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 | No permit required§ 18-12-105(2)(b) — a person in a private automobile carrying a weapon for lawful protection while travelling. Long guns must have an empty chamber (§ 33-6-125) |
| Issuing authority | County sheriff of applicant's residence |
| Process | Shall-issue — must be granted if requirements are met |
Your car is the exception — and we had it backwards
Until September 2026 this page said a permit was required for loaded, concealed carry in a vehicle. That is wrong, and wrong in the direction that costs people a right they have. C.R.S. § 18-12-105(2)(b) exempts “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.” Colorado’s own Department of Public Safety puts it plainly: a permit is not required, and the handgun is not considered concealed, when you are in a private vehicle.
Nothing in that exception requires the handgun to be unloaded, and it draws no distinction between residents and visitors. Long guns are a separate rule — under § 33-6-125 any firearm other than a pistol or revolver must have an empty chamber in a vehicle.
Colorado repealed preemption, so “Colorado law” is no longer the whole answer
In 2021 SB 21-256 declared firearm regulation a matter of state and local concern. Local governments, special districts and public universities may now enact rules stricter than state law — including ordinances that bar a CHP holder from carrying in a particular building or area. Denver and Boulder prohibit open carry. A statewide summary, including ours, cannot tell you what is lawful on a given street.
One protection survived: under § 18-12-105.6, local jurisdictions may not restrict your ability to travel with a weapon. Driving through is protected in a way that stopping and walking around is not.
Two other changes worth knowing. From July 1, 2025, HB 24-1174 requires CHP applicants to complete 8 hours of in-person training including live fire and a written exam, taught by a sheriff-verified instructor — online-only courses no longer qualify. And SB 24-131 (2024) expanded prohibited “sensitive spaces” to include government buildings, polling places and public college campuses.
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.