Colorado Gun Laws
Carry Information
Legal & Resources
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Colorado have an Assault Weapons Ban? | ✅ Yes. its to take effect in Aug 1st 2026. |
| Are background checks required for private gun sales? | ✅ Yes. Universal background check law applies to all transfers (2013, HB13‑1229). |
| Are background checks required through FFL dealers? | ✅ Yes. NICS-based checks apply to dealer transactions under federal law. |
| Is Colorado a Stand Your Ground state? | 🚫 No. Colorado has “duty to retreat” in public but allows “Castle Doctrine” at home. |
| What kind of restrictions does Colorado have? |
|
| Does Colorado have any gun storage laws? | ✅ Yes. Owners must safely store guns to prevent access by minors or prohibited individuals (HB21-1106 & HB24-1348). |
| Can you buy firearms in bulk in Colorado? | ✅ Yes. No state restrictions limiting quantity purchases. (However FFL store policy may limit the amount, always check first) |
| Does Colorado have a red flag law? | ✅ Yes. Extreme Risk Protection Orders are available under HB19‑1177. |
| Age to purchase firearms? |
|
| Do I have to register my guns in Colorado? | 🚫 No. Colorado does not require civilian firearm registration. |
| Do I need a permit to purchase a handgun? | 🚫 No. No permit required, but background check is mandatory. |
| Does Colorado have a waiting period for firearms? | 🚫 No. Colorado has no state-mandated waiting period beyond background check approval time. |
✅ Yes. its to take effect in Aug 1st 2026.
✅ Yes. Universal background check law applies to all transfers (2013, HB13‑1229).
✅ Yes. NICS-based checks apply to dealer transactions under federal law.
🚫 No. Colorado has “duty to retreat” in public but allows “Castle Doctrine” at home.
- ℹ️ Magazine limit: 15 rounds in assault rifles (SB17‑225)
- ℹ️ Universal background check for private sales
- ℹ️ Age restrictions, prohibited individuals laws, and red flag ERPOs
✅ Yes. No state restrictions limiting quantity purchases. (However FFL store policy may limit the amount, always check first)
✅ Yes. Extreme Risk Protection Orders are available under HB19‑1177.
- ℹ️ Long guns: 18+
- ℹ️ Handguns: 21+
🚫 No. Colorado does not require civilian firearm registration.
🚫 No. No permit required, but background check is mandatory.
🚫 No. Colorado has no state-mandated waiting period beyond background check approval time.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Colorado allow Open Carry? | ✅ Allowed without permit, but prohibited in schools, government buildings, and other sensitive areas. |
| Does Colorado allow Concealed Carry? | ✅ Requires a Colorado CCW permit—applicants must be 21+, complete training, and get approval from the sheriff |
| Non‑Lethal Weapons? | ✅ Pepper spray and stun devices are legal under state law. |
| Places allowed to carry? | ✅ Permit holders may carry concealed almost anywhere **except** restricted locations (schools, courthouses, state hospitals). |
| Places not allowed to carry? | 🚫 CCW does NOT override bans in restricted zones like K–12 campuses, government buildings, and polling places. |
| States honored? | 🚫 Colorado does **not recognize** out-of-state carry permits. |
| States reciprocate? | ✅ Colorado's permit is recognized in these states:
⚠️ Some states have residency or permit-type conditions. Always verify before travel. |
| Permit duration & renewal? | ℹ️ 5 years |
| Can you conceal anything other than a handgun? | 🚫 No. Only handguns. |
| Permit Licensure? | ℹ️ Sheriff of their county of residence |
✅ Allowed without permit, but prohibited in schools, government buildings, and other sensitive areas.
✅ Requires a Colorado CCW permit—applicants must be 21+, complete training, and get approval from the sheriff
✅ Pepper spray and stun devices are legal under state law.
✅ Permit holders may carry concealed almost anywhere **except** restricted locations (schools, courthouses, state hospitals).
🚫 CCW does NOT override bans in restricted zones like K–12 campuses, government buildings, and polling places.
🚫 Colorado does **not recognize** out-of-state carry permits.
✅ Colorado's permit is recognized in these states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
⚠️ Some states have residency or permit-type conditions. Always verify before travel.
ℹ️ 5 years
🚫 No. Only handguns.
ℹ️ Sheriff of their county of residence
| Resources | Links |
|---|---|
| Federal & State Law | |
| Training & Emergency Orders | |
| Safety & Storage |
Colorado Leadership
- Born: May 12, 1975 (Boulder, Colorado)
- Term Started: January 8, 2019
- Previous Role: U.S. Representative (2009–2019)
- Born: November 28, 1964 (New Delhi, India)
- Senate Service: Since January 21, 2009
- Previous Role: Superintendent of Denver Public Schools
- Born: February 7, 1952 (Narberth, Pennsylvania)
- Senate Service: Since January 3, 2021
- Previous Role: Governor of Colorado (2011–2019)