Colorado Gun Laws

Colorado does not have permitless concealed carry: knowingly carrying a firearm concealed on or about one's person is a class 1 misdemeanor, subject to enumerated exceptions including a person in his or her own dwelling, place of business, or property under the person's control; a person in a private automobile carrying for lawful protection while traveling; and holders of a Colorado CHP (or recognized out-of-state permit).

"A person commits a class 1 misdemeanor if the person knowingly and unlawfully: (a) Carries a knife concealed on or about his or her person; or (b) Carries a firearm concealed on or about his or her person."

C.R.S. § 18-12-105 (Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon) statute

Colorado is a shall-issue state: a county sheriff shall issue a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to an applicant who is a legal Colorado resident, is at least 21 years old, is not ineligible under 18-12-108 or federal law, is not under a protection order or ERPO, does not chronically/habitually use alcohol or controlled substances, and demonstrates handgun competence (typically via a training certificate). Applicants must apply in person before the sheriff of their county of residence.

"a sheriff shall issue a permit to carry a concealed handgun to an applicant who: (a) Is a legal resident of the state of Colorado... (b) Is twenty-one years of age or older; (c) Is not ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to section 18-12-108 or federal law."

C.R.S. § 18-12-203 (Criteria for obtaining a permit) statute

A qualifying concealed handgun training class must be held in person, must provide a minimum of eight hours of instruction (including a live-fire shooting exercise requiring at least 50 rounds and a written open-book competency exam scored ≥80%), and may not be conducted online. Effective standard updated by HB24-1174 in 2024-2025.

"A concealed handgun training class must be held in person with the instructor of the class at the same location as the students, and no part of the class may be conducted via the internet. A concealed handgun training class must provide a minimum of eight hours of instruction, including the live-fire shooting exercise."

C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5 (Concealed handgun training class) statute

A Colorado CHP is valid for five years from the date of issuance, is effective in all areas of the state subject to the carrying restrictions in 18-12-214, and may be renewed under 18-12-211. The permittee must carry both the permit and valid photo identification when carrying a concealed handgun and produce both on demand by law enforcement.

"A permit is valid for a period of five years after the date of issuance and may be renewed as provided in section 18-12-211. A permit issued pursuant to this part 2, including a temporary emergency permit issued pursuant to section 18-12-209, is effective in all areas of the state, except as otherwise provided in section 18-12-214."

C.R.S. § 18-12-204 (Permit validity) statute

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation conducts both fingerprint and name-based background checks on behalf of Colorado sheriffs, who are the issuing authorities for CHPs. New CHP application fee is $52.50 (CBI portion); renewal is $13. Sheriffs may charge an additional administrative fee.

"The Concealed Handgun Permit Section is charged with conducting both fingerprint and name based background checks on behalf of Colorado Sheriffs."

Colorado Bureau of Investigation — Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) ag

Cross-referenced from the CHP issuance criteria (18-12-203) and the unlawful-concealed-carry statute (18-12-105) as Colorado's primary state firearm-prohibitor list. CRS 18-12-108 makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly possess a firearm subsequent to a felony conviction (or conviction of attempt/conspiracy to commit a felony), with enhanced penalties for prior offenders convicted of crimes of violence and burglary.

C.R.S. § 18-12-108 (Possession of a weapon by a previous offender) statute

Cross-referenced from 18-12-204. A sheriff may issue a temporary emergency CHP for up to 90 days to an applicant who provides clear and convincing evidence of an immediate, present, and unavoidable threat. The temporary emergency permit is effective statewide subject to the same carrying restrictions in 18-12-214 that apply to standard CHPs.

C.R.S. § 18-12-209 (Temporary emergency permit) statute

Cross-referenced from 18-12-204. A CHP holder may renew the permit by submitting a renewal application, photo, fingerprints, and renewal fee no later than 120 days after the permit's expiration. As amended by HB24-1174, renewal applicants may complete a 2-hour in-person refresher class in lieu of the full 8-hour training course.

C.R.S. § 18-12-211 (Renewal of permits) statute

Cross-referenced from the preemption citation (29-11.7-103). Establishes the legislative declaration that CHP issuance and the carrying authorization granted by a CHP are matters of statewide concern and that the standards under CRS Title 18, Article 12, Part 2 are exclusive — local governments may not impose additional CHP qualification requirements or alter the scope of authority a state-issued CHP grants. This is the surviving statewide-preemption provision for CHPs after SB21-256 repealed Colorado's blanket firearm-preemption statute.

C.R.S. § 18-12-201 (Legislative declaration — CHP statewide standards) statute

Open carry of a firearm by a non-prohibited adult is generally lawful under Colorado state law, but a local government may enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits open carry in a building or specific area within its jurisdiction, provided the local government posts signs at the public entrances notifying persons of the prohibition. Denver bans open carry within city limits; other home-rule jurisdictions may impose their own restrictions, particularly after SB21-256 (2021) repealed Colorado's blanket firearm-preemption statute.

"A local government may enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area within the local government's jurisdiction."

C.R.S. § 29-11.7-104 (Local regulation — open carrying — posting) statute

Carrying a concealed firearm in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance for lawful protection of person or property while traveling is excepted from the unlawful-concealed-carry offense. No CHP is required. This means an adult who may lawfully possess a firearm may carry a loaded handgun in the glove box, center console, trunk, or on the person while traveling.

"It is not an offense pursuant to this section if the defendant was: ... (b) A person in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance who carries a weapon for lawful protection of such person's or another's person or property while traveling."

C.R.S. § 18-12-105(2)(b) (motor-vehicle exception) statute

Notwithstanding the broader 2021 preemption repeal, Colorado retains statewide preemption of local ordinances on transporting firearms in a private vehicle. No municipality, county, or city-and-county may restrict a person's ability to travel with a weapon in a private vehicle for hunting or for lawful protection, regardless of how many stops are made in a jurisdiction.

"Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no municipality, county, or city and county shall have the authority to enact or enforce any ordinance or resolution that would restrict a person's ability to travel with a weapon in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance for hunting or for lawful protection."

C.R.S. § 18-12-105.6 (Limitation on local ordinances regarding firearms in private vehicles) statute

Effective January 1, 2025 (HB24-1348), a person may not knowingly leave a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless it is in a locked hard-sided container — including a locked glove compartment or locked center console — placed out of plain view, with the container inside a locked vehicle, locked trunk, or locked RV. Long guns may use a hard- or soft-sided locked container (soft-sided requires a locking device on the firearm). Violation is a civil infraction. Exceptions apply for hunters, peace officers, on-duty military, and ranch/farm operations.

"A person shall not knowingly leave a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the handgun is in a locked hard-sided container that is placed out of plain view... For the purposes of this subsection (1), a locked glove compartment or the locked center console of a vehicle is a locked hard-sided container."

C.R.S. § 18-12-114.5 (Secure firearm storage in a vehicle) statute

Colorado has not enacted an employer parking-lot ('guns-in-trunks') protection statute analogous to those in many other states. CRS 18-12-105.6 preempts only LOCAL government regulation of vehicle carry on public roadways; it does not bind private employers. Private employers may lawfully prohibit firearms in vehicles in their parking areas as a condition of employment.

"no municipality, county, or city and county shall have the authority to enact or enforce any ordinance or resolution that would restrict a person's ability to travel with a weapon in a private automobile."

Colorado — no employer parking-lot protection statute statute

Colorado honors a valid concealed carry permit issued by another state only if four conditions are met: the issuing state honors Colorado's CHP, the permit holder is a resident of the issuing state (Colorado does not honor non-resident permits from any state, including for Colorado residents who hold an out-of-state non-resident permit), the holder has matching state-issued ID, and the holder is 21+. Reciprocity has been established with 34 states. The Colorado CHP is not recognized in California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, and Washington.

"Concealed carry reciprocity has been established with the following states: 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."

C.R.S. § 18-12-213 / Colorado Bureau of Investigation reciprocity matrix ag

Colorado's 1985 'Make My Day' castle-doctrine statute justifies an occupant of a dwelling in using any degree of physical force, including deadly force, against a person who has made an unlawful entry into the dwelling when the occupant reasonably believes the intruder has committed or intends to commit a crime in the dwelling beyond the entry and might use any physical force against any occupant. The occupant is immune from both criminal prosecution and civil liability for the use of such force. The statute applies only to a 'dwelling,' not to a vehicle or place of business.

"any occupant of a dwelling is justified in using any degree of physical force, including deadly physical force, against another person when that other person has made an unlawful entry into the dwelling, and when the occupant has a reasonable belief that such other person has committed a crime in the dwelling in addition to the uninvited entry."

C.R.S. § 18-1-704.5 (Use of deadly physical force against an intruder — 'Make My Day') statute

Colorado has no statutory stand-your-ground provision. CRS 18-1-704 codifies general self-defense without imposing a duty to retreat and without affirmatively granting a no-duty-to-retreat right; Colorado courts have long held there is no duty to retreat for a non-aggressor who is not engaged in unlawful activity (People v. Toler, 9 P.3d 341 (Colo. 2000)). The castle doctrine in 18-1-704.5 applies only inside the dwelling.

"a person is justified in using physical force upon another person in order to defend himself or a third person from what he reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by that other person, and he may use a degree of force which he reasonably believes to be necessary for that purpose."

C.R.S. § 18-1-704 (Use of physical force in defense of a person) statute

Colorado does not impose a general statutory duty to proactively inform a law enforcement officer that you are armed during a traffic stop or other encounter. A Colorado CHP holder must carry the permit and valid photo identification while in actual possession of a concealed handgun and must produce both on demand by a law enforcement officer; failure to do so is a petty offense, but the charge is dismissed if a valid permit is exhibited to the court at or before the scheduled appearance.

"The permittee shall carry the permit, together with valid photo identification, at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun and shall produce both documents upon demand by a law enforcement officer."

C.R.S. § 18-12-204(2)(a) (display permit on demand) statute

It is a class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly carry a firearm, openly or concealed, on the real estate or in any building of a licensed child care center, K-12 school, college, university, or seminary. Limited exceptions apply for school resource officers and peace officers, employees performing necessary duties, authorized demonstrations, and unloaded firearms inside a motor vehicle on college/university real estate. A CHP holder may keep a handgun stored in a vehicle parking area at a K-12 school under specified conditions but may not carry it into school buildings.

"A person shall not knowingly carry a firearm, either openly or concealed, in or on the real estate and all improvements erected thereon of any licensed child care center; public or private elementary, middle, junior high, high, or vocational school; or any public or private college, university, or seminary."

C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5 (firearms on school, college, or university grounds) statute

Effective July 1, 2024 (SB24-131), a person may not knowingly carry a firearm, whether loaded or not, in the Colorado General Assembly chambers/galleries/offices, a local government's governing-body chambers/galleries/meetings/elected-official offices (unless permitted by the local government), or a courthouse or building used for court proceedings — including their adjacent parking areas. Exceptions include peace officers on duty, on-duty military, security personnel, court personnel performing official duties, and CHP holders carrying a concealed handgun in an adjacent parking area only. Violation is a class 1 misdemeanor.

"A person shall not knowingly carry a firearm, whether loaded or not loaded, in any of the following locations, including their adjacent parking areas: (a) On the property of or within any building in which: (I) The chambers, galleries, or offices of the general assembly... (II) A legislative hearing or meeting... (c) A courthouse or any other building or portion of a building used for court proceedings."

C.R.S. § 18-12-105.3 (firearms in government buildings) statute

It is unlawful for any person to carry a firearm within a polling location, or within 100 feet of a drop box or any building containing a polling location, on election day or while voting is permitted. The same 100-foot buffer applies around central count facilities during active election administration. Exceptions apply for peace officers, uniformed contract security guards, and persons on their own private property within the buffer zone. Violation is a misdemeanor.

"It is unlawful for any person to carry a firearm, as defined in section 18-1-901 (3)(h), within any polling location, or within one hundred feet of a drop box or any building in which a polling location is located."

C.R.S. § 1-13-724 (Vote Without Fear Act — polling locations) statute

Cross-referenced from 18-12-204 and the prohibited_places list. Defines the carrying restrictions that limit where a CHP authorizes concealed carry: a CHP does NOT authorize carry on K-12, college, or university grounds (18-12-105.5), in places where firearm possession is prohibited by federal law, or in a building maintained by a local government or higher-education institution that posts notice of the prohibition (subsection (1)(c)). Subsection (5) preserves the right of private property owners, tenants, employers, and businesses to restrict firearm possession on their property.

"A permit to carry a concealed handgun does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun: ... (c) Into any other public building at which security personnel and electronic weapons screening devices are permanently in place at each entrance... Nothing in this part 2 shall be construed to limit, restrict, or prohibit in any manner the existing rights of a private property owner, private tenant, private employer, or private business entity."

C.R.S. § 18-12-214 (Authority granted by permit — carrying restrictions) statute

Cross-referenced from 1-13-724 (Vote Without Fear Act). Provides the statutory definition of 'firearm' used throughout Title 18 and adopted by reference in Title 1's polling-place buffer statute: any handgun, automatic revolver, pistol, rifle, shotgun, or other instrument or device capable of discharging bullets, cartridges, or other explosive charges.

"'Firearm' means any handgun, automatic revolver, pistol, rifle, shotgun, or other instrument or device capable or intended to be capable of discharging bullets, cartridges, or other explosive charges."

C.R.S. § 18-1-901(3)(h) (Definition of 'firearm') statute

Cross-referenced from the establishment-serving-alcohol entry in prohibited_places. Makes it a class 1 misdemeanor to possess a firearm in any place except one's own home or property while the person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance. Possession of a CHP is no defense; the provision is the practical analogue to a bar-carry prohibition because intoxication while carrying anywhere outside the home is itself the offense.

C.R.S. § 18-12-106(1)(d) (Prohibited use of weapons — under the influence) statute

Effective July 1, 2013, Colorado requires a universal background check on virtually all private firearm transfers: a non-licensed transferor must arrange for a licensed gun dealer to run the background check through the CBI's InstaCheck system, and the transferee may not take possession until the dealer obtains CBI approval. Dealers may charge up to a $10 fee. Limited exceptions include bona-fide gifts and loans between specified immediate family members, antique firearms, transfers to estate executors, temporary transfers of up to 72 hours, and temporary transfers at qualifying shooting ranges/competitions or while hunting. Violation is a class 2 misdemeanor and triggers a 2-year firearm prohibition.

"before any person who is not a licensed gun dealer... transfers or attempts to transfer possession of a firearm to a transferee, he or she shall: (I) Require that a background check, in accordance with section 24-33.5-424, C.R.S., be conducted of the prospective transferee; and (II) Obtain approval of a transfer from the bureau."

C.R.S. § 18-12-112 (Private firearms transfers — background check required) statute

Effective October 1, 2023 (HB23-1219), a seller may not deliver a firearm to the purchaser until the later in time of: (a) three days after a licensed gun dealer has initiated the required background check, or (b) the seller has received CBI approval of the transfer. Violation is a civil infraction punishable by a $500 fine (with higher fines for repeat offenses). Antique firearms and curios/relics are exempt.

"It is unlawful for any person who sells a firearm, including a licensed gun dealer as defined in section 18-12-506 (6), to deliver the firearm to the purchaser until the later in time occurs: (I) Three days after a licensed gun dealer has initiated a background check of the purchaser that is required pursuant to state or federal law; or (II) The seller has obtained approval for the firearm transfer from the bureau after it has completed any background check required by state or federal law."

C.R.S. § 18-12-115 (Three-day waiting period) statute

Cross-referenced from 18-12-115 (3-day waiting period). Defines 'licensed gun dealer' for Colorado firearm-transfer statutes as a person who is a federally licensed firearms dealer and who is also licensed under Colorado's firearm dealer licensing regime created by HB23-1230. The definition determines which sellers are subject to the universal background-check and waiting-period requirements as 'sellers' rather than as private transferors.

C.R.S. § 18-12-506(6) (Licensed gun dealer — definitions) statute

Cross-referenced from 18-12-112 (universal background check). Establishes the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's InstaCheck point-of-contact system for firearm-transfer background checks: when contacted by a licensed dealer (or by a dealer acting as the conduit for a private transfer), CBI cross-references the prospective transferee against state and federal prohibited-purchaser databases and either approves, denies, or queues the transfer for further review. The section also authorizes CBI to charge a fee for performing the check.

C.R.S. § 24-33.5-424 (Colorado InstaCheck — background-check procedures) statute

Effective August 7, 2023 (SB23-169), Colorado raised the minimum age to purchase any firearm — handgun OR long gun — to 21. Both the seller (whether a licensed dealer or private transferor) and the buyer commit a misdemeanor by participating in a sale to a person under 21. Limited exceptions apply for active-duty U.S. armed forces members, P.O.S.T.-certified peace officers, and qualifying officers on duty. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1)) requires an FFL to refuse handgun sales to anyone under 21 regardless of state law.

"A person who is not a licensed gun dealer shall not make or facilitate the sale of a firearm to a person who is less than twenty-one years of age. (f) It is unlawful for a person who is less than twenty-one years of age to purchase a firearm."

C.R.S. § 18-12-112(2)(e)–(f) and § 18-12-112.5(1)(a.3)–(a.5) (minimum age 21) statute

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit reversed the district court's preliminary injunction against SB23-169, holding that the age-21 minimum to purchase firearms falls within Bruen's safe harbor for presumptively lawful 'conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of arms' and is therefore outside the scope of the Second Amendment's right to keep and bear arms as currently understood. The Tenth Circuit remanded with instructions to dissolve the injunction, leaving SB23-169 in force.

"We hold that as an aged-based condition or qualification on the sale of arms, SB 23-169 is covered by the safe harbor and, as such, falls outside of the scope of the Second Amendment's right to 'keep and bear' arms."

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners v. Polis, 121 F.4th 96 (10th Cir. 2024) court

Cross-referenced from the purchase-age citation (CRS 18-12-112(2)(e)–(f)). Federal Gun Control Act provision making it unlawful for a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) to sell or deliver a firearm other than a shotgun or rifle to any person younger than 21 years of age. Combined with Colorado's SB23-169, both handgun and long-gun purchases from any seller in Colorado require the buyer to be 21+.

"It shall be unlawful for any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to sell or deliver — (1) any firearm or ammunition to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than eighteen years of age, and, if the firearm, or ammunition is other than a shotgun or rifle, or ammunition for a shotgun or rifle, to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than twenty-one years of age."

18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) (Federal handgun sale — minimum age 21) statute

Colorado does not require firearm registration. State statute affirmatively prohibits any local government — including a law enforcement agency — from maintaining a list or database of persons who purchase, transfer, exchange, or leave firearms for repair, or of the firearms' descriptions or serial numbers. Federally licensed dealers maintain transfer records only as required by federal law.

"A local government, including a law enforcement agency, shall not maintain a list or other form of record or database of: (a) Persons who purchase or exchange firearms or who leave firearms for repair or sale on consignment; (b) Persons who transfer firearms, unless the persons are federally licensed firearms dealers; (c) The descriptions, including serial numbers, of firearms purchased, transferred, exchanged, or left for repair or sale on consignment."

C.R.S. § 29-11.7-102 (Firearms database — prohibited) statute

Colorado's extreme risk protection order (ERPO) regime was created by HB19-1177 (effective January 1, 2020) and substantially expanded by SB23-170 (effective April 28, 2023). A temporary ERPO may be requested without notice to the respondent by a family or household member, law enforcement officer or agency, or — after 2023 — a community member (licensed health-care or mental-health professional, educator, or district attorney). A continuing ERPO may be entered for up to 364 days following a hearing within 14 days. The respondent must surrender all firearms and concealed-carry permits during the order.

"The short title of this article 14.5 is the 'Deputy Zackari Parrish III Violence Prevention Act'."

C.R.S. § 13-14.5-101 et seq. (Deputy Zackari Parrish III Violence Prevention Act) statute

Colorado has no current outright assault-weapon ban. However, SB25-003 (signed April 10, 2025; effective August 1, 2026) will prohibit the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of 'specified semiautomatic firearms' — defined as a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun with a detachable magazine, or a gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine — except by buyers who hold a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card issued after completing an approved training course. The Act also classifies rapid-fire devices as dangerous weapons. Violation is a class 2 misdemeanor (class 6 felony on repeat).

"CONCERNING PROHIBITED ACTIVITY INVOLVING SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARMS, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, PROHIBITING THE MANUFACTURE, DISTRIBUTION, TRANSFER, SALE, AND PURCHASE OF SPECIFIED SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARMS, CLASSIFYING A DEVICE THAT INCREASES THE RATE OF FIRE OF A SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARM AS A DANGEROUS WEAPON, AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION."

Senate Bill 25-003 (signed April 10, 2025) — effective Aug. 1, 2026 statute

Since July 1, 2013, Colorado has prohibited the sale, transfer, or possession of a 'large-capacity magazine' — defined as a fixed or detachable magazine capable of accepting more than fifteen rounds, or a fixed tubular shotgun magazine holding more than 28 inches of shells, or a non-tubular detachable shotgun device accepting more than 8 shells. Violation is a class 2 misdemeanor; a class 6 felony if possessed during a felony or crime of violence. A grandfather clause allows continued possession of magazines owned before July 1, 2013 if continuously possessed. Tubular rimfire (.22) magazines and lever-action tubular magazines are excluded from the definition.

"'Large-capacity magazine' means: (I) A fixed or detachable magazine, box, drum, feed strip, or similar device capable of accepting, or that is designed to be readily converted to accept, more than fifteen rounds of ammunition... a person who sells, transfers, or possesses a large-capacity magazine commits a class 2 misdemeanor."

C.R.S. §§ 18-12-301, 18-12-302 (Large-capacity magazines prohibited) statute

Cross-referenced from the magazine-capacity FAQ. Originally required Colorado-manufactured large-capacity magazines to bear identification markings allowing identification of the manufacturer and date of manufacture; combined with 18-12-301 and 18-12-302 as the three-section LCM statutory framework. SB25-003 (effective Aug. 1, 2026) elevates the penalty for possession of a large-capacity magazine from a class 2 to a class 1 misdemeanor.

C.R.S. § 18-12-303 (Identification markings — large-capacity magazines) statute

Suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and machine guns are regulated under the federal National Firearms Act and require ATF registration. Colorado does not impose a separate state ban on NFA items beyond federal requirements; possession of an NFA-regulated 'dangerous weapon' is an affirmative defense under CRS 18-12-102 when the possessor is in full compliance with federal law.

"The National Firearms Act (NFA) imposes a statutory excise tax on the manufacture and transfer of certain firearms and mandates the registration of those firearms."

26 U.S.C. ch. 53 (National Firearms Act) / ATF atf

Cross-referenced from the NFA citation and the silencer/SBR FAQ. Possession of a 'dangerous weapon' (defined to include a firearm silencer, machine gun, short shotgun, short rifle, or ballistic knife) is a class 5 felony, but it is an affirmative defense that the defendant was in possession of the weapon pursuant to a valid permit or license issued by federal law. The provision is the mechanism by which lawful NFA-registered items are protected from state prosecution.

"It shall be an affirmative defense to the charge of possessing a dangerous weapon that the defendant: ... (b) Was in possession of such weapon pursuant to and in accordance with any valid permit issued for such possession under the provisions of any law of the United States."

C.R.S. § 18-12-102 (Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon — affirmative defense) statute

Effective June 19, 2021 (SB21-256), Colorado repealed its blanket firearm preemption: unless otherwise expressly prohibited by state law, a local government may enact ordinances governing or prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of firearms, ammunition, or components — provided the local rule is at least as restrictive as state law. Multiple home-rule jurisdictions (including Denver, Boulder, Boulder County, Edgewater, Louisville, Superior, and others) have since enacted local restrictions. Vehicle-carry preemption survives under CRS 18-12-105.6, and CHP issuance remains a statewide matter under CRS 18-12-201.

"Unless otherwise expressly prohibited pursuant to state law, a local government may enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law governing or prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm, ammunition, or firearm component or accessory that a person may lawfully sell, purchase, transfer, or possess under state or federal law. The local ordinance, regulation, or other law may not impose a requirement on the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm... that is less restrictive than state law."

C.R.S. § 29-11.7-103 (Local regulations governing firearms permitted) / SB21-256 statute

SB23-169 raised the minimum age to purchase any firearm in Colorado from 18 to 21. The 10th Circuit upheld the law as presumptively lawful in Rocky Mountain Gun Owners v. Polis (Nov. 5, 2024), reversing a district-court preliminary injunction.

"CONCERNING THE MINIMUM AGE FOR PURCHASING A FIREARM."

Senate Bill 23-169 (effective Aug. 7, 2023) statute

HB23-1219 added CRS 18-12-115, imposing a three-day waiting period before a seller may deliver a firearm to a purchaser. Violation is a civil infraction punishable by a $500 fine.

"CONCERNING A WAITING PERIOD TO DELIVER A FIREARM TO A PURCHASER."

House Bill 23-1219 (effective Oct. 1, 2023) statute

SB23-170 repealed and reenacted Colorado's ERPO statute (CRS Art. 14.5 of Title 13). The reenactment expanded the list of permitted petitioners beyond family/household members and law enforcement to include licensed health-care providers, licensed mental-health professionals, educators, and district attorneys.

"CONCERNING EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDERS, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, EXPANDING THE LIST OF PERSONS WHO MAY PETITION FOR AN ORDER."

Senate Bill 23-170 (effective April 28, 2023) statute

SB24-131 added CRS 18-12-105.3 prohibiting firearm carry in government buildings (state legislature, local governing bodies, courthouses) and their adjacent parking areas; amended CRS 18-12-105.5 to prohibit firearm carry on K-12, college, university, and licensed child-care center grounds; and amended CRS 1-13-724 to extend the polling-place 100-foot buffer to drop boxes and central count facilities. CHP holders are exempt only for carry in adjacent parking areas of restricted government buildings.

"CONCERNING PROHIBITING THE CARRYING OF A FIREARM IN CERTAIN LOCATIONS."

Senate Bill 24-131 (effective July 1, 2024) statute

HB24-1174 overhauled Colorado's CHP training regime: training certificates must come from a sheriff-verified instructor; courses must be a minimum 8 hours of in-person instruction (no online portion permitted) and must include a live-fire exercise with at least 50 rounds and an 80%-passing written exam. Renewal applicants may complete a 2-hour in-person refresher class. Training certificates are valid for only one year before submission (previously ten).

"CONCERNING CONCEALED HANDGUN PERMITS, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, ESTABLISHING NEW MINIMUM TRAINING STANDARDS FOR ISSUANCE AND RENEWAL OF A CONCEALED HANDGUN PERMIT."

House Bill 24-1174 (effective July 1, 2025 for permit standards) statute

HB24-1348 added CRS 18-12-114.5, requiring handguns in unattended vehicles to be stored in a locked hard-sided container (locked glove compartment or center console qualifies) placed out of plain view, inside a locked vehicle or trunk. Long guns may use hard- or soft-sided locked containers, with a locking device required on the firearm in a soft-sided container. Violation is a civil infraction.

"CONCERNING THE SECURE STORAGE OF A FIREARM IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE."

House Bill 24-1348 (effective Jan. 1, 2025) statute

SB25-003 prohibits, effective August 1, 2026, the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of 'specified semiautomatic firearms' (semi-auto rifle or shotgun with a detachable magazine, or gas-operated semi-auto handgun with a detachable magazine) unless the buyer holds a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card obtained after completing an approved training course. The Act also classifies rapid-fire devices as dangerous weapons and makes possession of a large-capacity magazine a class 1 misdemeanor (up from class 2). Violation of the sale/purchase prohibition is a class 2 misdemeanor (class 6 felony on repeat).

"CONCERNING PROHIBITED ACTIVITY INVOLVING SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARMS, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, PROHIBITING THE MANUFACTURE, DISTRIBUTION, TRANSFER, SALE, AND PURCHASE OF SPECIFIED SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARMS."

Senate Bill 25-003 (signed April 10, 2025; effective Aug. 1, 2026) statute

SB21-256 repealed Colorado's blanket firearm preemption (CRS 29-11.7-103), authorizing local governments to enact firearm ordinances at least as restrictive as state law. Multiple home-rule jurisdictions (Denver, Boulder, Boulder County, Edgewater, Louisville, Superior, and others) have since adopted local restrictions on assault weapons, ghost guns, age, waiting periods, and open carry.

"CONCERNING LOCAL REGULATION OF FIREARMS."

Senate Bill 21-256 (effective June 19, 2021) — preemption repeal statute

HB19-1177 created Colorado's original Extreme Risk Protection Order regime (now codified at CRS Art. 14.5 of Title 13), allowing family/household members and law enforcement to petition for the temporary surrender of firearms by an individual deemed a significant risk to self or others.

"CONCERNING AN EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER."

House Bill 19-1177 (effective Jan. 1, 2020) — original ERPO statute

SB25-003 prohibits, effective August 1, 2026, the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of 'specified semiautomatic firearms' (semi-auto rifle/shotgun with a detachable magazine, or gas-operated semi-auto handgun with a detachable magazine) unless the buyer holds a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card. Rapid-fire devices are classified as dangerous weapons; possession of a large-capacity magazine becomes a class 1 misdemeanor.

Senate Bill 25-003

HB24-1348 added CRS 18-12-114.5, requiring handguns in unattended vehicles to be stored in a locked hard-sided container (a locked glove compartment or center console qualifies) inside a locked vehicle. Long guns may use hard- or soft-sided locked containers (soft-sided requires a locking device on the firearm). Violation is a civil infraction.

House Bill 24-1348

SB24-131 added CRS 18-12-105.3 prohibiting firearm carry in state legislative buildings, local governing-body buildings, and courthouses (including adjacent parking areas); amended CRS 18-12-105.5 to prohibit firearm carry on licensed child-care-center, K-12, and higher-education property; and amended the polling-place statute (CRS 1-13-724) to extend the 100-foot buffer to drop boxes and central count facilities.

Senate Bill 24-131

HB23-1219 added CRS 18-12-115, requiring a seller to wait the later of three days after background-check initiation or CBI approval before delivering a firearm. Violation is a civil infraction punishable by a $500 fine ($500-$5,000 for repeats).

House Bill 23-1219

SB23-169 raised the minimum age to purchase any firearm (long gun or handgun) to 21. The 10th Circuit reversed a district-court preliminary injunction and held the law presumptively lawful under Bruen in Rocky Mountain Gun Owners v. Polis, 121 F.4th 96 (10th Cir. 2024).

Senate Bill 23-169

SB23-170 repealed and reenacted CRS Art. 14.5 of Title 13, expanding the list of permitted ERPO petitioners beyond family/household members and law enforcement to include licensed health-care providers, licensed mental-health professionals, educators, and district attorneys.

Senate Bill 23-170

SB21-256 amended CRS 29-11.7-103 to allow local governments to enact firearm ordinances at least as restrictive as state law. Multiple home-rule jurisdictions (Denver, Boulder, Boulder County, Edgewater, Louisville, Superior) have since adopted local restrictions, while vehicle-carry preemption survives under CRS 18-12-105.6.

Senate Bill 21-256

HB19-1177 created Colorado's first Extreme Risk Protection Order ('red flag') regime, allowing family/household members and law enforcement to petition a court for a temporary order surrendering firearms by a person deemed a significant risk to self or others.

House Bill 19-1177 (Deputy Zackari Parrish III Violence Prevention Act)