How to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in Colorado (2026 Guide)

Colorado requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) if you want to legally carry a concealed handgun in public. Unlike constitutional carry states, Colorado does not allow permitless concealed carry for most individuals.

 

To qualify, applicants generally must be at least 21 years old, complete a state-approved handgun training course, apply through the sheriff's office in their county of residence, submit fingerprints, and pass state and federal background checks. Colorado Concealed Handgun Permits are valid for five years and are recognized by many other states through reciprocity, making them valuable for residents who travel with a firearm.

 

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Does Colorado Require a Concealed Carry Permit?

 

Yes. Colorado requires a Concealed Handgun Permit to legally carry a concealed handgun in most public places.

 

The state is considered a "shall-issue" state, meaning county sheriffs generally must issue a permit to applicants who meet all legal requirements. While Colorado allows open carry in many areas, concealed carry requires a valid permit unless a limited exception applies. A Colorado permit also offers reciprocity with many other states, making it beneficial for anyone who travels armed.

Concealed Carry Permit Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Permit Available	Yes (Concealed Handgun Permit)
Constitutional Carry	No
Open Carry	Yes (subject to state and local restrictions)
Minimum Age	21
Residency Requirement	Colorado resident or active-duty military stationed in Colorado
Training Required	Yes
Fingerprints Required	Yes
Application Fee	Up to approximately $152.50 (varies by county)
Permit Validity	5 Years
Renewal Required	Yes
Non-Resident Permit Available	No

See also: Colorado Gun Laws: Concealed Carry, Open Carry, Permits, and Where You Can Carry

 

How to Get a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit

 

Obtaining a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit generally involves these five steps:

1. Verify you meet Colorado's eligibility requirements.
2. Complete an approved handgun safety training course.
3. Gather your required documents.
4. Apply through your county sheriff's office.
5. Complete fingerprinting and the background investigation before receiving your permit.

Eligibility Requirements

 

To qualify for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit, applicants generally must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be a Colorado resident or qualifying active-duty military member stationed in Colorado.
• Be legally eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law.
• Complete an approved handgun training course.
• Meet all Colorado concealed carry eligibility requirements.

Common Reasons Applications Are Denied

 

Applications may be denied if you:

• Have a felony conviction.
• Have certain domestic violence convictions.
• Are subject to a qualifying protection order.
• Have disqualifying mental health findings.
• Are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
• Submit false or incomplete information.
• Fail the required background investigation.

Training Requirements

 

Colorado requires applicants to demonstrate handgun competency before receiving a permit.

Acceptable training generally includes:

• A state-approved concealed carry course.
• An NRA handgun safety course.
• Hunter education with handgun competency (when applicable).
• Certain military firearms training.
• Qualifying law enforcement firearms instruction.

Training Checklist

• Complete an approved handgun training course.
• Keep your training certificate.
• Learn Colorado self-defense and concealed carry laws.
• Practice regularly with your carry firearm.
• Review prohibited carry locations before carrying.

Application Process

 

Applications are submitted through the sheriff's office in the county where you reside.

 

Applicants generally should provide:

• Government-issued photo identification.
• Proof of residency.
• Handgun training certificate.
• Completed application.
• Fingerprints.
• Application fee.

The sheriff's office conducts state and federal background checks before issuing the permit.

 

Permit Costs and Processing Times

 

Applicants should expect:

• Application fees that vary by county, up to approximately $152.50, including fingerprint processing.
• Renewal fees that vary by county.
• Firearms training costs.
• Replacement fees if a permit is lost or damaged.

Colorado sheriffs generally have up to 90 days after receiving a completed application to issue or deny a permit.

 

Common delays include:

• Missing documentation.
• Fingerprinting issues.
• Background check delays.
• Incomplete applications.

Permit Renewal

 

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permits are generally valid for five years.

To renew your permit:

• Submit your renewal application before expiration.
• Pay the applicable renewal fee.
• Update personal information if necessary.

Beginning the renewal process early helps avoid a lapse in your concealed carry privileges.

 

Non-Resident Permits

 

Colorado generally does not issue concealed handgun permits to non-residents.

However, Colorado recognizes concealed carry permits from many other states, provided the permit holder is a resident of the issuing state and all reciprocity requirements are met. Before traveling, always verify current reciprocity agreements.

 

Why Get a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit?

 

Because Colorado requires a permit for concealed carry, obtaining one is essential if you want to legally carry a concealed handgun within the state.

 

Additional benefits include:

• Legal concealed carry throughout Colorado.
• Reciprocity with many other states.
• Easier interstate travel.
• Proof that you've completed firearms training.
• Greater confidence carrying legally while traveling.

Common Mistakes First-Time Applicants Make

• Taking a training course that doesn't meet Colorado's requirements.
• Waiting until shortly before travel to apply.
• Forgetting required documentation.
• Missing fingerprint appointments.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Assuming every state recognizes a Colorado permit.
• Carrying before the permit has been issued.
• Letting the permit expire before renewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Colorado?

 

Yes. Colorado generally requires a Concealed Handgun Permit to legally carry a concealed handgun.

 

How much does a Colorado concealed carry permit cost?

 

Application fees vary by county but may total approximately $152.50, including fingerprint processing and administrative costs.

 

How long does it take to receive a Colorado concealed carry permit?

 

County sheriffs generally have up to 90 days to issue or deny a completed application.

 

Does Colorado issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?

 

No. Colorado generally issues permits only to Colorado residents and qualifying active-duty military members stationed in the state.

 

Is firearms training required?

 

Yes. Applicants must complete an approved handgun competency course before applying for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit.