Colorado Concealed Carry: Laws and Reciprocity

by | State Reciprocity and Restrictions

Last updated on February 6th, 2019 at 04:05 pm

Colorado is a shall issue state, and requires applicants be 21 years old. Furthermore, applicants must be able to provide evidence of firearms safety/proficiency training within the past 10 years. This training cannot consist solely of an online course. Applicants should submit their completed paperwork to the Sheriff’s office of the county in which they reside. The Sheriff may collect a fee of up to $100 in order to process the application. Upon approval, the concealed carry permit is valid for 5 years from date of issuance. Finally, Colorado permits are accepted by 35 other states.

This information was last updated in December 2018.

Colorado Concealed Carry By The Numbers

Average Cost in Dollars

# of States That Accept CO License

# of Years Valid

Minimum Age

# of Days To Get A Permit

Reciprocity Map for Colorado

Use the tabs below to display states that will accept a Colorado concealed carry permit or those states that Colorado will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.

States That Honor Colorado Concealed Carry
  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  3. Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  4. Arkansas
  5. Delaware
  6. Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
  7. Georgia
  8. Idaho
  9. Indiana
  10. Iowa
  11. Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  12. Kentucky
  13. Louisiana
  14. Maine
  15. Michigan
  16. Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  17. Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  18. Montana
  19. Nebraska
  20. New Hampshire
  21. New Mexico
  22. North Carolina
  23. North Dakota
  24. Ohio
  25. Oklahoma
  26. Pennsylvania – Resident Permit ONLY
  27. South Dakota
  28. Tennessee
  29. Texas
  30. Utah
  31. Vermont
  32. Virginia
  33. West Virginia
  34. Wisconsin
  35. Wyoming
Colorado Will Honor The Following States
  1. Alabama – Resident Permits ONLY
  2. Alaska – Resident Permits ONLY
  3. Arizona – Resident Permits ONLY
  4. Arkansas – Resident Permits ONLY
  5. Delaware – Resident Permits ONLY
  6. Florida – Resident Permits ONLY
  7. Georgia – Resident Permits ONLY
  8. Idaho – Resident Permits ONLY
  9. Indiana – Resident Permits ONLY
  10. Iowa – Resident Permits ONLY
  11. Kansas – Resident Permits ONLY
  12. Kentucky – Resident Permits ONLY
  13. Louisiana – Resident Permits ONLY
  14. Michigan – Resident Permits ONLY
  15. Mississippi – Resident Permits ONLY
  16. Missouri – Resident Permits ONLY
  17. Montana – Resident Permits ONLY
  18. Nebraska – Resident Permits ONLY
  19. New Hampshire – Resident Permits ONLY
  20. New Mexico – Resident Permits ONLY
  21. North Carolina – Resident Permits ONLY
  22. North Dakota – Resident Permits ONLY
  23. Ohio – Resident Permits ONLY
  24. Oklahoma – Resident Permits ONLY
  25. Pennsylvania – Resident Permits ONLY
  26. South Dakota – Resident Permits ONLY
  27. Tennessee – Resident Permits ONLY
  28. Texas – Resident Permits ONLY
  29. Utah – Resident Permits ONLY
  30. Virginia – Resident Permits ONLY
  31. West Virginia – Resident Permits ONLY
  32. Wisconsin – Resident Permits ONLY
  33. Wyoming – Resident Permits ONLY

How To Apply for a Colorado Concealed Carry License

Can I get a concealed carry permit in Colorado?
Colorado is a shall issue state. Therefore, you must meet a certain set of requirements to be issued a CCW permit. However, if the issuing authority “reasonably” feels you will present a danger to yourself or others they may deny the permit.

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 18-12-203

What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in CO?
According to Colorado statutes, a person must be 21 years of age to apply for a concealed carry permit.

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 18-12-203

Who issues a concealed carry permit in Colorado?
Residents of Colorado should submit their application to the sheriff of the county or city and county in which the applicant resides to obtain a concealed permit. Additionally, a qualified individual may submit an application 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.

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 18-12-205

How long is a Colorado concealed carry permit good for?
Colorado concealed carry permits are valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issuance.

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 18-12-204

Does CO issue concealed permits to non-residents?
The State of Colorado does not issue non-resident concealed carry permits. However, members of the armed forces who are stationed in Colorado (permanent duty station) and their immediate family members who are qualified are also eligible for a concealed carry permit

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 18-12-203

How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?
According to Colorado statutes, the Sheriff’s office will issue either the approval of the permit or a denial within90 days of receipt of completed application.

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 18-12-206

How much does a concealed carry permit cost?
Colorado states that a fee, not to exceed $100 shall be collected by the issuing Sheriff’s office in order to process the permit application.

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 18-12-205

What are the accepted forms of competency training?
Colorado does require proof of competence regarding the use of handguns in order to obtain a concealed permit. Honorable military service and law enforcement experience may meet the education requirements. However, regardless of service, certifications must have occurred within the last 10 years of application. Furthermore, firearms safety classes/courses must be taught by a certified instructor and cannot be taught exclusively via the internet. Training courses are defined as follows:

[…]”handgun training class” does not include any firearms safety course that allows a person to complete the entire course: (I) Via the internet or an electronic device; or (II) In any location other than the physical location where the certified instructor offers the course.”

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 18-12-205

CRS 18-12-203

CRS 18-12-202

Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in Colorado

Is Colorado an Open Carry State?
According to the Attorney Generals website, there is no law that prohibits open carry of a firearm. However, any signage posted at public entrances prohibiting the carry of firearms must be obeyed.

“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.”

Furthermore, the Attorney General site declares that the city/county of Denver prohibit the open display of a firearm within it’s jurisdiction. However, no applicable state code is provided, and therefore is subject to the above excerpt.

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 29-11.7-104

Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?
Yes, Colorado does not require a concealed carry permit to carry a firearm in your vehicle.

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 18-12-204

Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?
You are permitted to carry a concealed weapon in Colorado State parks with a concealed carry permit and proper accompanying identification.

Relevant Code(s):

Article VI 106 (See page 20 of the document)

Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?
While consumption of alcohol is prohibited while carrying a concealed firearm, there is no law that prevents a permit holder from carrying in an establishment that serves alcohol. However, this does not limit the rights of private property owner, so any posted signage should be obeyed.

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 18-12-214

Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?
Yes, places of worship are not a restricted location according to Colorado state law. However, any private property owners rights are not restricted and therefore it is recommended that you follow any posted signage.

Relevant Code(s):
CRS 18-12-214

Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?
Colorado state law does not expressly refer to financial institutions as places where you cannot carry concealed. However, the financial institution may employ security measures that would prohibit the carrying of a firearm. Because of this, the following excerpt is worth mentioning;

“A permit […] 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;[…]

While this does apply to government facilities, some financial institutions may have one or more of these security measures in place. Furthermore, any posted signage should also be obeyed.

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 18-12-214

Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?
Colorado does not expressly prohibit carrying concealed into medical facilities. However, similar to banks and other financial institutions, some security measures may prevent you from legally carrying your firearm concealed on their property. Please consult the below code for full details (item 4). Also, abide by any posted signage on private property.

Relevant Code(s):

CRS 18-12-214

The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.

Related Articles:

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *