Colorado Concealed Carry Laws: Permits & Legal Guide

Colorado operates a dual concealed carry framework: permitless (constitutional) carry for eligible individuals 18 and older, combined with an optional shall-issue Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) system for reciprocity and certain legal advantages.

Following 2024-2025 legislative changes, Colorado no longer requires a permit for concealed carry within the state, though obtaining a CHP remains valuable for interstate travel and meeting specific requirements.

This guide covers Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) §§ 18-12-105 (permitless carry), 18-12-203 (permit issuance), 18-12-213 (reciprocity), and 18-12-214 (location restrictions). It synthesizes official guidance from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and recent statutory amendments under HB24-1174.

Laws evolve through legislation and regulatory changes. This guide reflects Colorado statutes as understood in February 2026, but carriers must verify current requirements through official state sources. This article does not constitute legal advice.

Is Concealed Carry Legal in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado allows concealed carry through both permitless carry and optional permits. Colorado is a shall-issue state with constitutional carry for concealed handguns, effective through the 2024-2025 legal framework.

Permitless (constitutional) carry: Any person 18 or older who is legally allowed to possess a handgun under state and federal law may carry a concealed handgun without a permit under C.R.S. § 18-12-105(2). Individuals carrying under permitless provisions have the same rights and restrictions as permit holders regarding where they may carry.

Optional permit system: Colorado maintains a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) program under C.R.S. § 18-12-214. While not required for concealed carry within Colorado, a CHP enables carry in states recognizing Colorado permits and satisfies certain employer or private-entity requirements.

Who may carry concealed:

• Residents: Colorado residents 18 or older who can legally possess firearms may carry concealed without a permit
• Non-residents: Visitors 18 or older who can legally possess firearms may carry concealed under the same constitutional-carry rules as residents, provided they meet federal and state possession eligibility
• CHP age requirement: 21 years minimum for Colorado Concealed Handgun Permits and interstate recognition under reciprocity (C.R.S. § 18-12-213)

Key qualifier: No general residency requirement exists for permitless carry in Colorado. Non-residents may carry concealed under the same constitutional-carry framework as residents.

Concealed Carry Permits in Colorado

Although not required for in-state carry, Colorado's CHP program remains active for reciprocity and specific legal purposes.

Permit name: Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)

Issuing authority: County sheriffs in the applicant's county of residence issue CHPs under C.R.S. § 18-12-203.

Eligibility Requirements

Colorado operates a shall-issue system. Sheriffs must issue a CHP if applicants meet statutory criteria but retain limited discretion to deny if they have reasonable belief that documented behavior indicates the applicant would present a danger to themselves or others.

Required qualifications under C.R.S. § 18-12-203:

• Legal resident of Colorado
• 21 years of age or older
• Not ineligible to possess firearms under state (C.R.S. § 18-12-108) or federal law
• Not convicted of perjury under Colorado law related to permit application information
• Does not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to extent of impairment (exception for recovering alcoholics with counselor affidavit showing three years sobriety)
• Not an unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substances
• Not subject to active protection orders under state law
• Not convicted of specified violent misdemeanors within five years prior to application (assault, child abuse, harassment, protective order violations, hate crimes, illegal weapon possession)
• Demonstrates competence with a handgun through approved methods

Training Requirements (HB24-1174 Changes)

HB24-1174, adopted in 2024 with key provisions effective July 1, 2025, significantly tightened training standards for CHP applicants.

Current requirements: Applicants must demonstrate "competence with a handgun" by completing an in-person training class meeting statutory standards. The class must be completed within one year before submitting the application—the prior "10-year window" standard was eliminated.

Training class requirements (C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5):

• Minimum 8 hours of in-person instruction for initial applicants
• No part may be conducted over the internet
• Must include live-fire shooting exercises
• Instructor must be verified by a sheriff

Course content must cover:

• Safe handling and storage of firearms and ammunition
• Safe firearms shooting fundamentals
• Federal and state laws on lawful purchase, ownership, transportation, use, and possession of firearms, including extreme risk protection orders
• State law regarding deadly force for self-defense
• Best practices for safe interaction with law enforcement during emergencies
• Techniques for avoiding criminal attacks, managing violent confrontations, and conflict resolution

Performance standards:

• Minimum 70% accuracy during live-fire shooting exercises
• Minimum 80% score on written concealed handgun competency exam

Alternative qualification methods:

• Evidence of experience through organized shooting competitions or current military service
• Current certification as a peace officer
• Current status as a verified instructor
• Honorable discharge from U.S. armed forces within three years
• Honorable discharge reflecting pistol qualifications obtained within 10 years
• Retirement certificate from Colorado law enforcement reflecting pistol qualifications within 10 years

Validity Period and Renewal

Colorado CHPs are valid for five years under C.R.S. § 18-12-204(1)(b). HB24-1174 introduced longer-term validity provisions, reduced-frequency renewals, and virtual elimination of expiration-triggered criminal liability for holders meeting renewal criteria.

Renewal requirements: Applicants must submit information matching original permit requirements, including fingerprints. Beginning in 2024, renewal applicants demonstrating competence via training certificate may take a "refresher" class requiring only 2 hours of in-person instruction (versus 8 hours for initial permits) with the same training and testing requirements.

Permanent expiration: After six months from its expiration date, a permit is permanently expired and cannot be renewed. Holders must reapply as new applicants.

Resident vs. Non-Resident Permits

Colorado issues resident permits only. CHPs are available only to Colorado residents, plus qualifying military personnel and dependents permanently stationed in Colorado.

Non-residents do not obtain Colorado CHPs. Out-of-state visitors rely on their own state's permit (where reciprocity applies) or Colorado's permitless-carry status.

Where Concealed Carry Is Prohibited in Colorado?

Concealed handgun permits and permitless carry are subject to identical location restrictions under C.R.S. § 18-12-105 and 18-12-214.

Statutory Prohibited Locations

School grounds (C.R.S. § 18-12-214(3)): Permits and permitless carry do not authorize carrying concealed handguns on real property of public elementary, middle, junior high, or high schools. Narrow exceptions apply for school-security officers and certain school-district-owned undeveloped land used for shooting sports.

Secure public buildings (C.R.S. § 18-12-214(4)): Carry is prohibited in public buildings where:

• Security personnel are permanently in place
• Electronic weapons screening is performed at each entrance
• Weapons must be left with security while inside

Federal facilities: Federal law prohibits firearms in federal buildings, courts, post offices, and other federal facilities under 18 U.S.C. § 930. State permits and constitutional carry do not override federal restrictions.

Local Government Restrictions

Local governments may pass ordinances prohibiting permit holders (and permitless carriers) from carrying concealed handguns in municipal or county buildings or specific areas under C.R.S. § 18-12-214(5). However, local governments may only impose civil penalties (such as requiring the person to leave) and not criminal penalties.

Private Property

Colorado recognizes property owners' rights to prohibit concealed carry on their premises under C.R.S. § 18-4-504. Refusal to comply can be treated as trespass under state law.

Signage laws: Colorado does not have statewide "signage-only" criminal bans on concealed carry. Most private-property restrictions are enforced via trespass or civil-penalty regimes rather than automatic criminal sanction triggered solely by signage. Open-carry may be restricted in certain municipalities under different rules (C.R.S. § 29-11.7-104) that do not necessarily apply to concealed carry in the same manner.

Concealed Carry Reciprocity in Colorado

Colorado recognizes out-of-state permits under specific conditions detailed in C.R.S. § 18-12-213.

Recognition of Other States' Permits

Colorado recognizes only resident permits from other states, and only if all of the following criteria are met:

• The issuing state honors Colorado CHPs
• The holder is a resident of that issuing state
• The holder has a matching state-issued driver's license or ID
• The holder is 21 or older
• The permit is valid

Critical limitation: Colorado explicitly does not recognize non-resident permits from other states under C.R.S. § 18-12-213. Colorado residents cannot legally carry concealed in Colorado using a non-resident permit from another state.

States With Established Reciprocity

As of 2025-2026, Colorado has established reciprocity with: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

States without reciprocity: California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, and Washington.

Colorado CHPs Recognized Elsewhere

Colorado's CHP is actively recognized by multiple states that have approved reciprocity agreements, provided visitors meet age, residency-matching, and documentation requirements. Some states impose additional conditions (age over 21, vehicle-only carry, or restrictions in certain localities).

One-way or conditional reciprocity: Recognition varies by state. Colorado does not recognize "constitutional-carry-only" states' lack of permit as basis to allow concealed carry in Colorado. Out-of-state visitors without a Colorado-recognized permit must comply with Colorado's eligibility and location rules but may carry under permitless provisions if they meet age and possession eligibility.

Federal Restrictions That Still Apply in Colorado

State permitless carry and CHPs do not override federal firearms restrictions:

Federal facilities (18 U.S.C. § 930): Federal law prohibits firearms in federal office buildings, courthouses, post offices, and certain federal enclaves. State permits provide no exemption.

National parks and forests: Federal regulations allow firearms in national parks and forests in alignment with state law. However, federal buildings and structures within those areas (visitor centers, ranger stations) remain subject to federal-facility rules under 18 U.S.C. § 930 and 16 U.S.C. § 1a-7b.

Interstate travel: Travelers with Colorado CHPs must confirm other states' reciprocity and restrictions before carrying across state lines. Colorado law does not control other states' rules. Federal law governs cross-state transportation of firearms in vehicles under 18 U.S.C. § 926A (unloaded, locked in container), and Colorado travelers must comply with both state and federal transit rules.

Recent Legal Changes or Trends

HB24-1174 (Concealed-carry permit reform): Adopted in 2024, with key provisions effective July 1, 2025. Major changes include:

• Stricter training standards for CHP applicants (specific in-person course content, instructor verification)
• Training validity window shortened from 10 years to 1 year before application
• Tighter renewal timing and transparency in training-provider standards
• Longer-term or "lifetime-style" validity for CHPs with reduced-frequency renewals

Constitutional carry/permitless carry: Colorado transitioned to permitless concealed carry for handgun holders 18+ through amendments to C.R.S. § 18-12-105, effective in 2024-2025.

Ongoing legislative activity (2025-2026): The Colorado General Assembly has considered bills that would:

• Expand or restrict firearm-dealer regulations and security
• Tighten background-check and record-keeping requirements
• Adjust rules for high-capacity magazines and certain semi-automatic firearms

Litigation and enforcement: Some local ordinances and federal-facility-related enforcement actions have been challenged in state and federal courts, but Colorado's core concealed-carry framework (constitutional carry plus shall-issue CHP) remains in place as of 2026.

Common Misunderstandings About Concealed Carry in Colorado

"Colorado is strict about requiring permits for concealed carry."

False. Colorado now allows permitless concealed carry of handguns for eligible persons 18 and older under C.R.S. § 18-12-105(2). Permitless carriers have the same location-based restrictions as permit holders. A permit is not required for in-state carry, though obtaining a CHP provides reciprocity benefits for interstate travel.

"Any out-of-state concealed carry permit works in Colorado."

False. Colorado recognizes only resident permits from states that honor Colorado CHPs under C.R.S. § 18-12-213. Non-resident permits are not recognized. Additionally, Colorado residents cannot legally carry concealed in Colorado using a non-resident permit from another state—they must either carry under permitless provisions or obtain a Colorado CHP.

"A sheriff can deny a Colorado CHP for any reason."

False. Colorado is a shall-issue state under C.R.S. § 18-12-203. Sheriffs may deny a CHP only if the applicant does not meet statutory criteria (age, criminal-history disqualifications, certain recent misdemeanor convictions under HB24-1174), or if the sheriff has a documented, reasonable-belief danger-to-self-or-others determination tied to specific behavior. Sheriffs cannot exercise arbitrary discretion.

"Training requirements are the same as before HB24-1174."

False. HB24-1174 tightened training standards significantly. Training must now be completed within one year before application (not 10 years), and specific in-person course content, instructor verification, and performance standards apply. The 8-hour minimum for initial permits and new 2-hour refresher class option for renewals took effect July 1, 2025.

"Colorado permitless carry means you can carry in schools and government buildings."

False. Permitless carry and CHPs are subject to identical location restrictions under C.R.S. §§ 18-12-105 and 18-12-214. School grounds, secure public buildings with screening, and federal facilities remain prohibited regardless of permit status. Local governments may impose civil penalties for carrying in municipal or county buildings.

Practical Notes for Concealed Carriers in Colorado

Dual-track system: Colorado offers permitless carry for in-state purposes and optional CHPs for interstate travel. Carriers should evaluate whether obtaining a CHP benefits their specific needs, particularly for reciprocity in other states.

Age considerations: Permitless carry is available at 18, but CHPs and interstate reciprocity require age 21. Carriers under 21 can carry in Colorado but cannot obtain CHPs or benefit from reciprocity.

Training timing: HB24-1174's one-year training validity window means CHP applicants must carefully time their training completion relative to application submission. Training completed more than one year before application no longer qualifies.

Non-resident options: Out-of-state visitors can carry under Colorado's permitless framework if they meet age and possession eligibility, but they cannot obtain Colorado CHPs. Visitors with permits from reciprocal states may carry if they meet all C.R.S. § 18-12-213 criteria (resident permit, matching ID, age 21+).

Local restrictions: Be aware that local governments may prohibit carry in municipal or county buildings through civil penalties. While these are not criminal sanctions, carriers can be required to leave or face civil consequences.

Interstate travel verification: Before traveling outside Colorado with a CHP, verify current reciprocity through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation reciprocity page. Recognition varies by state, and some impose additional conditions beyond Colorado law.

School zones: Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)) restrictions apply within 1,000 feet of K-12 schools. CHPs satisfy the "licensed by the state" exception, whereas permitless carry alone does not necessarily meet this federal requirement.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Colorado concealed carry laws as understood in February 2026. It does not constitute legal advice. Laws change through legislation, regulation, and judicial interpretation. Individuals should verify current statutes through official sources including the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Colorado Revised Statutes, county sheriffs, and qualified legal counsel before making decisions about firearms carry. When in doubt about any legal question, consult an attorney licensed in Colorado.