Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-214 outlines where individuals with a valid Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) are authorized to carry — and where they are not. While a CHP grants broad authority to carry a concealed firearm statewide, that authority comes with important limitations.
As of 2025, several locations are completely off-limits, and failing to follow these restrictions can lead to arrest, fines, revocation of your permit, or even felony charges.
✅ Where You Can Carry with a CHP
A valid Colorado CHP allows you to legally carry a concealed handgun:
- Anywhere in the state except prohibited areas
- Inside your vehicle
- Across county and city lines, due to state preemption
- In most public spaces without restriction
🔴 Where You Cannot Carry – Even With a Permit
Under C.R.S. § 18-12-214(2) and related laws, the following areas are off-limits:
1. Federal Property/Military Installations
Prohibited under federal law, not just state law. This includes:
- Post offices (including parking lots)
- Federal courthouses and IRS buildings
- Social Security Administration offices
- TSA-screened airport zones
- Military Installations Including State Owned (National Guard)
2. K-12 Schools
C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5
- Concealed carry is prohibited on school grounds.
- Exception: If the firearm remains secured inside your vehicle or you have written district permission.
3. Colleges and Universities
As of 2024, all public and private colleges and universities in Colorado prohibit concealed carry inside any campus building.
- You may still carry in outdoor public areas on some campuses depending on policy, but building entry is banned statewide.
4. Private Property Where Firearms Are Banned
If a property owner:
- Posts signage
- Or directly tells you no firearms allowed
… you must comply, or you may be trespassing under C.R.S. § 18-4-504.
5. Public Buildings with Security Screening
You may not carry in any public building that:
- Has metal detectors or security personnel at entrances
- Is clearly posted with “no firearms” signs
This includes:
- Government offices
- Courthouses
- City halls and DMV offices (if properly posted and screened)
6. Jails, Prisons, and Detention Facilities
Entry with a firearm, even concealed and permitted, is strictly illegal.
7. The Colorado State Capitol
Concealed carry is prohibited inside the Capitol and legislative buildings.
Violation can result in criminal penalties and loss of your CHP.
8. Secure Airport Zones
You may not carry past TSA checkpoints.
You may travel with firearms unloaded in checked baggage, per federal TSA rules.
9. Tribal Lands and Indian Reservations
Laws vary by tribe. Many tribal governments do not recognize Colorado CHPs, and carrying may be a violation of tribal law.
10. Certain Casinos or Gaming Locations
Some tribal or private casinos ban firearms entirely, and you must obey posted rules.
🔎 Summary of Restricted Areas
| Location | Carry Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Post Offices | ❌ |
| Federal Buildings/Military Installations | ❌ |
| Schools (K–12) | ❌ |
| Colleges & Universities (Inside Buildings) | ❌ |
| Private Property w/ Posted Signs | ❌ |
| Courthouses | ❌ |
| Public Buildings w/ Security Screening | ❌ |
| Airports (TSA-Screened Areas) | ❌ |
| State Capitol | ❌ |
| Jails/Prisons | ❌ |
| Indian Reservations | 🚫 (Varies) |
| Casinos (Varies) | 🚫 (Varies) |
🧠 Why Knowing C.R.S. § 18-12-214 Matters
Carrying in a restricted area can result in:
- Misdemeanor or felony charges
- Immediate revocation of your permit
- Permanent disqualification from holding a CHP in the future
That’s why we go beyond the basics in our Colorado Concealed Handgun Classes. We teach real-world law, self-defense, and situational awareness — not just how to shoot.
🎯 You must pass a live fire qualification with 70% or higher
📝 And pass a written exam with a score of 80% or better
🔐 Don’t Guess — Get Trained By Experts
At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we teach everything you need to:
- Carry legally and responsibly
- Understand state and federal gun laws
- Know exactly where you can and can’t carry
- Avoid common legal mistakes CHP holders make
🗓️ Book your class now — spots fill fast.
Stay legal. Stay trained. Stay ready.
