Tag: concealed carry training

Concealed Carry, Services

Do I Need to Take a Class to Renew My Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit?

Mark Schneider

The answer is yes – if you’re looking to renew your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), you are required to take a renewal class. Colorado law mandates that all Concealed Handgun Permit holders complete a renewal class through a verified instructor, ensuring that you stay up-to-date with both legal changes and safety training.

Why is the Renewal Class Necessary?

The renewal class serves two main purposes:

  1. Legal Requirements: As laws surrounding concealed carry and firearms change, it’s vital to ensure that permit holders are informed about these updates to remain compliant with state laws.
  2. Safety and Skill Maintenance: Firearm safety and handling skills can degrade over time if they aren’t consistently practiced. The renewal class helps you brush up on important topics related to firearm safety, carrying procedures, and, most importantly, the use-of-force laws that affect your right to carry.

Verified Instructor Requirement

To renew your CHP, your class must be taken with a verified instructor. A verified instructor ensures that you are receiving accurate, up-to-date information regarding laws and proper firearm handling techniques. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the renewal process and ensuring that you stay safe while carrying your weapon.

What Happens if You Don’t Renew Your Permit?

If you fail to renew your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit before it expires, your permit will become invalid, and you will need to go through the full application process to obtain a new permit. This may include background checks and submitting new fingerprints, which could be more time-consuming and costly than simply renewing.

How Soon Can You Renew Your CHP?

You can renew your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit up to 6 months before the expiration date. This allows you to stay ahead of the process and avoid any lapse in your ability to carry concealed. However, if you miss the renewal deadline and your permit expires, you will be required to take the full application process again, including submitting new fingerprints and going through a background check.

No Grace Period After Expiration (Effective July 1, 2025)

Currently, Colorado provides a 6-month grace period after your permit expires during which you can still renew it without having to reapply from scratch. However, starting July 1, 2025, there will be no grace period after expiration. If your permit expires, you will need to reapply as a new applicant, including completing the required training, submitting new fingerprints, and undergoing a background check.

Until July 1, 2025, the 6-month grace period still applies, so you have some time to renew your permit after it expires.

What Does the New Law Say?

Effective July 1, 2025, there will be some key changes to Colorado’s Concealed Handgun Permit process:

  1. New Applications:
    • Applicants will be required to complete an 8-hour Concealed Handgun Training Class with a verified instructor.
    • The training certificate must be dated within one year of your application.
  2. Renewal Applications:
    • You will need to take either an 8-hour Concealed Handgun Training Class or a 2-hour Refresher Class taught by a verified instructor.
    • The certificate must be dated within 6 months of your renewal application.
  3. No Grace Period After Expiration:
    • Starting July 1, 2025, there will be no grace period after your permit expires. If you fail to renew before your permit’s expiration, you will need to reapply as a new applicant and complete all required training.

How Long is the CHP Renewal Class?

The renewal class is typically shorter than the initial course. In Colorado, the renewal class generally takes about 4.5 hours, while the initial class can be up to 9 hours long. This allows you to refresh your knowledge without the need for a full re-certification process.

Do You Need to Take the Renewal Class in Person?

While some states offer online or virtual renewal classes, Colorado requires that the class be taken in person with a verified instructor. This ensures that you can ask questions, receive feedback, and participate in any necessary hands-on training related to firearm safety and law updates.

What to Expect in the Renewal Class

The renewal class typically covers:

  • Changes in Colorado firearm laws
  • Basic safety and handling of firearms
  • Legal use of force and self-defense laws
  • Situational awareness while carrying concealed
  • A written test at the end of the class to assess your understanding
  • A live fire requirement of 50 rounds minimum with a qualification of 70 percent or higher

This is a great opportunity to refresh your skills and ensure you’re up to date with any legal changes or best practices.

How Often Do You Need to Renew Your CHP?

In Colorado, your Concealed Handgun Permit is valid for 5 years. After that, you must renew it to continue carrying concealed legally. Make sure to check your permit’s expiration date and plan to take the renewal class well in advance to avoid any lapses in your ability to carry.

Take Your Renewal Class with Us

At [Your Business Name], we offer CHP renewal classes that meet the state requirements and are taught by verified instructors. Whether you’re renewing your permit for the first time or just keeping it current, we provide an easy, straightforward process that fits your schedule.

To register for your renewal class, visit our page: Colorado Concealed Carry Class.

Stay compliant, stay safe, and ensure that you’re ready to legally and confidently carry your firearm. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law, News, Services

What is a Colorado CHP-Verified Instructor?

Mark Schneider

A Colorado CHP-verified instructor is an individual approved by the county sheriff’s office in the area where you are primarily based. These instructors are certified to provide the required concealed carry training that meets the legal standards established by Colorado law. The instructor must be authorized by the sheriff’s office of the county where they operate, ensuring they are qualified to teach courses that fulfill the requirements for obtaining a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). For more information about our Colorado Concealed Carry Class, visit here.

Why is it Now Required to Take a CCW Course Through a Verified Instructor?

Under Colorado State Statute SB23-016, effective July 1, 2025, all individuals applying for a concealed handgun permit (CHP) must complete a CCW training course through a sheriff-approved, CHP-verified instructor. This requirement ensures that applicants receive the correct, consistent, and legally compliant training. The course includes critical topics such as:

  • Understanding the legalities of concealed carry in Colorado
  • Safe firearm handling and storage
  • Defensive shooting techniques
  • Use of force and self-defense laws

Additionally, the course includes two essential components that applicants must successfully complete:

  1. Written Test: All students must pass a written exam, typically multiple-choice, covering important laws and firearm safety procedures. This test ensures that applicants have a clear understanding of the legal and safety aspects of concealed carry.
  2. Live Fire Qualification: The course includes live-fire training, where applicants must shoot 50 rounds. During this portion of the class, students must complete a shooting qualification, where they are required to achieve at least 70% accuracy on the target. This ensures that applicants are competent and comfortable with their firearm before carrying it concealed.

By taking the course with a verified instructor, you are guaranteed to meet the state’s specific training standards, which is essential for submitting a successful application for your CHP.

Minimum Class Duration Requirements

As part of the new law, the following class durations are now required:

  • New Classes: Must be a minimum of 8 hours in length. This ensures that you receive comprehensive training on all aspects of concealed carry, including legal knowledge, safety practices, and live-fire exercises.
  • Refresher Classes: For those renewing their permits, refresher courses must be at least 2 hours long. These classes ensure that even experienced gun owners stay updated on legal changes, safety protocols, and best practices.

To find a verified instructor for your required training, consider signing up for our Colorado Concealed Carry Class here.

How to Verify That an Instructor is CHP-Verified

To verify that an instructor is CHP-verified, you can:

  1. Contact the Sheriff’s Office: Since CHP-verified instructors are authorized by the county sheriff’s office, you can call or check the sheriff’s website to confirm if an instructor is certified in your county.
  2. Ask the Instructor Directly: A verified instructor should be able to provide proof of their certification. This proof will typically be in the form of a letter or certificate issued by the sheriff or police department, confirming their verified status. Additionally, the instructor should have a unique instructor number, which serves as an official identifier of their certification.
  3. Check for Instructor Listing: Some counties or sheriff’s offices may post lists of approved instructors on their official websites.

Here are some major counties and cities in Colorado and their official websites where you can find CHP-verified instructors:

Additional counties and cities:

Taking your CCW course through a CHP-verified instructor ensures that you’re fulfilling the training requirements necessary to apply for a concealed handgun permit in Colorado. To sign up for our Colorado Concealed Carry Class, visit here.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

How Long Does It Take to Get a CCW in Colorado?

Mark Schneider

Obtaining a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), commonly referred to as a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) permit, requires several steps. The timeline can vary depending on multiple factors, including county processing times and background check results. Below is a general breakdown of the process and expected timeframes.

Step 1: Complete a Concealed Carry Course

Colorado law requires applicants to complete an approved firearms training course through a verified instructor before applying for a permit. The course must cover firearm safety, handling, and Colorado gun laws.

  • Time Required: 8 hours minimum (as required by law for new applicants)
  • Course Scheduling: Depending on class availability, you may be able to complete it within a few days to a few weeks.

Step 2: Submit Your CCW Application

Once you have completed your training, you must submit an application to the sheriff’s office in the county where you reside.

  • Required Documents:
    • Completed application form
    • Training certificate
    • Valid government-issued ID
    • Application fee (varies by county, typically $152.50)

Step 3: Background Check & Processing

After submitting your application, the sheriff’s office will conduct a background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the FBI.

  • Typical Processing Time: Colorado law allows up to 90 days for processing a new application, though many counties process permits faster (around 4–6 weeks on average).
  • Factors Affecting Processing Time:
    • County workload and backlog
    • Criminal record checks
    • Fingerprint submission delays

Step 4: Approval & Permit Issuance

Once approved, you will receive notification from your sheriff’s office to pick up your permit. Some counties mail permits directly to the applicant.

  • Total Estimated Time: 4 to 12 weeks, depending on your county.

Renewal Timeframe

CCW permits in Colorado are valid for 5 years. The renewal process is generally faster than a new application, often taking around 2 to 4 weeks, as long as there are no significant changes in your background.

Conclusion

While Colorado law allows up to 90 days for processing a CCW application, most applicants receive their permits within 4 to 6 weeks. To expedite the process, ensure your application is complete, schedule your training early, and check with your county sheriff’s office for specific processing times.

Click here for info on our CCW class