duty to retreat and “permits non-aggressors to stand their ground when acting in self-defense.”
Use of Physical Force in Defense of Property A person is justified in using reasonable and appropriate physical force upon another person when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes it necessary to prevent an attempt to commit theft, criminal mischief or criminal tampering involving property, but he may use deadly physical force under these circumstances only in defense of himself or another.
Use of Physical Force in Defense of a Person A person is justified in using degree of force which he reasonably believes to be necessary in order to defend the person or a third person from the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force and he may use a degree of force which he reasonably believes to be necessary for that purpose.
Use of Deadly Physical Force Against an Intruder Any occupant of a dwelling is justified in using any degree of physical force, including deadly physical force, when the occupant has a reasonable belief someone:
Use of Physical Force in Defense of Premises A person in possession or control of any building, realty or other premises, or a person who is licensed or privileged to be there, is justified in using reasonable and appropriate physical force when and to the extent that it is reasonably necessary to prevent or terminate what he believes to be the commission or attempted commission of an unlawful trespass by the other person in or upon the building, realty or premises. However, he or she may use deadly force only in defense of himself or another, or when he reasonably believes it necessary to prevent what he reasonably believes to be an attempt by the trespasser to commit first degree arson.
Civil and Criminal Immunity Any occupant of a dwelling using justified physical force, including deadly physical force, in accordance with the provisions of the law shall be immune from criminal prosecution for the use of such force as well as any civil liability for injuries or death resulting from the use of such force.
[Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-1-704, 18-1-704.5,18-1-705 &18-1-706]
Where can I carry with my Colorado permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
No. There is no duty to inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Colorado.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No.
[Colo. Rev. Stat.§ 18-12-206(3) and 18-2-208(2)]
non-resident permitting?
Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate families.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
No.
preemption?
The state of Colorado has partial preemption. Based on the passage of SB 256, local governments may prohibit the open carry or concealed carry of a firearm in a building or specific area within the local government’s jurisdiction. A local government may also enact an ordinance, regulation or other law that prohibits the sale, purchase, transfer or possession of a firearm, ammunition firearm component that a person may lawfully sell, purchase or possess that is more restrictive than state or Federal a law. Signs must be posted at all public entrances. A local government may not restrict a person’s ability to travel with a weapon in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance.
driver's license linked to ccw permit?
No. Your Colorado driver’s license is not linked to your Colorado CCW permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry permit holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.
carry while using alcohol or controlled substances?
Not while under the influence. “Controlled substance” means a drug, substance, or immediate precursor included in schedules I through V of part 2 of § 18-18-102, including cocaine, marijuana, marijuana concentrate, cathinones, any synthetic cannabinoid, and salvia divinorum.
[Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-106(1)(d)]
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
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. (future Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14.5-103)
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Colorado law.However, a person commits disorderly conduct if he or she intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly discharges a firearm in a public place except when engaged in lawful target practice; or displays a deadly weapon, displays any article used or fashioned to cause a person to believe it is a deadly weapon, or represents verbally or otherwise that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon in a public place in an alarming manner.
A person commits the crime of menacing if, by any threat or physical action, he or she knowingly places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
"assault weapons" ban?
In April 2025, Gov. Polis signed a bill banning the buying, selling, and manufacturing of many semi-automatic firearms without passing 2 background checks and obtaining a permit. The law goes into effect in August of 2026.
Carry Basics
constitutional carry?
No.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
Handguns only.
minimum age for concealed carry?
21.
open carry permitted?
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?
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 has Sec. 38-130, which mirrors the state law limit of >15 rounds.
The City of Vail has Ordinance 6-3H-9, that pre-dates and is more lenient than State law. It's illegal to possess a magazine which will hold or may be modified to hold twenty one or more rounds there.
As of December 12, 2021, the City of Boulder's appeal of the lower court decision striking Boulder’s Ordinance 5-8-2 which made any ammunition feeding device with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds illegal was dismissed with prejudice by the court. Due to the decision, Boulder cannot attempt to relitigate this case in the future. Therefore, the Colorado state limit of no more than 15 rounds applies.
gun permit licensure?
Shall issue.
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS and Tasers are Legal for adults aged 18 and older who are not felons. These devices can be purchased, carried, and used for lawful self-defense without a permit.
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. There are no specific restrictions on size or concentration, but misuse may result in charges under Colorado law. Pepper spray is prohibited in certain locations, such as schools and government buildings.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. There are no state-specific restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to criminal charges.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are illegal under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-102. Items such as batons, billy clubs, slapjacks, and similar weapons are classified as "illegal weapons." Possession or use of these items is a misdemeanor unless exceptions apply.
NUNCHUCKS - These are prohibited unless specifically authorized for training purposes.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Illegal under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-102. Brass knuckles are classified as "illegal weapons," and their possession, manufacture, sale, or use is prohibited.
byrna's?
Yes. They are legal for purchase and carry by adults aged 18 and older without permits.
ammunition restrictions?
There are no state laws. However, the City of Aurora prohibits the sale or possession of Teflon-coated or treated ammunition. Colorado just passed a law requiring those buying ammunition via retail or through mail-order be 21 years of age and older.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
waiting period?
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.
colorado permit exempts from background check?
No.
handgun registration?
No.
background checks for private gun sales? 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.
possess a handgun on my private property 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.
purchase permits?
No.
minimum age to possess and transport?
18 years old, although the following exceptions apply to those under the age of 18 while:
[Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-108.5]
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.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Colorado Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
carry while gun hunting?
Yes. A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry a handgun while legally engaged in hunting activities within the state.
carry while bow hunting?
Yes. A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry a handgun while legally engaged in hunting activities within the state.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. No person shall willfully prevent or interfere with the lawful participation of any individual in the activity of hunting, trapping, or fishing.
wear a covid mask & carry?
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,”
what are the knife laws in colorado?
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.
Application:
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.
Valid For:
5 years
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.
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
Requirements:
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Colorado.
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.
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.
Step 1:
Complete a firearm training course if required.
Step 2:
Download the application or pick 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:
You will be fingerprinted.
Step 4:
You will be notified if your application has been approved.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
Yes, with a valid permit.
tribal land
Southern Ute Tribe - It is unlawful for any person, except those authorized by law or by the Tribe's Department of Justice and Regulatory, Enforcement Division, or Management Division, to carry or possess any firearm other than a pistol or revolver in or on any motor vehicle, unless such firearm is unloaded. For purposes of this section, a rifle or shotgun shall be considered unloaded if it is unloaded in the chamber; a muzzle-loader shall be considered unloaded if it is not primed, and, for such purpose "primed" means having a percussion cap on the nipple, a primer in the breech, or flint in the striker and powder in the flash pan. 13-3-143
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
Not addressed in Colorado state law, although employers may have a policy.
carry/possess at a hotel?
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 it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
Yes with a Colorado permit to carry a concealed weapon or a permit issued by a state that Colorado honors. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Colorado.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes, with a Colorado permit to carry a concealed weapon or a permit issued by a state that Colorado honors.
carry in vehicle?
Yes, without a permit.
You cannot leave a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the handgun is stored in a locked hard-sided container that is placed out of plain view and the container is in a locked vehicle, the locked trunk of the locked vehicle, or a locked recreational vehicle.
Self-Defense
Colorado is a Castle Doctrine state. It grants its citizens the “right to expect absolute safety within their own homes.” There is no duty to retreat, and the law applies at a person’s residence or in another dwelling. Although the state does not have an express stand your ground law, the Colorado Supreme Court has affirmed Colorado does not include a duty to retreat and “permits non-aggressors to stand their ground when acting in self-defense.”
Use of Physical Force in Defense of a Person
A person is justified in using degree of force which he reasonably believes to be necessary in order to defend the person or a third person from the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force and he may use a degree of force which he reasonably believes to be necessary for that purpose.
Use of Physical Force in Defense of Premises
A person in possession or control of any building, realty or other premises, or a person who is licensed or privileged to be there, is justified in using reasonable and appropriate physical force when and to the extent that it is reasonably necessary to prevent or terminate what he believes to be the commission or attempted commission of an unlawful trespass by the other person in or upon the building, realty or premises. However, he or she may use deadly force only in defense of himself or another, or when he reasonably believes it necessary to prevent what he reasonably believes to be an attempt by the trespasser to commit first degree arson.
Civil and Criminal Immunity
Any occupant of a dwelling using justified physical force, including deadly physical force, in accordance with the provisions of the law shall be immune from criminal prosecution for the use of such force as well as any civil liability for injuries or death resulting from the use of such force.
[Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-1-704, 18-1-704.5, 18-1-705 & 18-1-706]
Use of Deadly Physical Force Against an Intruder
Any occupant of a dwelling is justified in using any degree of physical force, including deadly physical force, when the occupant has a reasonable belief someone:
Use of Physical Force in Defense of Property
A person is justified in using reasonable and appropriate physical force upon another person when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes it necessary to prevent an attempt to commit theft, criminal mischief or criminal tampering involving property, but he may use deadly physical force under these circumstances only in defense of himself or another.
Colorado Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-14
Added assault weapons ban to Key State Laws section.
2025-03-31
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2024-07-01
Updated new training and permit requirements
2023-10-01
Updated waiting period for firearm purchases
2022-04-04
Added HB 1086
2021-12-13
Added Boulder magazine ban ruling dismissal to the At A Glance table
2021-06-21
Updated [background check info] per the passage of HB-1298 in At A Glance table
2021-06-21
Updated preemption info based on passage of SB 256 in At A Glance tabl
2021-05-17
Updated preemption info based on passage of SB 256 in At A Glance table
2021-03-17
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
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