1. What is a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)?

A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), commonly referred to as a concealed carry permit or CCW permit, allows qualified individuals to legally carry a concealed handgun in most public places throughout Colorado, subject to state and federal law. The permit is issued by the sheriff or police department with jurisdiction where you reside and is governed by Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) §§ 18-12-201 through 18-12-216.

2. Who is eligible to apply for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit?

To qualify for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit, applicants must generally be at least 21 years of age, meet Colorado residency requirements or otherwise qualify under Colorado law, be legally eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law, and successfully complete the required concealed handgun training. Additional eligibility requirements are established under C.R.S. § 18-12-203.

3. How old do I have to be to obtain a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit?

Colorado law requires applicants to be at least 21 years old before a concealed handgun permit may be issued. Although you may complete the required training before your 21st birthday, you cannot submit your permit application until you meet the minimum age requirement established under C.R.S. § 18-12-203.

4. Can I take the concealed handgun training course before I turn 21?

Yes. You may complete the required concealed handgun training before turning 21 years old. However, you must be at least 21 years of age before applying for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit. Taking the course early allows you to be prepared to submit your application once you become eligible.

5. Is concealed handgun training required in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado law requires most applicants to successfully complete concealed handgun training before applying for a permit. New applicants must complete a minimum of eight hours of instruction, while renewal applicants must complete a minimum of two hours. Training must be provided by a Verified CHP Instructor in accordance with C.R.S. §§ 18-12-202.5 and 18-12-202.7.

6. Who can teach the required concealed handgun training?

Only a Verified CHP Instructor recognized by the sheriff or law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where they primarily teach may provide the training required for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit. These instructors have met the statutory requirements established under C.R.S. §§ 18-12-202.5 and 18-12-202.7.

7. How long is the required concealed handgun training course?

Colorado law requires new applicants to complete a minimum of eight hours of instruction and renewal applicants to complete a minimum of two hours of refresher training. New applicant courses include classroom instruction, a written examination, and a live-fire qualification. Renewal courses include updated legal instruction and the required renewal qualification.

8. What topics are covered during the required training?

Colorado’s required concealed handgun training covers firearm safety, safe handling and storage, Colorado’s use-of-force laws, conflict avoidance and de-escalation, the Colorado Extreme Risk Protection Order (Red Flag) law, prohibited places, safe transportation of firearms, live-fire exercises, and responsible concealed carry practices. Students must also successfully complete the written examination and live-fire qualification before receiving a course completion certificate.

9. Is live-fire training required?

Yes. Colorado law requires new applicants to successfully complete a live-fire exercise as part of the concealed handgun training course. Students must fire a minimum of 50 rounds, safely demonstrate firearm handling skills, and achieve a minimum qualifying score of 70% before a course completion certificate may be issued. Renewal applicants must also complete the live-fire qualification required by Colorado law.

10. What score do I need to pass the written examination and live-fire qualification?

To successfully complete the required concealed handgun training, students must earn a minimum score of 80% on the written examination and a minimum score of 70% on the live-fire qualification. These standards help ensure applicants demonstrate both a working knowledge of Colorado law and the ability to safely handle and accurately operate a handgun.

11. What happens if I fail the written examination or live-fire qualification?

If you do not achieve a passing score on the written examination or live-fire qualification, speak with your instructor. Most training providers offer additional instruction and the opportunity to retest after addressing any deficiencies. A course completion certificate cannot be issued until all training requirements have been successfully completed.

12. Where do I apply for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit?

Applications must be submitted to the issuing authority with jurisdiction where you reside. For most Colorado residents, this is the county sheriff’s office. Residents of the City and County of Denver apply through the Denver Police Department. Each issuing authority may have slightly different appointment procedures, payment methods, and application instructions.

13. What documents do I need when applying?

Most applicants should bring a valid government-issued photo ID, their concealed handgun training certificate, payment for the required application fee, and any additional documents requested by the issuing authority. Before your appointment, review your sheriff’s office or police department’s website to ensure you have all required documentation.

14. How much does it cost to get a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit?

The application fee charged by the issuing sheriff’s office or Denver Police Department is currently $152.50. In addition to the application fee, applicants should budget for the cost of the required concealed handgun training course, ammunition, range fees (if applicable), eye and ear protection, and any other required equipment.

15. How long does it take to receive a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit?

After receiving a completed application, the issuing authority has up to 90 days to issue or deny a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit, as provided by C.R.S. § 18-12-206. While many applicants receive their permit sooner, processing times vary depending on the issuing authority and the time required to complete the background investigation.

16. Can my Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit application be denied?

Yes. An application may be denied if an applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements established by Colorado law or is otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law. If an application is denied, the issuing authority will generally provide written notice explaining the reason for the denial and information regarding any available appeal rights.

17. How long is a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit valid?

A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit is valid for five (5) years from the date it is issued. Under C.R.S. § 18-12-211, permit holders may begin the renewal process up to 120 days before their permit expires to help avoid any interruption in their ability to legally carry a concealed handgun.

18. When can I renew my Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit?

Colorado law allows permit holders to renew their concealed handgun permit beginning 120 days before the expiration date. Renewal applicants must complete the required renewal training with a Verified CHP Instructor before submitting their renewal application to the issuing sheriff’s office or police department. Early renewal is recommended to help ensure your new permit is issued before your current permit expires.

19. Is there a grace period if my permit expires?

Yes. Under C.R.S. § 18-12-211, Colorado provides a six-month grace period following the expiration of your concealed handgun permit. During this time, you may still apply to renew your permit. However, once your permit has expired, you may not legally carry a concealed handgun until your renewed permit has been issued.

20. What happens if I miss the renewal grace period?

If your permit remains expired for more than six months, it is no longer eligible for renewal under Colorado law. You must apply as a new applicant, complete the required new applicant training, and satisfy all current statutory requirements before a new permit can be issued.

21. How long is my concealed handgun training certificate valid?

A concealed handgun training certificate is generally valid for one year from the date of course completion for purposes of applying for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit. If your certificate expires before you submit your application, you will generally be required to complete the training again before applying.

22. Are active-duty military members exempt from Colorado’s residency and training requirements?

Colorado law provides a limited exception to the residency requirement for certain active-duty members of the United States Armed Forces and their immediate family members who are permanently stationed in Colorado. These individuals may apply for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit if they otherwise meet all statutory eligibility requirements under C.R.S. § 18-12-203.

Colorado law also recognizes certain military firearms training in lieu of completing a civilian concealed handgun training course. Active-duty military members, honorably discharged veterans, and reserve or National Guard members who meet the requirements of C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5 may use qualifying military small arms training completed within the time period specified by law to satisfy the training requirement. Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation of their qualifying military training when submitting their permit application.

23. Does Colorado issue concealed handgun permits to non-residents?

Generally, no. Colorado does not issue Concealed Handgun Permits to non-residents. The primary exception is for certain active-duty military members and their immediate family members who are permanently stationed in Colorado and otherwise qualify under Colorado law. Non-residents who wish to carry a concealed handgun in Colorado should determine whether their home state’s permit is recognized under Colorado’s reciprocity laws.

24. Can I carry a concealed handgun while my renewal application is being processed?

No. If your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit expires before your renewal is approved, you may not legally carry a concealed handgun until your renewed permit has been issued. Although Colorado provides a six-month grace period to renew an expired permit under C.R.S. § 18-12-211, the grace period does not extend the validity of your expired permit or authorize you to continue carrying concealed.

25. Why should I choose Concealed Carry Classes of Denver?

At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, our instructors are Verified CHP Instructors recognized by local issuing authorities and provide training that fully complies with Colorado law. Our courses include the required classroom instruction, written examination, live-fire qualification, and course completion certificate needed to apply for or renew your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing your permit, we’re committed to providing professional, state-compliant instruction in a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment.