Cecily Zamora
Colorado is an open-carry state, meaning that most adults are allowed to openly carry a firearm without a permit. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, carrying a firearm is prohibited on government property, such as police stations or city parks, within the limits of Denver or another jurisdiction that prohibits open carry under the “home rule powers of cities and counties. While Colorado does not issue non-resident permits, an exception is made for members of the military permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate family members living in the state. In 2021, the Colorado General Assembly removed the state's preemption of firearm laws, allowing local jurisdictions to regulate the open carrying of firearms. Additionally, Colorado does not regulate the unlicensed open carry of firearms at the state level for those aged 18 and above.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Concealed carry | Legal with a CCW permit |
| Concealed carry permit requirements | Firearms training course that has been state-approved |
| Non-resident permits | Only issued to members of the military permanently stationed in Colorado and their immediate family members living in the state |
| Reciprocity | Only honors resident CCW licenses from states with a reciprocity agreement |
| Castle Doctrine state | Yes |
| Duty to retreat | No |
| Stand your ground law | No express law, but the Colorado Supreme Court has affirmed that non-aggressors can stand their ground when acting in self-defense |
| Open carry | Allowed without a permit for most adults, except in Denver and other jurisdictions that prohibit it |
| Open carry exceptions | Federal property (e.g., National Parks, courthouses, airports), loaded firearms in vehicles or public transportation facilities |
| Gun law preemption | Removed in 2021, allowing local jurisdictions to regulate open carry |
| Vehicle carry | Considered an extension of one's home, so no permit is required to carry a concealed weapon in a private vehicle |
| Unlicensed open carry | Not regulated at the state level for those 18+ |
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What You'll Learn
Colorado is an open-carry state
Colorado has no express laws about the right to carry a firearm openly. However, the right to possess a gun is generally protected under Article 2, Section 3 of the Colorado Constitution, which states that "all persons have certain natural, essential and inalienable rights...among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties...of acquiring, possessing and protecting property...and of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness."
The Colorado Revised Statutes has now codified this rule as 29-11.7-104 C.R.S., which provides that a local government may enact an ordinance prohibiting the open or concealed carry of a firearm in a specific type of building or area as long as signs are posted at the public entrances to the building or specific area. The law does not limit the right to possess a firearm on private property for self-defense or in vehicles, as long as state law restrictions are observed.
Colorado is a "must-issue" concealed carry permit state. The local sheriff's office will issue a state permit to carry a concealed firearm to anyone who meets the requirements. A person who carries a concealed handgun without a permit has the same rights, limitations, and authority to carry as a person who holds a permit. A permit is not required, and a handgun is not considered concealed when a person is in a private automobile or other private transportation.
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No permit required for open carry
Colorado is an open-carry state, meaning that most adults are allowed to openly carry a firearm without a permit. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, Denver County generally prohibits the open carry of firearms. Additionally, certain classes of people are forbidden from carrying a gun anywhere, and local governments may enact regulations prohibiting the open carrying of firearms in specific areas. While Colorado does not have an express stand-your-ground law, its Supreme Court has affirmed that the state does not include a duty to retreat, allowing non-aggressors to stand their ground when acting in self-defence.
In terms of concealed carry, Colorado requires individuals to obtain a permit. This permit is valid for the life of the holder and requires the completion of a state-approved firearms training course. Colorado does not issue non-resident permits, except for members of the military permanently stationed in the state and their immediate family members living there.
While Colorado does not require a permit for open carry, there are restrictions on where individuals can openly carry firearms. It is prohibited to carry firearms on government property, such as police stations or city parks, within the limits of Denver or other jurisdictions that have enacted similar laws. These laws are passed by local cities and counties under Article 20, Section 6 of the Colorado Constitution, which grants them the right to pass laws within their jurisdiction as long as they do not contradict state or federal law.
It is important to note that while open carry is legal in Colorado, there are penalties for carrying prohibited weapons or for individuals who are legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Colorado law requires gun purchasers to pass a background check conducted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI).
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Concealed carry requires a permit
In Colorado, a permit is required to carry a concealed weapon. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, a person over the age of 21 who is permitted to possess a handgun under federal and state law can carry a concealed handgun without a permit and has the same rights and limitations as someone with a permit. This includes the prohibition on carrying a concealed handgun on the grounds of a public school. Additionally, Colorado is an open-carry state, meaning that most adults may openly carry a firearm without a permit, except in certain areas such as government property within the limits of Denver.
To obtain a concealed carry permit in Colorado, an individual must complete a state-approved firearms training course. Colorado does not issue non-resident permits, except to military members permanently stationed in the state and their immediate family members living there. The state also has reciprocity agreements with other states, honouring resident CCW licenses from these states.
Colorado is a Castle Doctrine state, which grants citizens the "right to expect absolute safety within their own homes". This means there is no duty to retreat, and citizens can stand their ground when acting in self-defence, as affirmed by the Colorado Supreme Court. Additionally, Colorado considers a vehicle an extension of one's home, so a permit is not required to carry a concealed weapon in a private automobile.
While Colorado does not regulate the unlicensed open carry of firearms at the state level for those aged 18 and above, local jurisdictions can regulate open carry. For example, Denver has laws prohibiting open carry on government property such as police stations or city parks. It's important to note that while open carry is generally permitted in Colorado, it is still illegal to carry a prohibited weapon, and individuals may face penalties if they do so.
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CCW permits require firearms training
In Colorado, concealed carry permits require a firearms training course that has been approved by the state. Colorado does not issue non-resident permits, except to members of the military who are permanently stationed in the state, as well as their immediate family members living there.
The CCW permit, which allows an individual to carry a concealed weapon, requires firearms training. The specific requirements for CCW permits vary by state and county. For example, in Los Angeles County, California, applicants must complete a firearms training course provided by a training provider approved by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The course must cover firearm safety, handling, shooting technique, safe storage, legal transportation methods, and laws regarding where permit holders may carry firearms. Similarly, in San Diego County, California, applicants are required to complete a firearm training course provided by an approved vendor, covering firearm safety.
In some states, such as Arizona, the CCW permit is referred to as a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) or a LEOSA certificate of firearms proficiency. The Arizona Department of Public Safety's (AZDPS) Concealed Weapons Permit Unit (CWPU) issues these permits to qualified applicants who meet specific requirements. The training requirements include a qualifications exam with the firearm they intend to carry, including a judgmental shooting evaluation. The instructors for these courses must be certified by AZPOST or be a qualified NRA instructor approved by the AZDPS CWPU.
It is important to note that CCW permits are subject to state-specific regulations and requirements, and applicants should refer to their local laws and authorities for detailed information on the necessary firearms training.
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No non-resident permits
Colorado does not issue non-resident permits, except for members of the military who are permanently stationed in the state, as well as their immediate family members living there. A Colorado resident may only carry a concealed weapon in the state with a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). A Colorado resident cannot legally carry a concealed weapon in-state using a non-resident permit issued by another state.
Colorado will only recognize a valid concealed carry permit issued by another state if the issuing state also honors a Colorado permit, and the permit holder is a resident of that issuing state. The permit holder must also be in possession of a matching state-issued driver's license or state ID, be 21 years of age or older, and have a valid permit.
Colorado is a "shall-issue" state, meaning that the local sheriff's office must issue a permit to any resident who meets the requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit. To obtain a permit, an individual must be at least 21 years old and not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. They must also complete a firearms training course that has been approved by the state. Permits are valid for the life of the permit holder.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Colorado allows the unlicensed carrying of handguns openly but requires a permit for concealed carry.
Open carry means carrying a firearm that is visible to others, while concealed carry means carrying a firearm that is hidden from view, usually under clothing or in a bag.
To obtain a concealed carry permit in Colorado, an individual must be 21 years or older, complete a firearms training course that has been state-approved, and pass a background check.
Yes, it is prohibited to carry a firearm on certain types of property, including government property, schools, and public transportation. Additionally, local laws and regulations may vary, so it is important to check the specific rules in your area.
Violating gun laws in Colorado can result in various penalties, depending on the specific violation and the circumstances. For example, a first-time violation of carrying a prohibited weapon can be charged as a class 1 misdemeanor, with fines of up to $1,000. A second violation within five years can lead to felony charges, including potential prison time and parole.
