Colorado Gun Laws (2026): Concealed Carry, Open Carry, Permits, and Where You Can Carry

Key Update (2026): Colorado has significantly tightened firearm regulations. As of July 1, 2025, concealed carry permit training requirements have increased to 8 hours with a live-fire component. Additionally, a new "Permit-to-Purchase" system for specific semi-automatic firearms goes into effect on August 1, 2026 (SB25-003).

 

Quick Summary

 

Carry Rules

 

Concealed Carry Rules

 

Colorado is a "Shall Issue" state, meaning county sheriffs must issue a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to applicants who meet the statutory requirements.

• Permit Required: You cannot legally carry a concealed firearm in public without a permit.
• The "Patchwork" Problem: While state law allows carry, local municipalities (like Denver, Boulder, and Vail) have used their authority to ban carry in "sensitive" municipal locations. Always check local ordinances.

Open Carry Rules

 

Open carry is legal under state law for anyone 18+ who can legally possess a firearm, but significant restrictions apply:

• Local Bans: The repeal of state preemption (SB21-256) allows local governments to ban open carry. Denver and Boulder strictly prohibit open carry.
• Prohibited Areas: You cannot open carry in public transport, government buildings, or any place designated as a "sensitive space" under recent state laws.

Why Get a Permit?

 

Since permitless carry is illegal, a CHP is the only way to carry concealed. Furthermore:

• School Zones: A CHP allows you to have a firearm in your vehicle while on school property (pick-up/drop-off), which is otherwise a felony.
• Purchase Exemptions: A CHP creates an exemption for the background check fee (though the check itself is still run).
• Reciprocity: It allows you to carry in over 30 other states.

Permits (CHP)

 

Who Can Apply?

• Residents: Must apply with the Sheriff of the county where they reside or own property (business).
• Non-Residents: Colorado generally does not issue non-resident permits. Exceptions exist for active duty military stationed in Colorado and their immediate family.

Requirements (Updated 2025/2026)

• Age: 21 or older.
• Residency: Valid Colorado driver’s license or ID (or military orders).
• Training (New Standard): As of July 1, 2025, you must complete an 8-hour in-person training class that includes a live-fire qualification (minimum score of 70%). Online-only classes are no longer accepted.
• Vetting: Background check and fingerprinting required. Sheriffs can deny permits based on past behavior that indicates a danger to self or others (even without a conviction).

Cost and Processing

• Fees: Typically $152.50 (state maximum allowed fee + CBI background check fee), though this varies slightly by county.
• Wait Time: Statutory limit is 90 days, but many counties process in 30–60 days.
• Validity: 5 years.

Where You Can and Can’t Carry

 

Recent legislation (SB24-131) expanded the list of "sensitive places." Violating these bans is a misdemeanor.

 

Top Prohibited Locations

• Schools (K-12): Grounds and buildings. (Permit holders may have a handgun in their vehicle, but not carry on grounds).
• Government Buildings: Courthouses, legislative buildings, and local government offices.
• Public Parks & Playgrounds: Carry is prohibited in public parks and playgrounds owned by local governments (unless specifically allowed by that local government).
• The City and County of Denver owns and operates parks outside of the Denver Metro area.
• This means that there are more restrictive carry laws, including for concealed carry, that will apply when visiting a park owned and operated by the City and County of Denver.
• For a list of these parks, you can visit: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Parks-Recreation
• Demonstrations: Within 500 feet of a polling location or during a public protest/demonstration.
• Zoos & Museums: Prohibited by state statute.
• Public Transit: Buses, trains, and terminals.
• Federal Property: Post offices, VA facilities, and secure airport areas (TSA checkpoints).

Private Property & Signage

• "No Gun" Signs: These signs carry legal weight. If you enter a property posted with "No Weapons," you can be charged with trespassing if you refuse to leave.
• Private Businesses: Property owners have the absolute right to ban firearms.

Vehicle Carry

 

Colorado has somewhat liberal vehicle carry laws, often referred to as an extension of your home. This “extension” applies to firearm carry regulations specifically and is commonly confused with castle doctrine. Colorado’s Castle Doctrine, also known as “Make My Day” law, does not apply to vehicles.

• Handguns: You may carry a handgun (loaded or unloaded, concealed or open) in a private vehicle without a permit for "lawful protection."
• Long Guns: Must be unloaded in the chamber while in the vehicle. This is strictly enforced by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to prevent poaching.
• If you’re leaving your vehicle unattended while stopping in Denver, you must leave the firearm secured and locked in the vehicle unless you have a valid concealed carry permit. Compliance with Colorado’s firearm storage laws is required.
• Firearm Storage in Unattended Vehicles: Colorado law requires firearms left in unattended vehicles to be stored in a locked container, out of sight, with specific rules:
• Handguns must be in a locked, hard-sided container,
• Other firearms (rifle/shotgun) need a locked hard or soft-sided container, with a locking device affixed if soft-sided, all within a locked vehicle or locked trunk.
• Violations are a civil infraction, punishable by a max $500 fine, with exceptions for law enforcement, military, and ranch/farm workers.

Buying, Owning, and Transporting Firearms

 

Buying a Firearm

• Waiting Period: Mandatory 3-day waiting period for all firearm purchases. The clock starts when the background check is initiated.
• Background Checks: Universal background checks are required for all transfers, including private sales between friends (must go through an FFL dealer).
• New Permit-to-Purchase (Starts Aug 1, 2026): Under SB25-003, purchasing "specified semi-automatic firearms" (e.g., AR-15s, semi-auto pistols with threaded barrels) will require a state permit and safety training.

Restrictions

• Magazines: It is illegal to sell or transfer magazines that hold more than 15 rounds. Possession is legal if you owned them prior to July 1, 2013 ("grandfathered"), but the burden of proof is on the owner.
• Age: You must be 21 to purchase any firearm (handgun or long gun) from a dealer.

Self-Defense Law Basics

 

"Make My Day" Law (Castle Doctrine)

 

Colorado has a very strong statutory Castle Doctrine (C.R.S. 18-1-704.5).

• The Rule: You are justified in using deadly force against an intruder if all three of the below rules apply:
1. They have made an unlawful entry into your dwelling; AND
2. You reasonably believe they have committed (or intend to commit) a crime in the dwelling (other than the entry itself); AND
3. You reasonably believe they might use physical force (no matter how slight) against any occupant of the dwelling.

Stand Your Ground

 

Colorado is a Stand Your Ground state based on case law (People v. Toler), not statute.

• No Duty to Retreat: If you are in a place where you have a right to be, you are not required to retreat before using force in self-defense.
• Colorado does not offer Stand Your Ground Immunity.
• For deadly force to be justified, a person must reasonably believe that there is an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm to their person or another and a lesser degree of force is inadequate.

Reciprocity and Travel

 

Reciprocity Status

Colorado recognizes concealed carry permits from 33 states, but with strict conditions:

1. Resident Permits Only: You must be a resident of the state that issued the permit. Non-resident permits (e.g., a Utahn with a Florida non-resident permit) are not honored.
2. Age: You must be 21 or older.

Interstate Travel

• Flying: Declare firearms at the ticket counter. They must be unloaded and in a locked hard-sided container.
• For the most up-to-date information while flying, check the Transportation Security Administration's website before flying with firearms: www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition
• Driving Through: Protected by FOPA (Federal Law). Keep the gun unloaded and in the trunk if simply passing through.
• National Parks: Legal to carry in Rocky Mountain National Park if you have a permit honored by Colorado (or a CO resident permit). Buildings are off-limits.

See also: RIGHT TO BEAR CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY MAP 

 

FAQs

 

Can I carry a gun in my car in Colorado without a permit?

 

Yes. You may legally carry a handgun in your private vehicle (loaded or unloaded) without a concealed carry permit for self-defense purposes.

 

Do I have to inform police if I’m carrying?

 

No. Colorado state law does not have a "duty to inform" statute. However, it is widely recommended to politely disclose this information if asked or if you are asked to step out of the vehicle.

 

Does Colorado honor my non-resident permit from Utah/Florida?

 

No. Colorado only honors resident permits. If you have a permit from a state you do not live in, it is not valid in Colorado.

 

Can I carry in restaurants that serve alcohol?

 

Yes, unless the establishment is posted with a "No Weapons" sign or is a bar that does not serve food (check local ordinances). However, carrying while under the influence is a crime.

 

Can non-residents get a Colorado permit?

 

Generally, no. Only Colorado residents, active-duty military stationed in CO, and business owners with significant presence (rarely granted) can apply.

 

Are AR-15s legal in Colorado?

 

Yes, but purchasing them will require a special state permit starting August 1, 2026. Additionally, magazines over 15 rounds cannot be bought or transferred within the state.

 

Can I open carry in Denver?

 

No. Denver has a specific ban on open carry throughout the city and county.