Colorado Gun Laws

• Repeal of Preemption & Local Control: Colorado's legal landscape in 2026 is defined by the 2021 repeal of state preemption. Municipalities (like Denver, Boulder, and Louisville) now enforce their own strict gun control ordinances, including local "assault weapon" bans, open carry bans, and expanded sensitive places, creating a complex patchwork of laws for travelers.
• Expanded "Sensitive Places": Following recent legislative pushes (such as SB24-131), the state has heavily restricted where Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders may carry, formally prohibiting firearms in most government buildings, polling locations, and public university/college campuses across the state.
• Enhanced Training & Waiting Periods: The state mandates a mandatory 3-day waiting period for all firearm purchases and requires an intensive 8-hour training course, including a live-fire qualification, to obtain or renew a CHP.

Colorado is a "Shall Issue" state for Concealed Handgun Permits (CHP). Permits are issued by the local county sheriff, though sheriffs retain some discretion to deny based on documented evidence of dangerousness.

• Minimum Age: 21 years old.
• Training Requirements: Applicants must complete an 8-hour state-approved training course that includes classroom instruction on state laws, conflict resolution, and a mandatory live-fire live-ammunition qualification exam.
• Background Checks: A comprehensive background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the FBI is required.
• Fingerprints: A complete set of fingerprints is required at the time of application.
• Application Fees: Capped by state law. Sheriffs may charge up to $100 for administrative processing, plus the $52.50 fee for the CBI/FBI background check. Total fees typically sit around $152.50.
• Processing Times: By law, the sheriff must approve or deny the permit application within 90 days of receiving all required documents.

Colorado has strict statewide restrictions on magazine capacities, while bans on specific types of firearms are primarily handled at the local, rather than state, level.

• Magazine Capacity: Capped at 15 rounds statewide. Magazines holding more than 15 rounds are illegal to sell, transfer, or possess unless they were owned prior to the July 1, 2013 grandfather date.
• "Assault Weapon" Bans: No statewide ban exists as of 2026. However, major jurisdictions like the City of Denver and Boulder County have enacted their own strict bans on semi-automatic rifles and specific features, which are legally enforceable within city/county limits.
• Restricted Ammunition: No state-level bans beyond federal restrictions on armor-piercing ammunition.
• Banned Models: No specific models are banned by the state, but local municipal bans heavily target AR-15 and AK-47 style rifles.

Colorado utilizes a strong Castle Doctrine framework, colloquially known as the "Make My Day" law, combined with favorable case law for general self-defense.

• Stand Your Ground: Yes, by case law. While not a specific statute, Colorado Supreme Court rulings dictate there is no duty to retreat before using physical force if you are in a place you have a right to be.
• Castle Doctrine: Yes. The "Make My Day" law provides immunity from prosecution if an occupant uses deadly force against an intruder who has made an unlawful entry into a dwelling, provided the occupant reasonably believes the intruder might commit a crime or use force.
• Duty to Retreat: No. Colorado does not enforce a duty to retreat.
• Civil Immunity: Yes. Under the "Make My Day" law, if the use of force is justified, the defender is immune from civil liability suits brought by the attacker or their estate.

Colorado draws a sharp distinction between the transportation of handguns versus long guns in vehicles.

• Handguns: Any person who may legally possess a firearm can carry a loaded handgun anywhere in a vehicle (concealed or visible) for lawful protection, without a CHP.
• Long Guns: State wildlife and hunting laws require that all rifles and shotguns be transported with the chamber completely unloaded while in any motor vehicle. Magazines may be loaded and attached, but the chamber must be empty.
• Federal Gun-Free School Zone Act: Without a state-issued Colorado CHP, transporting a loaded firearm within 1,000 feet of a K-12 school is a federal violation. Colorado residents must hold a CHP to be exempt.

Colorado has strict universal background checks and waiting periods for all transfers of firearms.

• Dealer & Private Sales: Universal background checks are mandated. All private sales must be facilitated through a licensed FFL, which will run a background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• Waiting Periods: A mandatory 3-day (72-hour) waiting period applies to all firearm purchases and transfers before the buyer can take possession.
• CCW Bypass: A Colorado CHP does not exempt the holder from undergoing a background check or the 3-day waiting period.

Colorado enforces a robust Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) or "Red Flag" law, which was significantly expanded in recent years.

• Who Can File: Law enforcement officers, family or household members, district attorneys, educators, and licensed medical or mental health professionals may petition the court.
• Process and Duration: A temporary ex parte order can be issued immediately and lasts up to 14 days. Following a full hearing, a final ERPO can be issued requiring the surrender of all firearms for up to 364 days.
• Appeal: The respondent has the right to request one hearing during the 364-day period to prove they are no longer a risk and have the order terminated.

Carrying a concealed handgun without a valid permit in Colorado is a Class 2 Misdemeanor for the first offense. This carries a potential penalty of up to 120 days in jail and a fine of up to $750. A second offense elevates the charge to a Class 1 Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail.

Carrying a firearm into a statutorily prohibited "sensitive space" (like a school, polling place, or courthouse) is heavily penalized and generally charged as a Class 1 Misdemeanor. Additionally, carrying a firearm onto private property where it is forbidden, or violating a local municipality's specific gun control ordinance, can result in criminal trespass charges, weapon confiscation, and revocation of the individual's CHP.