Colorado Concealed Carry Laws & Information

We try to stay as up to date as possible, but always check with local law enforcement to be sure about which states honor your states permit.

The following states have permitless carry. This means that if you can legally possess a firearm in that state you can carry it concealed without a permit/license. You still have to abide by all conceaeled carry laws in that state. Please note that the last three states only allow residents to carry without a permit/license. Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, Idaho (Residents Only), North Dakota (Residents Only), Wyoming (Residents Only).

Information compiled from various state government and private sites from around the web.

How This State Honors Other States Permits & Licenses

Colorado recognises permits from the following states:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, 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.

Colorado does not Honor Non-Resident Permits or Licenses for Carry. You must be a resident of the state and should be at least 21 years old to honor your permit and to be valid in Colorado.

18-12-213. Reciprocity

(1) A permit to carry a concealed handgun or a concealed weapon that is issued by a state that recognizes the validity of permits issued pursuant to this part 2 shall be valid in this state in all respects as a permit issued pursuant to this part 2 if the permit is issued to a person who is:

(a) Twenty-one years of age or older; and

(b)

(I) A resident of the state that issued the permit, as demonstrated by the address stated on a valid picture identification that is issued by the state that issued the permit and is carried by the permit holder; or

(II) A resident of Colorado for no more than ninety days, as determined by the date of issuance on a valid picture identification issued by Colorado and carried by the permit holder.

(2) For purposes of this section, a "valid picture identification" means a driver's license or a state identification issued in lieu of a driver's license. (History: L. 2003: Entire part added, p. 646, § 1, effective May 17.L. 2007: Entire section amended, p. 956, § 1, effective May 17.)

How to Apply for a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit

The Local Sheriff in Colorado issues the Permit/Licenses. You may Contact them and they will give you the application and Information you need to apply for a permit/license. A Colorado permit to carry is valid for 5 years and costs $52.50 to the state plus the Sheriff can charge you additional fees up to $100.00. See Fee Chart here.

18-12-205. Sheriff - Application - Procedure - Background Check

(1)

(a) To obtain a permit, a person shall submit a permit application on a statewide standardized form developed by the sheriffs and available from each sheriff. The permit application form shall solicit only the following information from the applicant:

(I) The applicant's full name, date of birth, and address;

(II) The applicant's birth name, if different from the name provided pursuant to subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (a), and any other names the applicant may have used or by which the applicant may have been known;

(III) The applicant's home address or addresses for the ten-year period immediately preceding submittal of the application;

(IV) Whether the applicant is a resident of this state as of the date of application and whether the applicant has a valid driver's license or other state-issued photo identification or military order proving residence; and

(V) Whether the applicant meets the criteria for obtaining a permit specified in section 18-12-203 (1).

(b) The permit application form shall not require the applicant to waive or release a right or privilege, including but not limited to waiver or release of privileged or confidential information contained in medical records.

(2)

(a) An applicant shall complete the permit application form and return it, in person, to the sheriff of the county or city and county in which the applicant resides or to the sheriff of the county or city and county in which the applicant maintains a secondary residence or owns or leases real property used by the applicant in a business. The applicant shall sign the completed permit application form in person before the sheriff. The applicant shall provide his or her signature voluntarily upon a sworn oath that the applicant knows the contents of the permit application and that the information contained in the permit application is true and correct. An applicant who knowingly and intentionally makes a false or misleading statement on a permit application or deliberately omits any material information requested on the application commits perjury as described in section 18-8-503. Upon conviction, the applicant shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-501. In addition, the applicant shall be denied the right to obtain or possess a permit, and the sheriff shall revoke the applicant's permit if issued prior to conviction.

(b) An applicant shall also submit to the sheriff a permit fee not to exceed one hundred dollars for processing the permit application. The sheriff shall set the amount of the permit fee as provided in subsection (5) of this section. In addition, the applicant shall submit an amount specified by the director of the bureau, pursuant to section 24-72-306, C.R.S., for processing the applicant's fingerprints through the bureau and through the federal bureau of investigation. Neither the permit fee nor the fingerprint processing fee shall be refundable in the event the sheriff denies the applicant's permit application or suspends or revokes the permit subsequent to issuance.

(3) In addition to the items specified in subsection (2) of this section, an applicant, when submitting the completed permit application, shall submit the following items to the sheriff:

(a) Documentary evidence demonstrating competence with a handgun as specified in section 18-12-203 (1) (h); and

(b) A full frontal view color photograph of the applicant's head taken within the thirty days immediately preceding submittal of the permit application; except that the applicant need not submit a photograph if the sheriff photographs the applicant for purposes of issuing a permit. Any photograph submitted shall show the applicant's full head, including hair and facial features, and the depiction of the applicant's head shall measure one and one-eighth inches wide and one and one-fourth inches high.

(4)

(a) The sheriff shall witness an applicant's signature on the permit application as provided in subsection (2) of this section and verify that the person making application for a permit is the same person who appears in any photograph submitted and the same person who signed the permit application form. To verify the applicant's identity, the applicant shall present to the sheriff the applicant's valid Colorado driver's license or valid Colorado or military photo identification.

(b) After verifying the applicant's identity, the sheriff shall take two complete sets of the applicant's fingerprints. The sheriff shall submit both sets of fingerprints to the bureau, and the sheriff shall not retain a set of the applicant's fingerprints.

(c) After receipt of a permit application and the items specified in this section, the sheriff shall verify that the applicant meets the criteria specified in section 18-12-203 (1) and is not a danger as described in section 18-12-203 (2). The verification at a minimum shall include requesting the bureau to conduct a search of the national instant criminal background check system and a search of the state integrated criminal justice information system to determine whether the applicant meets the criteria specified in section 18-12-203 (1). In addition, if the applicant resides in a municipality or town, the sheriff shall consult with the police department of the municipality or town in which the applicant resides, and the sheriff may consult with other local law enforcement agencies.

(5) The sheriff in each county or city and county in the state shall establish the amount of the new and renewal permit fees within his or her jurisdiction. The amount of the new and renewal permit fees shall comply with the limits specified in paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of this section and section 18-12-211 (1), respectively. The fee amounts shall reflect the actual direct and indirect costs to the sheriff of processing permit applications and renewal applications pursuant to this part 2. (Source: L. 2003: Entire part added, p. 640, § 1, effective May 17.)

For Renewal:

HB-14-1166 signed by the Governor 3/14/14 allows permit holders to renew the permit with the sheriff of the county or city and county in which the applicant resides or with the sheriff of the county or city and county in which the applicant maintains a secondary residence or owns or leases real property used by the applicant in a business. Previously it had to be renewed with the Sheriff who issued the permit/license.

Applying for Emergency Permits

A person can obtain an Emergency Permit if they can demonstrate to the Sheriff that they are in immediate danger without a training certificated per 18-12-209. It is valid for 90 days and can be extended. It can be issued to those 18 or older per the statute. See 18-12-209 for more information but talking to your local Sheriff would be the best course of action if you believe you are in immediate danger.

When Moving to Colorado

Per Colorado Statute 18-12-213 if you move into Colorado with a valid permit from your previous state of residence and Colorado has reciprocity with your previous state of residence your previous home state permit is valid for 90 days as determined by the date of issuance on a valid picture identification issued by Colorado and carried by the permit holder. When you have been a resident of Colorado for 90 days your previous state of residency permit is no longer valid. That gives you time to obtain a Colorado Permit.

Take note that the New law passed amends 18-12-202 stating that training must be face to face with an Instructor. Online type training does not meet Colorado Law.

How to Obtain A Non-Resident Colorado Concealed Carry Permit

18-12-203. Criteria For Obtaining A Permit

(a) Is a legal resident of the state of Colorado. For purposes of this part 2, a person who is a member of the armed forces and is stationed pursuant to permanent duty station orders at a military installation in this state, and a member of the person's immediate family living in Colorado, shall be deemed to be a legal resident of the state of Colorado.

If you are in the military and are stationed in Colorado, you and your immediate family are considered residents of Colorado and can obtain a Colorado permit/license to carry.

The Colorado law states only “Residents” but with this on the application, it may be possible if you own a business or property and can give a good reason for a CO permit, they may issue you one. Check with the Sheriff of the County that you own property or have a business - most they can say is "No".

Places You Can Not Carry Even With a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit

18-12-214. Authority Granted By Permit - Carrying Restrictions

(1)

(a) A permit to carry a concealed handgun authorizes the permittee to carry a concealed handgun in all areas of the state, except as specifically limited in this section. A permit does not authorize the permittee to use a handgun in a manner that would violate a provision of state law. A local government does not have authority to adopt or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would conflict with any provision of this part 2.

(b) A peace officer may temporarily disarm a permittee, incident to a lawful stop of the permittee. The peace officer shall return the handgun to the permittee prior to discharging the permittee from the scene.

(2) A permit issued pursuant to this part 2 does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun into a place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law. (Page 18-senate bill 03-024)

(3) A permit issued pursuant to this part 2 does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun onto the real property, or into any improvements erected thereon, of a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school; except that:

(a) A permittee may have a handgun on the real property of the public school so long as the handgun remains in his or her vehicle and, if the permittee is not in the vehicle, the handgun is in a compartment within the vehicle and the vehicle is locked.

(b) A permittee who is employed or retained by contract by a school district as a school security officer may carry a concealed handgun onto the real property, or into any improvement erected thereon, of a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school while the permittee is on duty.

(c) A permittee may carry a concealed handgun on undeveloped real property owned by a school district that is used for hunting or other shooting sports.

(4) A permit issued pursuant to this part 2 does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun into a public building at which:

(a) Security personnel and electronic weapons screening devices are permanently in place at each entrance to the building;

(b) Security personnel electronically screen each person who enters the building to determine whether the person is carrying a weapon of any kind; and

(c) Security personnel require each person who is carrying a weapon of any kind to leave the weapon in possession of security personnel while the person is in the building.

(5) 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.

(6) the provisions of this section apply to temporary emergency permits issued pursuant to section 18-12-209.

33-14-117. Hunting, Carrying Weapons on Snowmobiles - Prohibitions

(1) It is unlawful for any person to:

(a) Hunt any wildlife from a snowmobile;
(b) Operate or ride on any snowmobile with any firearm in his or her possession, unless such firearm is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case or inserted in a scabbard, or with any bow unless it is unstrung or cased, but this paragraph (b) does not apply to any person to whom the division has issued a permit for the control of predators such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and the like;

18-9-118. Firearms, Explosives, or Incendiary Devices In Facilities of Public Transportation

A person commits a class 6 felony if, without legal authority, he has any loaded firearm or explosive or incendiary device, as defined in section 9-7-103, C.R.S., in his possession in, or carries, brings, or causes to be carried or brought any of such items into, any facility of public transportation, as defined in section 18-9-115 (4). (History: Source:. L. 77: Entire section added, p. 976, § 7, effective June 29.L. 89: Entire section amended, p. 841, § 89, effective July 1.)

There have been reports that those with a valid permit can’t carry on Public Transportation in Colorado such as Buses. Actually, Carry is allowed on public transportation if you have a valid permit because your valid permit is “Legal Authority.”

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The Courts have upheld the right of Denver to ban the so called Saturday Night Specials and Assault Weapons. Click here to see more information on these banned firearms in Denver.

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Please be mindful that Denver International Airport (DIA) has signs posted at the entrance of the Terminal stating:

It is a FELONY OFFENSE for any person without legal authority to bring a loaded firearm or explosive or incendiary device into the airport or aboard a commercial aircraft. Violators may be sentenced to five years imprisonment a fine of $10.000 or both.

So those persons with a valid permit/license can carry into the airport but not into the sterile areas of the airport. Your valid permit/license is your "legal authority". The only reference to firearms in the DIA Rules/Regulations states a Permit/License holder can’t carry into secure areas of the airport. Secure areas would be past the TSA security checkpoint and anywhere else in the terminal or grounds off limits to passengers.
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Basic Questions On Concealed Carry at CU-Boulder by CU-Boulder Administration

CU Police Dept “Weapons on Campus”

“No Gun Signs” Don't Have the Force of Law

“No Firearm” signs in Colorado have no force of law unless they are posted on property that is specifically mentioned in the State Law as being off limits to those with a Permit/License to Carry. If you are in a place not specifically mentioned in the law that is posted and they ask you to leave, you must leave. If you refuse to leave then you are breaking the law and can be charged. Even if the property is not posted and you are asked to leave you must leave. Always be aware of the possibility that responding Police Officers who may have been called without your knowledge and may not know the laws on trespass etc. could arrest you even if you are within the law.

Allows Open Carry (Even Without a Valid Permit/License)

Open Carry is legal in Colorado with exceptions. Places as listed in the “Places Off Limits” apply to those who open carry. Those who open Carry also have more restrictions than those with a Concealed Carry Permit/License. Public Transportation is off limits to those who Open Carry. (See 18-9-118). See also the “RV/Car Carry Without a Permit” section for carrying in a vehicle.

Denver won a court case stating that it can control Open Carry in Denver and Open Carry is illegal in Denver. Other cities have banned Open Carry on their city owned property. The Minimum age requirement for Open Carry is 18 years old.

29-11.7-104. Regulation - Carrying - Posting

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. If a local government enacts an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area, the local government shall post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that the open carrying of firearms is prohibited in the building or specific area.

Open Carry could be forbidden in places where those with a valid permit/license can carry, please continue reading for more.

Car/RV Carry Without a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit

18-12-204. Permit Contents - Validity - Carrying Requirements

(3) (a) A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry a handgun under the following circumstances without obtaining a permit and the handgun shall not be considered concealed:

(I) The handgun is in the possession of a person who is in a private automobile or in some other private means of conveyance and who carries the handgun for a legal use, including self-defense.

You may also see Misc. Section on what Colorado Considers a Loaded Long Gun.

Must Inform Officer Immediately on Contact By Law?

The answer "No".

18-12-204. (2) (a) A permittee, in compliance with the terms of a permit, may carry a concealed handgun as allowed by state law. 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. Failure to produce a permit upon demand by a law enforcement officer raises a rebuttable presumption that the person does not have a permit. Failure to carry and produce a permit and valid photo identification upon demand as required in this subsection (2) is a class 1 petty offense. A charge of failure to carry and produce a permit and valid photo identification upon demand pursuant to this subsection (2) shall be dismissed by the court if, at or before the permittee's scheduled court appearance, the permittee exhibits to the court a valid permit and valid photo identification, both of which were issued to the permittee prior to the date on which the permittee was charged with failure to carry and produce a permit and valid photo identification upon demand.

State Preemption

18-12-105.6. Limitation On Local Ordinances Regarding Firearms In Private Vehicles

(1) The general assembly hereby finds that:

(a) A person carrying a weapon in a private automobile or other Private means of conveyance for hunting or for lawful protection of such Person's or another's person or property, as permitted in sections 18-12-105 (2) (b) and 18-12-105.5 (3) (c), may tend to travel within a county, city and county, or municipal jurisdiction or in or through different County, city and county, and municipal jurisdictions, en route to the Person's destination;

(b) Inconsistent laws exist in local jurisdictions with regard to the Circumstances under which weapons may be carried in automobiles and Other private means of conveyance;

(c) This inconsistency creates a confusing patchwork of laws that Unfairly subjects a person who lawfully travels with a weapon in or through One jurisdiction to criminal penalties because he or she travels within a jurisdiction or into or through another jurisdiction;

(d) This inconsistency places citizens in the position of not knowing When they may be violating local laws while traveling within a jurisdiction or in, through, or between different jurisdictions, and Therefore being unable to avoid committing a crime.

(2)

(a) Based on the findings specified in subsection (1) of this Section, the general assembly concludes that the carrying of weapons in Private automobiles or other private means of conveyance for hunting or For lawful protection of a person's or another's person or property while Traveling into, or through, or within, a municipal, county, or city and County jurisdiction, regardless of the number of times the person stops in A jurisdiction, is a matter of statewide concern and is not an offense.

(b) 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 of a person's or another's person or Property while traveling into, or through, or within, a municipal, county, Or city and county jurisdiction, regardless of the number of times the person Stops in a jurisdiction. (Source: L. 2000: Entire section added, p. 1009, § 2, effective August 2. L. 2003: Entire section amended, p. 651, § 1, effective March 18.)

29-11.7-101. Legislative Declaration

(1) The general assembly hereby finds that:

(a) Section 3 of article II of the state constitution, the article referred to as the state bill of rights, declares that all persons have certain inalienable rights, which include the right to defend their lives and liberties;
(b) Section 13 of article II of the state constitution protects the fundamental right of a person to keep and bear arms and implements section 3 of article II of the state constitution;
(c) The general assembly recognizes a duty to protect and defend the fundamental civil rights set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection (1);
(d) There exists a widespread inconsistency among jurisdictions within the state with regard to firearms regulations;
(e) This inconsistency among local government laws regulating lawful firearm possession and ownership has extraterritorial impact on state citizens and the general public by subjecting them to criminal and civil penalties in some jurisdictions for conduct wholly lawful in other jurisdictions;
(f) Inconsistency among local governments of laws regulating the possession and ownership of firearms results in persons being treated differently under the law solely on the basis of where they reside, and a person's residence in a particular county or city or city and county is not a rational classification when it is the basis for denial of equal treatment under the law;
(g) This inconsistency places citizens in the position of not knowing when they may be violating the local laws and therefore being unable to avoid violating the law and becoming subject to criminal and other penalties.

(2) Based on the findings specified in subsection (1) of this section, the general assembly concludes that:

(a) The regulation of firearms is a matter of statewide concern;
(b) It is necessary to provide statewide laws concerning the possession and ownership of a firearm to ensure that law-abiding persons are not unfairly placed in the position of unknowingly committing crimes involving firearms. (Source: L. 2003: Entire article added, p. 652, § 2, effective March 18.)

29-11.7-102. Firearms Database - Prohibited

(1) 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. (Source: L. 2003: Entire article added, p. 653, § 2, effective March 18.)

29-11.7-103. Regulation - Type Of Firearm - Prohibited

A local government may not enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the sale, purchase, or possession of a firearm that a person may lawfully sell, purchase, or possess under state or federal law. Any such ordinance, regulation, or other law enacted by a local government prior to March 18, 2003, is void and unenforceable. (Source: L. 2003: Entire article added, p. 653, § 2, effective March 18.)

29-11.7-104. Regulation - Carrying - Posting

ANNOTATION

Law reviews: For article, "In the Crosshairs: Colorado's New Gun Laws", see 33 Colo. Law. 11 (January 2004).

This section clarifies the scope of § 18-12-105 (2)(b) and indicates the general assembly's intent that local ordinances on carrying weapons in private vehicles be preempted only insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this section. Trinen v. City & County of Denver, 53 P.3d 754 (Colo. App. 2002).

The use of the limiting language "into or through" in subsection (2) reflects the general assembly's intent not to restrict local weapons ordinances insofar as they apply to travel wholly within local jurisdictions. Trinen v. City & County of Denver, 53 P.3d 754 (Colo. App. 2002). (Decided under law as it existed prior to the 2003 amendments to subsection (2)).

Laws Regarding Deadly Force

Title 18, Article 1, Part 7

18-1-701. Execution of public duty.
18-1-702. Choice of evils.
18-1-703. Use of physical force - special relationships.
18-1-704. Use of physical force in defense of a person.
18-1-704.5. Use of deadly physical force against an intruder.
18-1-705. Use of physical force in defense of premises.
18-1-706. Use of physical force in defense of property.
18-1-707. Use of physical force in making an arrest or in preventing an escape.
18-1-708. Duress.
18-1-709. Entrapment.
18-1-710. Affirmative defense.

Laws Regarding Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns, and Higher Capacity Magazines

18-12-301. Definitions. As Used In This Part 3, Unless the Context Otherwise Requires:

(1) "Bureau" means the Colorado Bureau of Investigation created and existing pursuant to section 24-33.5- 401, C.R.S.

(2)

(a) "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 or ammunition;
(II) a fixed, tubular shotgun magazine that holds more than twenty-eight inches of shotgun shells, including any extension device that is attached to the magazine and holds additional shotgun shells; or
(III) a nontubular, detachable magazine, box, drum, feed strip, or similar device that is capable of accepting more than eight shotgun shells when combined with a fixed magazine.

(b) "large-capacity magazine" does not mean:

(I) a feeding device that has been permanently altered so that it cannot accommodate more than fifteen rounds of ammunition;
(II) an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition; or
(III) a tubular magazine that is contained in a lever-action firearm.

18-12-302. Large-Capacity Magazines Prohibited - Penalties - Exceptions

(1)

(a) except as otherwise provided in this section, on and after July 1,2013, a person who sells, transfers, or possesses a large-capacity magazine commits a class 2 misdemeanor.
(b) any person who violates subsection (1) of this section after having been convicted of a prior violation of said subsection (1) commits a class 1 misdemeanor.
(c) any person who violates subsection (1) of this section commits a class 6 felony if the person possessed a large-capacity magazine during the commission of a felony or any crime of violence, as defined in section 18-1.3-406.

(2)

(a) a person may possess a large-capacity magazine if he or she:

(I) Owns the large-capacity magazine on July 1, 2013; and
(II) maintains continuous possession of the large-capacity magazine.

(b) if a person who is alleged to have violated subsection (1) of this section asserts that he or she is permitted to legally possess a large-capacity magazine pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (2), the prosecution has the burden of proof to refute the assertion.

The Colorado Attorney General has put out a “Guidance Letter” for the Dept. of Public Safety on implementation of the Magazine Ban as requested by the Governor. You can read that letter here. A previous letter on Technical Guidance and more information can be viewed here.

Denver Colorado Ordinance

Sec. 38-130. - Assault Weapons

(b)

(1) Assault weapon shall include all firearms with any of the following characteristics:

(d) Any firearm which has been modified to be operable as an assault weapon as defined herein.
(e) Any part or combination of parts designed or intended to convert a firearm into an assault weapon, including a detachable magazine with a capacity of twenty-one (21) or more rounds, or any combination of parts from which an assault weapon may be readily assembled if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person.

Take note, with the new State Magazine limitations that started on 7/1/13, the Denver Ordinance will most likely be amended to state 15 rounds. Even with their ordinance stating 21 rounds after 7/1/13, the state limit will be 15.

Airport Carry and Other Misc. Information

Airport Carry: No laws found

Training Valid for: 3 Years From Honorable Discharge from Military Service while 10 Years if you have pistol qualification

Time Period to Establish Residency: The Law says for Legal Resident

Minimum Age for Permit/License: 21 Years Old

Permit/License Info Public Information: NO

State Reciprocity/How They Honor Other States Statute: 18-12-213.

State Fire arm Laws: CRS 18-12-201 thru 216 & CRS 29-11.7-101 thru 104 & CRS 18-12-101; Thru 111 & CRS 33-14-117 & CRS 33-6-125

State Deadly Force Laws: 18-1-701 thru 18-1-710

State Knife Laws: 18-12-101 thru 18-12-111

Chemical/Electric Weapons Laws: 18-12-106.5 & 107 (Elec)

Body Armor Laws: No laws found

Does Your Permit Cover Other Weapons Besides Firearms? NO; 18-12-204

Is carrying of a Concealed Firearm with Permit/License for Defensive Purposes Only While Hunting Legal? Yes, since there were no mentions of carrying handguns except for hunting in CO Laws/Regs. When there is not a law against something then it is legal.

When does Colorado consider a firearm loaded?

33-6-125. Possession Of A Loaded Firearm In A Motor Vehicle

It is unlawful for any person, except a person authorized by law or by the division, to possess or have under his control any firearm, other than a pistol or revolver, in or on any motor vehicle unless the chamber of such firearm is unloaded. Any person in possession or in control of a rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle shall allow any peace officer, as defined in section 33-1-102 (32), who is empowered and acting under the authority granted in section 33-6-101 to enforce articles 1 to 6 of this title to inspect the chamber of any rifle or shotgun in the motor vehicle. For the purposes of this section, a "muzzle-loader" shall be considered unloaded if it is not primed, and, for such purpose, "primed" means having a percussion cap on the nipple or flint in the striker and powder in the flash pan. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of fifty dollars and an assessment of fifteen license suspension points.

18-12-108.5. Possession of Handguns by Juveniles - Prohibited - Exceptions - Penalty

(1)

(a) Except as provided in this section, it is unlawful for any person who has not attained the age of eighteen years knowingly to have any handgun in such person's possession.

(b) Any person possessing any handgun in violation of paragraph (a) of this subsection (1) commits the offense of illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.

(c)

(I) Illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile is a class 2 misdemeanor.

(II) For any second or subsequent offense, illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile is a class 5 felony.

(d) Any person under the age of eighteen years who is taken into custody by a law enforcement officer for an offense pursuant to this section shall be taken into temporary custody in the manner described in section 19-2-508, C.R.S.

(2) This section shall not apply to:

(a) Any person under the age of eighteen years who is:

(I) In attendance at a hunter's safety course or a firearms safety course; or

(II) Engaging in practice in the use of a firearm or target shooting at an established range authorized by the governing body of the jurisdiction in which such range is located or any other area where the discharge of a firearm is not prohibited; or

(III) Engaging in an organized competition involving the use of a firearm or participating in or practicing for a performance by an organized group under 501 (c) (3) as determined by the federal internal revenue service which uses firearms as a part of such performance; or

(IV) Hunting or trapping pursuant to a valid license issued to such person pursuant to article 4 of title 33, C.R.S.; or

(V) Traveling with any handgun in such person's possession being unloaded to or from any activity described in subparagraph (I), (II), (III), or (IV) of this paragraph (a);

(b) Any person under the age of eighteen years who is on real property under the control of such person's parent, legal guardian, or grandparent and who has the permission of such person's parent or legal guardian to possess a handgun;

(c) Any person under the age of eighteen years who is at such person's residence and who, with the permission of such person's parent or legal guardian, possesses a handgun for the purpose of exercising the rights contained in section 18-1-704 or section 18-1-704.5

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) of this section, a handgun is "loaded" if:

(a) There is a cartridge in the chamber of the handgun; or

(b) There is a cartridge in the cylinder of the handgun, if the handgun is a revolver; or

(c) The handgun, and the ammunition for such handgun, is carried on the person of a person under the age of eighteen years or is in such close proximity to such person that such person could readily gain access to the handgun and the ammunition and load the handgun.

If you carry off a body in a fanny pack/purse or in the console or glove box and a person under 18 years old is near or riding in your vehicle with you, that person under 18 years old could be considered to have access to that firearm violating the law. People have been charged with Child Endangerment using this law in Colorado. The firearm does not have to be loaded. If the firearm and ammo are within close proximity of the person under that said age then it is a violation.

State Emergency Powers

24-33.5-704. The Governor and Disaster Emergencies - Expert Emergency Epidemic Response Committee – Creation

(1) The governor is responsible for meeting the dangers to the state and people presented by disasters.

(2) Under this part 7, the governor may issue executive orders, proclamations, and regulations and amend or rescind them. Executive orders, proclamations, and regulations have the force and effect of law.

(6) During the continuance of any state of disaster emergency, the governor is commander-in-chief of the organized and unorganized militia and of all other forces available for emergency duty. To the greatest extent practicable, the governor shall delegate or assign command authority by prior arrangement embodied in appropriate executive orders or regulations, but nothing in this section restricts the governor's authority to do so by orders issued at the time of the disaster emergency.

(7) In addition to any other powers conferred upon the governor by law, the governor may:

(a) Suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or the orders, rules, or regulations of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any statute, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency;

(b) Utilize all available resources of the state government and of each political subdivision of the state as reasonably necessary to cope with the disaster emergency;

(d) Subject to any applicable requirements for compensation under section 24-33.5-711, commandeer or utilize any private property if the governor finds this necessary to cope with the disaster emergency;

(f) Prescribe routes, modes of transportation, and destinations in connection with evacuation;

(g) Control ingress to and egress from a disaster area, the movement of persons within the area, and the occupancy of premises therein;

(h) Suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation of alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives, or combustibles;

The Federal Law can apply if the state is receiving monetary and/or other assistance from the Federal Government. See US Code 42-5207 for Federal Law as it applies to States of Emergencies. The state quoted code may also not be all of the law on Emergency Powers held by the state. You should read the entire code on Emergency Powers for this state by following the link to the state code.

Minimum Age for Possessing and Transporting of Handguns

Colorado: 18 Years Old

18-12-108.5 & 18-12-108.7

This is the minimum age for possessing and transporting a handgun unloaded and secured in a vehicle without any type of permit/license to carry firearms. In some states Possession and Transportation CAN be very restrictive in that you can ONLY possess and transport a handgun to and from a Shooting Range, Gun Shop, property you own or other places you can legally possess a handgun. Some states do not have this restriction. Read more about your state law for more information.

With Colorado’s Universal Background Checks, private handgun sales to those under 21 years old would be impossible due to the background check not allowing those under 21 years of age to purchase a handgun. The Colorado Law does allow the following types of transfers to those under age 21.

18-12-112 (6). The provisions of this section do not apply to:

(b) a transfer that is a bona fide gift or loan between Immediate family members, which are limited to spouses, parents, Children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, First cousins, aunts, and uncles;