Isabella Carter
Colorado's gun laws can be confusing, and understanding what constitutes notice for concealed carry is important. Colorado generally requires a permit to carry a concealed weapon, with specific requirements and restrictions. While open carry is legal for those over 18, there are exceptions and local regulations that prohibit open carry in certain areas. Colorado also has laws regarding the recognition of out-of-state permits and specific rules for non-residents. Understanding these laws is crucial to avoid legal problems when carrying a firearm in Colorado.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Concealed carry permit requirements | Applicants must demonstrate competence with a handgun by submitting evidence of completion of a state-approved firearms training course. |
| Permit duration | A Colorado permit to carry a concealed handgun is valid for five years. |
| Permit renewal | To renew a permit, the holder must submit an application with the same information as the original permit, including fingerprints. |
| Permit recognition | Colorado does not recognize non-resident permits, except for military personnel and their families stationed in the state. Colorado also does not recognize concealed carry permits issued by other states to non-residents. |
| Open carry | Legal for individuals 18 years or older who can legally possess a firearm, except in Denver County and other posted areas. Local governments may prohibit open carry in specific areas or buildings. |
| No-gun signs | "No Guns Allowed" signs alone do not carry legal weight. Businesses must have a guard and permanent metal detector at every entrance to prohibit concealed firearms. |
| Constitutional carry | Colorado does not permit constitutional carry, requiring a permit for concealed carry. |
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What You'll Learn
- Colorado residents require a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to carry a concealed weapon
- Non-residents must have a CCW permit from a state that Colorado honours
- Permits are issued by local sheriffs, who have some discretion over issuing or denying them
- Permits are valid for five years and require renewal
- Colorado law allows a person to possess a handgun in a dwelling, place of business, or automobile, but not concealed
Colorado residents require a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to carry a concealed weapon
In Colorado, a permit is required to carry a concealed weapon. This is called a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). Colorado residents must have a CHP to carry a concealed weapon in the state. Non-residents with a valid CCW permit from a state that Colorado honours can also carry a concealed weapon in Colorado. However, Colorado does not issue non-resident permits except to members of the military permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate family members living in the state.
To obtain a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), applicants must demonstrate competence with a handgun. This can be done by submitting evidence of completion of a state-approved firearms training course. Additionally, applicants must meet certain qualifications, such as having no DUIs in the last 10 years.
It is important to note that concealed carry is not allowed in certain places, such as school, college, or university grounds. Local governments can also prohibit the open carrying of firearms in specific areas within their jurisdiction by posting signs to that effect. However, local jurisdictions cannot restrict a person's ability to travel with a weapon in their automobile.
In terms of notification, there is no clear guidance on the legality of signs notifying customers that firearms are not welcome. While some sources suggest that carrying a concealed weapon into a business with a "No Guns Allowed" sign could lead to legal problems, Colorado law states that a sign alone is not enough to prohibit concealed carry firearms. Instead, a guard and permanent metal detector at every entrance are required to enforce a prohibition on concealed carry firearms.
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Non-residents must have a CCW permit from a state that Colorado honours
In the state of Colorado, only residents are issued concealed carry permits (CCW) by local sheriff's offices. However, non-residents who possess a CCW permit from a state that Colorado honours are allowed to carry a concealed weapon within the state. This means that the state of Colorado has a reciprocity agreement with the state that issued the non-resident's CCW permit.
Colorado does not issue non-resident permits, except to members of the military permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate family members who live in the state. In addition, Colorado does not recognise the validity of a concealed carry permit issued by any state to a nonresident of that state. This means that a Colorado resident cannot legally carry a concealed weapon in-state using a nonresident permit issued by any other state.
Colorado law requires the state of residency of the person and the state of issue of a permit to match as proven by a valid driver's license or identification card issued by that same state. Therefore, non-residents must have a CCW permit from a state that Colorado honours, and the permit must match the state of their residency.
Colorado is a "shall-issue" state, meaning that concealed carry permits are issued to county residents who meet the requirements. To obtain a CCW permit in Colorado, an individual must be a resident of the state, be at least 21 years old, and not be prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. Additionally, applicants must complete a state-approved firearms training course and demonstrate competence with a handgun.
It is important to note that local governments in Colorado may enact regulations prohibiting the open or concealed carrying of firearms in specific areas within their jurisdiction, as long as signs are posted to that effect. As such, individuals carrying concealed weapons should be aware of local laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
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Permits are issued by local sheriffs, who have some discretion over issuing or denying them
In Colorado, local sheriffs are responsible for issuing permits for carrying concealed weapons, and they have some discretion over whether to issue or deny them. This means that sheriffs can deny a permit if they have a reasonable belief that the applicant may pose a danger to themselves or others. For example, if the applicant has a history of substance abuse, addiction, or chronic alcohol use that impairs their faculties. Additionally, sheriffs may deny a permit to applicants convicted of certain violent misdemeanors within the previous five years, such as assault, child abuse, or hate crimes.
While Colorado law grants sheriffs this discretion, its use is quite rare. For instance, in 2021, there were only 71 discretionary denials out of 75,504 applications. Despite this rarity, there are concerns that granting sheriffs such open-ended discretion likely violates the Second Amendment. This has become a political issue, with some sheriffs choosing to exercise their discretionary authority more frequently than others. As a result, the likelihood of obtaining a permit can vary depending on the county of residence within Colorado.
To obtain a permit in Colorado, applicants must demonstrate competence with a handgun and complete a state-approved firearms training course. Permits are generally issued to applicants who meet specific qualifications, such as not having a history of violent crime or substance abuse. However, the criteria for obtaining a permit may vary slightly depending on the sheriff's interpretation of the law.
It is worth noting that concealed carry permits in Colorado are not required for individuals in private automobiles or other private transportation, as handguns are not considered concealed in these contexts. Additionally, Colorado has established concealed carry reciprocity with 33 other states, allowing it to honor valid permits from these states under certain conditions.
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Permits are valid for five years and require renewal
In Colorado, permits for carrying a concealed handgun are valid for five years and require renewal. The renewal process for a concealed carry permit in Colorado involves submitting an application to the county sheriff's office in the jurisdiction where the applicant resides, owns property, or owns a business. Renewal applicants must meet specific requirements to maintain their permit status.
Firstly, it is important to note that Colorado requires individuals to demonstrate competence with handguns to obtain a concealed carry permit. This can be done by submitting evidence of completion of a state-approved firearms training course. Renewal applicants must ensure that their training certificate is up to date. Colorado law specifies that the certificate must be no older than ten years. If the certificate expires, individuals must complete a refresher course and obtain a new certificate to be eligible for renewal.
Secondly, renewal applicants should be aware of the associated fees. There is a non-refundable processing fee for renewal permits, and a late fee may apply if the permit has expired. These fees can be paid by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card, although American Express is not accepted. It is important to stay within the timeframe to avoid additional costs and ensure a smooth renewal process.
Additionally, renewal applicants should be mindful of the application process and any changes in legislation. All applications and payments must be submitted electronically. As of July 1, 2025, new and renewal applicants will be required to submit a certificate from a verified instructor as part of the application. This certificate should indicate that the applicant has taken a class that meets the criteria outlined in HB24-1174. Until this date, the current law remains in effect, and applicants can refer to the county sheriff's office for more information.
It is worth noting that Colorado allows for open carry for individuals over the age of 18 who can legally possess a firearm, except in specific counties and posted areas. However, concealed carry permits provide individuals with the legal authorization to carry a concealed handgun in public spaces and should be renewed before expiration to avoid any disruptions to this authorization.
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Colorado law allows a person to possess a handgun in a dwelling, place of business, or automobile, but not concealed
Colorado law allows individuals to possess a handgun in a dwelling, place of business, or automobile. However, it is important to note that there are specific regulations surrounding the concealment of such weapons. While a permit is generally required to carry a concealed weapon in Colorado, there are exceptions and nuances to this rule.
Firstly, in the case of dwellings, places of business, or hotel rooms, a handgun must be in plain view when carried into these spaces. This means that while a person is allowed to possess a handgun in these locations, it cannot be concealed and must be visible to others.
When it comes to automobiles, the rules are slightly different. In Colorado, a handgun is not considered concealed if a person is in a private automobile or other private transportation. In other words, a permit is not required to carry a handgun in a private vehicle, and it is not considered a concealed weapon in this context. This exception applies as long as the handgun is carried for lawful protection or another legal purpose, and the individual is not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
It is worth noting that while Colorado allows concealed carry for residents with a valid permit, it does not issue non-resident permits, except for military personnel and their families stationed in the state. Additionally, Colorado law permits qualified current and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed handguns nationwide, exempting them from state and local laws prohibiting the concealment of firearms.
To obtain a concealed carry permit in Colorado, individuals must meet certain requirements, including undergoing a firearms training course that has been state-approved. The specific qualifications may vary from county to county, and interested individuals should consult their local Sheriff's Department for detailed information on obtaining a permit in their area.
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Frequently asked questions
An individual must be at least 18 years old to open carry in Colorado.
An individual must be able to legally possess a firearm and not be in Denver County or other posted areas.
An individual must demonstrate competence with a handgun by submitting evidence of completion of a state-approved firearms training course.
A Colorado permit to carry a concealed handgun is valid for five years.
Colorado does not recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits for non-residents, with the exception of military personnel permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate family members living in the state.
