Colorado is a state that takes firearms training seriously — and it shows in the concealed carry permit process. Unlike states that issue permits without any training requirement, Colorado mandates that applicants demonstrate actual proficiency with a handgun, including live-fire qualification. There is no permitless carry in Colorado. If you want to carry concealed in the state, you must go through the county sheriff's process and complete an approved course.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit (CCP) in 2025.
No Permitless Carry in Colorado
Colorado has not enacted constitutional or permitless carry legislation. As of 2025, a permit is required to carry a concealed handgun in Colorado. This is an important distinction from neighboring states like Arizona, New Mexico (limited), Utah (permitless passed 2021), and Wyoming, which all have some form of permitless carry.
What this means practically: the training requirement isn't optional. You must demonstrate competency with a handgun before Colorado will issue your permit.
Colorado CCP Training Requirement
Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-203 requires that CCP applicants demonstrate competence with a handgun. The standard for "demonstration" includes completion of a handgun safety course that meets state requirements.
The training course must include:
- Basic firearms safety rules
- How to safely load and unload a handgun
- Colorado's laws on use of force and deadly force
- Marksmanship fundamentals
- Live-fire qualification — you must actually shoot and demonstrate proficiency on a range
This is where Colorado's requirement differs from many states: the live-fire component is not symbolic. You must show that you can safely and accurately operate a handgun. Most approved courses include a practical shooting exercise at multiple distances.
Approved training methods include:
- Completion of a handgun safety course offered by a Colorado-certified instructor
- Prior training from law enforcement or military
- NRA Basic Pistol or similar courses
- Competitive shooting experience in organized leagues
Talk to your prospective instructor to confirm their course meets county requirements — not all firearms courses automatically qualify.
Find Colorado CCW training on TrainingOS with instructors offering live-fire qualification.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit:
- Be 21 or older
- Be a legal resident of Colorado (county of residence application)
- Not be prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law
- No felony convictions
- No domestic violence convictions or active protection orders
- Not adjudicated as a mental defective or involuntarily committed to a mental institution
- No convictions for misdemeanor crimes of violence in the past 10 years
- Not be an unlawful user of controlled substances
- Not under indictment for a felony
The Application Process (Step by Step)
Step 1 — Complete your training course. Attend a Colorado-approved handgun safety course with live-fire qualification. Receive your certificate.
Step 2 — Contact your county sheriff. Colorado CCP applications go through the sheriff of the county where you reside. Contact their office for the specific application form and any county-specific requirements — some counties have additional forms or preferences.
Step 3 — Complete the application. The application covers your personal information, eligibility, and training. You'll sign it under oath.
Step 4 — Fingerprinting. Many Colorado counties require fingerprints as part of the background check process. The sheriff's office will direct you on where to be fingerprinted.
Step 5 — Pay the fee. The Colorado CCP fee is $52.50. Some counties may charge a small additional administrative fee on top of this. Colorado does not offer a fee waiver for veterans.
Step 6 — Submit your complete application. Submit your application, training certificate, and payment in person at the sheriff's office. Some counties accept mail submissions — verify with your county first.
Step 7 — Background check and wait. Colorado conducts a background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the FBI. The sheriff has 90 days to issue or deny your permit. Most applicants receive their permit in 45–70 days.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Handgun training course (with live fire) | $100–$175 |
| Fingerprinting | $10–$25 |
| State permit fee | $52.50 |
| Total | ~$162–$252 |
The Colorado CCP is valid for 5 years. Renewal costs $13 and does not require repeat training — one of the lowest renewal fees in the country.
Denver — Stricter Local Rules
Denver operates under a home-rule charter that allows it to enact gun laws stricter than state law. Key Denver-specific restrictions:
Assault weapon ban. Denver prohibits the possession, sale, or transfer of "assault weapons" (broadly defined to include semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines and certain features). This applies within Denver city limits regardless of state law.
High-capacity magazine ban. Denver bans magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds.
Concealed carry remains governed by state permit. Denver cannot independently prohibit CCP holders from carrying handguns in locations permitted under state law, but the assault weapon restrictions apply citywide.
Aurora has similar ordinances. The City of Aurora has enacted similar assault weapon and magazine restrictions.
If you live in or frequently visit Denver or Aurora, be aware that your state permit doesn't override these local ordinances.
Colorado CCP Reciprocity
Colorado's Concealed Carry Permit is recognized by approximately 34 states. States that honor it include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, and others.
States that do NOT recognize Colorado's CCP include California, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and a few others.
Always verify current reciprocity before traveling.
Renewal
Colorado CCP holders must renew every 5 years. Renewal is handled through the same county sheriff's office. Requirements:
- Completed renewal application
- $13 renewal fee (notably low)
- No repeat training required
The affordable renewal fee makes maintaining your Colorado CCP one of the lowest long-term costs of any state permit.
Why Colorado's Training Requirement Is a Feature, Not a Bug
It's tempting to view training requirements as bureaucratic friction. But Colorado's live-fire requirement serves a real purpose: it ensures that everyone carrying a concealed handgun in the state has demonstrated they can actually operate one safely. That benefits everyone — permit holders, bystanders, and law enforcement alike.
Knowing the law is equally important. Colorado's use-of-force statutes, justification defenses, and duty-to-retreat rules have nuances that casual carry can miss. A quality training course covers all of it.
Find Colorado CCW courses on TrainingOS and book a course that includes live-fire qualification. Browse all defensive carry and CCW courses to compare instructors near you.
Related: State Guides
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