Starting August 1, 2026, Colorado will require residents to hold a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC) before purchasing certain types of firearms — primarily semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols.
This new requirement, part of Senate Bill 25-003, marks a major shift in Colorado firearm law and introduces a statewide system for training, background checks, and verification.
🔍 What Is the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card?
The Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC) is essentially a permit-to-purchase system. It verifies that a buyer has:
- Completed an approved in-person firearms safety course, and
- Passed a background check through their county sheriff’s office.
The card acts as proof of competency and eligibility before a firearm purchase — but it does not replace Colorado’s standard purchase procedures. Buyers must still complete the federal NICS background check and comply with the three-day waiting period at the time of sale.
❓ Q&A: Common Questions About the New Law
When does the requirement take effect?
The law goes into effect on August 1, 2026. From that date forward, anyone buying a qualifying firearm in Colorado must first obtain a valid FSCEC.
Who issues the card?
Your county sheriff’s office will process applications, run background checks, and issue the FSCEC.
Each county may set its own procedures, application forms, and processing fees.
How does the process work?
According to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, which is assisting with system integration, the process will function as follows:
- Apply with your county sheriff.
You’ll pay an application or processing fee to the sheriff’s office (or police department, depending on jurisdiction). - The sheriff’s office conducts a background check to confirm eligibility.
- Once cleared, applicants complete an approved firearms safety course taught by a verified instructor certified to teach the Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) course.
You’ll pay a separate course fee directly to the instructor or firearms academy. - After passing the written test, the instructor submits the student’s results into the state database.
- The sheriff finalizes the application and issues the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.
Gun dealers will be able to verify a buyer’s active card status before completing the sale.
Do I still need a background check when I buy a gun?
✅ Yes.
The FSCEC is an additional step, not a replacement. Every firearm buyer will still be required to:
- Pass the federal NICS background check, and
- Complete the three-day waiting period before taking possession.
How long is the card valid?
The FSCEC is valid for five years. After expiration, the cardholder must renew it and complete a refresher course.
Who can teach the required course?
Only verified instructors already authorized to teach the Colorado Concealed Handgun Course (CHP) will be permitted to teach the FSCEC-approved curriculum.
This ensures consistency, quality, and statewide training standards.
How long is the class?
There are two course formats:
- 4-hour course – for applicants who already have a valid Hunter Education certificate
- 12-hour course – for those without prior training
All instruction must be in-person. No online or hybrid classes will be accepted.
How much will it cost?
The total cost will vary depending on your location and chosen instructor:
- Sheriff or Police Department Fee: Paid directly to your county sheriff or police department when submitting your FSCEC application. This covers background checks, processing, and card issuance.
- Course Fee: Paid separately to your instructor or academy for the in-person firearms safety course. Costs vary depending on course length, location, and instructor credentials.
Applicants should plan for two separate payments — one to law enforcement for the card, and one to the instructor for the course.
Can instructors and dealers register now?
Not yet.
The state is still building the infrastructure to allow sheriffs, instructors, and dealers to register within a unified database. Once live, each group will need to create accounts in the new system.
Which firearms will require the FSCEC?
The Attorney General’s Office will finalize the specific definitions before the rollout, but current indications point to nearly all semi-automatic rifles, handguns, and shotguns being included.
What if I already own a semi-automatic firearm?
You can keep any firearm you legally owned before August 1, 2026.
The FSCEC applies only to new purchases made after that date.
Will out-of-state buyers be affected?
Yes. Colorado residents purchasing qualifying firearms from any FFL, in or out of state, must present a valid FSCEC at the time of purchase.
🧠 Key Takeaways
- Effective August 1, 2026, Coloradans must hold a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card to buy semi-automatic firearms.
- The FSCEC is issued by your county sheriff after passing a background check and completing an in-person course.
- You’ll make two payments — one to the sheriff or police department for the application and one to your instructor or academy for the class.
- Only verified CHP instructors may teach the FSCEC course.
- The card is valid for five years and may be revoked for disqualifying offenses.
- Buyers must still pass the federal background check and three-day waiting period when purchasing a firearm.
✅ What You Can Do Now
- Follow your county sheriff’s website for FSCEC registration updates.
- Plan ahead — demand for classes will likely surge before the 2026 deadline.
- Take your CHP class now to prepare and get verified instruction early.
- Budget for both training and application fees.
- Stay informed through Concealed Carry Classes of Denver for FSCEC announcements and approved class schedules.
📍 Sign Up for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Course
If you’re ready to carry a concealed firearm legally in Colorado, you must complete an approved Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) course.
Our CHP classes meet all state requirements and include law, safety, and live-fire qualification. Perfect for both new and experienced firearm owners.
Class Locations: Denver & Thornton
Duration: 8 hours
Includes: Classroom instruction, legal overview, and live-fire qualification
Enroll here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Course
🔒 Sign Up for the Colorado Firearms Safety Course (FSCEC Requirement)
Beginning August 1, 2026, all Coloradans purchasing a semi-automatic firearm will need a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC).
Our state-approved course meets all training requirements and is taught by verified CHP instructors authorized to conduct FSCEC training.
Class Locations: Denver & Thornton
Duration: 4 or 12 hours (depending on prior hunter safety)
Includes: In-person classroom instruction, written test, and state database registration
Enroll here: Colorado Firearms Safety Course
🔗 Related Articles
- Colorado Firearms Safety Course — Get Certified Today
- How to Legally Sell or Transfer a Firearm in Colorado
- Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Guide
- Can You Use Deadly Force To Protect A Business?
- How Much Does A Colorado Concealed Carry Permit Cost?
- Does Colorado Have A Waiting Period To Purchase A Firearm?
- Can You Defensive Display A Firearm In Colorado?
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Details may change before August 1, 2026. Always verify requirements with your county sheriff or the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
