As of July 1, 2025, Colorado’s concealed carry permit process is no longer what it used to be.
In June 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed a law that overhauled the requirements for obtaining and renewing a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). These changes are now fully in effect and apply to all new applicants and renewals.
If you’re planning to carry concealed in Colorado, here’s what you need to know—and how to get certified legally and correctly under the new law.
🚨 Key Changes Now in Effect
✅ In-Person Training Is Mandatory
Online or remote concealed carry classes no longer meet the legal requirement. All CHP classes must be taken in person.
✅ You Must Train With a Verified Instructor
Under the new law, training must be completed through a verified instructor.
A verified instructor is someone who:
- Holds a valid Colorado CHP
- Is certified by law enforcement, a college or university, or a nationally recognized firearms training organization
- Is officially approved by the County Sheriff
🛑 It is a criminal offense to falsely claim to be a verified instructor.
👉 We are verified instructors, fully approved under Colorado’s new law.
📚 Updated Curriculum Requirements
Your CHP training course must now include:
- Firearm and ammunition safety
- Safe storage practices and child safety
- Basic shooting skills and fundamentals
- Colorado and federal gun laws
- The lawful use of deadly force in self-defense
- Best practices for interacting with law enforcement
- Avoiding criminal encounters and judgmental use of force
📝 Written and Live-Fire Exams Required
The initial concealed carry class now requires:
- A written test with a passing score of 70% or higher
- A live-fire shooting qualification, also requiring 70% or higher
The full class must provide at least 8 hours of in-person instruction, including legal review and range time.
🔄 Renewal Requirements Have Changed Too
If you’re renewing your permit, you must take either:
- The full 8-hour class again
OR - A refresher course with:
- At least 2 hours of in-person instruction
- Updates on gun laws
- A written test and live-fire shooting qualification (70% required on each)
❌ New Restrictions for Misdemeanors
If you’ve been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses within the last 5 years, you are no longer eligible for a CHP.
✅ Peace Officer Exemption
Current peace officers with valid POST certification can still demonstrate handgun competency through their professional credentials.
🛡️ Get Trained the Right Way—With Verified Instructors
We are a Colorado-verified training provider, certified to meet the requirements under the new law.
Our CHP classes include:
- Live-fire range training
- Written and practical testing
- Complete legal education
- Certified, experienced instructors
- Training documentation accepted by all Colorado counties
🎯 Ready to Get Certified?
Don’t risk your permit by taking a class from a non-verified instructor or skipping required exams. We’ll walk you through the new process step-by-step and help you qualify legally and confidently.
👉 View Upcoming Concealed Carry Classes
🧠 More Resources:
Firearms & CCW Training in Denver
