Colorado Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Legal Permit Required Castle Doctrine Red Flag Law

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Colorado Gun Laws

Open Carry	Legal
Concealed Carry	Permit Required
Permit Required	Yes - required
Permit Cost	$52
Permit Validity	5 years
Waiting Period	3 days
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✓ Yes
Stand Your Ground	✕ No
Red Flag Law	✕ Yes (ERPO exists)
Magazine Limit	15 rounds maximum
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	Restricted

Open Carry Laws in Colorado

Open carry is legal in Colorado for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.

Concealed Carry Laws in Colorado

Concealed carry in Colorado requires a valid permit. Colorado issues Concealed Handgun Permits through county sheriffs. Must be 21+, Colorado resident, pass background check and safety training course. Valid for 5 years.

Where You Cannot Carry in Colorado

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Colorado. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Police Stations
Courthouses
Public Buildings

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Getting a Colorado CCW Permit

Colorado issues Concealed Handgun Permits through county sheriffs. Must be 21+, Colorado resident, pass background check and safety training course. Valid for 5 years.

Official Colorado Permit Information

CCW Reciprocity for Colorado

States that honor your Colorado permit (27)

AL AK AZ AR GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

Colorado honors permits from (29)

AL AK AZ AR FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MI MO MT NE NH ND OH OK PA SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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Colorado Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Colorado gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.