Simone Lawson
Colorado is a shall-issue state, meaning that concealed carry permits are issued to county residents by local sheriff's offices. The state does not regulate the unlicensed open carry of firearms at a state level for those aged 18 or over. In 2021, the Colorado General Assembly removed the state's preemption of firearm laws, allowing local jurisdictions to regulate the open carrying of firearms. The state also considers one's vehicle an extension of their home, and therefore does not require a permit to carry a concealed weapon in a private automobile.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Concealed carry | Legal with a CCW permit |
| Open carry | Legal without a permit for those 18+ |
| Purchase permits | Not required for handguns |
| Firearm registration | Not required for handguns |
| Private-party transfers of firearms | Require a background check of the buyer and approval from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation |
| Local government authority | May enact regulations prohibiting open carrying of firearms in a building or specific area within the local government’s jurisdiction |
| Permit validity | Lifetime |
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What You'll Learn
- Colorado's constitutional carry permits people over 18 to open carry without a license
- Open carry is not permitted in Denver County and other posted areas
- Colorado considers a vehicle an extension of one's home, so no permit is required to carry a concealed weapon in a private vehicle
- Local governments can prohibit the open or concealed carry of firearms in specific buildings or areas
- Colorado is a 'shall-issue' state, where concealed carry permits are issued to county residents by local sheriff's offices
Colorado's constitutional carry permits people over 18 to open carry without a license
Colorado is an open-carry state, meaning that most adults are allowed to openly carry a firearm without a permit. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, in 2021, the Colorado General Assembly removed the state's preemption of firearm laws, allowing local jurisdictions to regulate the open carrying of firearms. This means that local governments may enact ordinances prohibiting the open or concealed carry of firearms in specific types of buildings or areas within their jurisdiction, as long as signs are posted at public entrances. This law does not limit the right to possess a firearm on private property for self-defence or in vehicles, as long as state law restrictions are observed.
Denver, for instance, has stricter gun laws than the rest of the state. In the landmark case of Denver v. State of Colorado, the judge sided with Denver, noting that the state's interest in allowing the general open carry of firearms was outweighed by Denver's interest in regulating firearms more strictly in an urban area. As such, it is unlawful for any person to carry a firearm in Denver County and other posted areas.
Colorado is a "shall-issue" state, where concealed carry permits are issued to county residents by local sheriff's offices. Residents must be at least 21 years old and not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm to obtain a CCW permit. A firearms training course that has been state-approved is also required. While Colorado does not issue non-resident permits, it does recognise CCW permits from other states with which it has a reciprocity agreement.
In addition to the regulations mentioned, there are other important gun laws in Colorado to be aware of. For private-party transfers of firearms, the seller must request that a licensed dealer perform a background check of the buyer and obtain approval from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Furthermore, it is important to note that a first-time violation of carrying a prohibited weapon is typically a class 1 misdemeanour in Colorado, with punishments of up to $1,000 in fines. A second violation within five years of another gun charge is a class 5 felony, which can result in prison time and/or parole.
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Open carry is not permitted in Denver County and other posted areas
Colorado is an open-carry state, meaning that most adults are allowed to openly carry a firearm without a permit. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Open carry is not permitted in Denver County and other posted areas.
Denver has its own laws in place that prevent open carry. The city has banned open carry since 1973, and this law was upheld in a court challenge in 2004. Denver's law states that it is unlawful for any person to "carry, use or wear any dangerous or deadly weapon, including, but not limited to, any pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun." This law was challenged in the landmark case Denver v. State of Colorado, but the judge sided with Denver, noting that the city's interest in regulating firearms in an urbanized area outweighed the state's interest in allowing open carry.
Denver's open-carry ban applies to all individuals except for law enforcement officers and licensed security guards. The city's police department has made arrests and citations for violations of this law, and penalties can include fines and jail time.
While Colorado generally permits open carry, local jurisdictions can enact stricter regulations. Local governments may prohibit the open or concealed carry of firearms in specific buildings or areas within their jurisdiction, as long as signs are posted to that effect. This means that individuals in Colorado need to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding firearms in the areas they are visiting or passing through.
In addition to Denver's open-carry ban, there are other posted areas in Colorado where open carry is not permitted. These can include specific buildings or areas within the jurisdiction of a local government that has enacted regulations prohibiting open carry. It is important for individuals to be aware of and abide by all applicable laws and regulations regarding firearms in Colorado to avoid legal penalties.
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Colorado considers a vehicle an extension of one's home, so no permit is required to carry a concealed weapon in a private vehicle
Colorado is a "shall-issue" state, meaning that concealed carry permits are issued to county residents by local sheriff's offices. Colorado law allows a person to possess a handgun in a dwelling, place of business, or automobile. In Colorado, a person's vehicle is considered an extension of their home. Therefore, no permit is required to carry a concealed weapon in a private vehicle. However, when carrying a weapon into your home, business, hotel room, etc., it must be in plain view.
Colorado is also a Castle Doctrine state, which 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 another dwelling. Although Colorado does not have an express stand-your-ground law, the Colorado Supreme Court has affirmed that the state does not include a duty to retreat and "permits non-aggressors to stand their ground when acting in self-defense."
To obtain a concealed carry permit in Colorado, residents must be at least 21 years old and not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. Non-residents with a valid concealed carry permit from their home state can carry concealed handguns in Colorado if Colorado recognizes the other state's permits. Additionally, members of the military permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate family members living in the state are exempt from the non-resident restriction.
It is important to note that while Colorado law allows for the concealed carry of firearms in private vehicles without a permit, local jurisdictions may have specific regulations regarding firearms. For example, local governments may enact regulations prohibiting the open carrying of firearms in specific areas within their jurisdiction, as long as signs are posted to that effect.
Colorado law also places some restrictions on the carrying of firearms on school grounds and hunting regulations. It is prohibited to carry a concealed handgun on the grounds of a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school. Additionally, it is illegal to transport a loaded rifle in a vehicle, except for pistols and revolvers, in accordance with Colorado's wildlife laws.
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Local governments can prohibit the open or concealed carry of firearms in specific buildings or areas
In Colorado, local governments can prohibit the open or concealed carry of firearms in specific buildings or areas. This includes the authority to regulate the open or concealed carry of handguns by special districts and the governing boards of institutions of higher education. Local governments can enact these regulations as long as signs are posted to that effect.
For example, in 2024, Colorado enacted SB 131, which expanded on existing sensitive location prohibitions. As a result, both concealed and openly carried firearms are now prohibited within the chambers, galleries, and offices of the General Assembly and House. Unless otherwise permitted under existing law, firearms are also prohibited in the chambers, galleries, meetings, and offices of local government buildings. No person, regardless of a permit to carry a concealed handgun, may carry a concealed handgun into a public building with security personnel and electronic screening devices permanently in place at each entrance.
Additionally, local jurisdictions in Colorado may not enact laws that restrict a person's ability to travel with a weapon. Colorado law allows a person to carry a firearm in a vehicle if it is for the lawful protection of themselves or others or their property. When carrying a weapon into a home, business, hotel room, etc., it must be in plain view.
It is important to note that Colorado is a Castle Doctrine state, granting its citizens the "right to expect absolute safety within their homes." There is no duty to retreat, and this law applies to a person's residence or another dwelling. Colorado also prohibits any person from possessing, without legal authority, a loaded firearm in or carrying or bringing a loaded firearm into any public transportation facility.
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Colorado is a 'shall-issue' state, where concealed carry permits are issued to county residents by local sheriff's offices
Colorado is a shall-issue state, where concealed carry permits are issued to county residents by local sheriffs' offices. A CCW permit can be issued to any resident aged 21 or over who is not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. Colorado does not issue non-resident permits, except to members of the military permanently stationed in the state and their immediate family members living there.
To obtain a concealed carry permit in Colorado, an individual must complete a firearms training course approved by the state. Concealed carry is legal in Colorado for residents with a valid CCW permit, and for non-residents with a CCW permit from a state that Colorado honours. A permit is valid for five years and allows the holder to carry a concealed weapon in their vehicle without a separate permit.
Colorado is also an open-carry state, meaning that most adults are allowed to openly carry a firearm without a permit. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, open carry is prohibited in Denver County and other posted areas. Local governments may enact regulations prohibiting the open or concealed carry of firearms in specific buildings or areas within their jurisdiction, provided that signs are posted to that effect.
In 2021, the Colorado General Assembly removed the state's preemption of firearm laws, allowing local jurisdictions to regulate the open carrying of firearms. This change gave local cities and counties the right to pass laws affecting their own jurisdictions, as long as they do not directly contradict state or federal law. As a result, some jurisdictions in Colorado may have stricter gun laws than others.
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Frequently asked questions
Colorado does not regulate the unlicensed open carry of firearms at a state level for those 18 and above. However, the minimum age to obtain a CCW permit to carry a concealed weapon is 21.
Colorado is an open-carry state, meaning that most adults are allowed to open carry a firearm without a permit. However, a permit is required to carry a concealed weapon in the state.
Yes, local governments may enact regulations prohibiting the open or concealed carry of firearms in specific types of buildings or areas, such as schools, as long as signs are posted at the entrances. Denver County is one such example where open carry is prohibited.
