Colorado carry status overview
Colorado requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to carry a concealed handgun. The permit is issued by County sheriff of applicant's residence on a shall-issue basis — meaning the issuing authority must grant the permit if the applicant meets all statutory requirements.
| Concealed carry | Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) required |
| Governing law | Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-203 |
| Minimum age | 21 years old |
| Vehicle carry | Permit required for loaded, concealed carry in a vehicle. |
| Issuing authority | County sheriff of applicant's residence |
| Process | Shall-issue — must be granted if requirements are met |
Visiting Colorado with an out-of-state permit?
Colorado has a rule many travelers miss: it recognizes an out-of-state permit only if you are a resident of the state that issued it (and at least 21). The rule is statutory (C.R.S. § 18-12-213): your carry permit must be issued by your own state of residence, and your ID must match. A non-resident permit — for example, a Utah, Arizona, or Florida permit held by someone who doesn't live there — is not valid in Colorado, even though those permits are honored in many other states.
Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation — CHP Reciprocity ↗ · More on this in our Non-Resident Carry Guide.
Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) — permit details
| Issuing authority | County sheriff of applicant's residence |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Training required | Yes — handgun training course with live-fire component |
| Background check | Yes — state and FBI NICS |
| Application | https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cbi/concealed-handgun-permits ↗ |
Key prohibited locations
- K–12 school buildings and grounds
- Courthouses and court facilities
- Law enforcement and correctional facilities
- Secure areas of airports
- Any location prohibited by federal law
- Private property with posted prohibition
Always verify the complete prohibited locations list at the official statute source.
Frequently asked questions — Colorado
How do I get a Colorado carry permit?
Apply through County sheriff of applicant's residence. You will need to complete the application, meet the minimum age of 21, complete required training (Yes — handgun training course with live-fire component), pass a background check, and pay the applicable fee. Colorado is shall-issue, meaning the permit must be granted if you meet all requirements.
Can I carry in my car without a permit in Colorado?
Permit required for loaded, concealed carry in a vehicle. Without a permit, additional restrictions may apply — verify specific vehicle carry rules with the official statute.
Does Colorado honor out-of-state carry permits?
Colorado recognizes valid carry permits from states that have a reciprocity agreement. Verify the current reciprocity list with County sheriff of applicant's residence or the state attorney general's office, as agreements can change.