Requirements to qualify for a license
To apply for a CWP in Colorado you must be at least 21 years old and you must be a resident of Colorado. You must be eligible to possess a firearm under federal law. This became more interesting with the passage of marijuana laws in Colorado. If you have a medical marijuana card or you own a dispensary your permit will be denied. This is because federal law prohibits unlawful users of controlled substances from possessing a firearm. There are questions on the application that will help your county sheriff determine if you are a user or are addicted to alcohol or controlled substances.
You cannot be subject to a restraining order and you cannot have committed a crime that would keep you from possessing a firearm.
Colorado is a “shall issue” state but the Sheriff still has the final say. If the sheriff has reason to believe that your prior behavior would make you a danger to the community, he may deny your permit even if you meet all the qualifications.
Colorado also allows temporary emergency permits. You only have to be 18 years old to obtain this permit. An emergency permit is only valid for 90 days. You still have to pass the criminal background check but you do not have to show competency with a handgun. The sheriff must have reason to believe that you are in imminent danger to issue this type of permit.
Finally you must pass a firearm safety training class. This class can be something given by local law enforcement or by colleges or other firearms training schools. Your instructor must be certified to teach this type of class. If you have prior law enforcement or military training you may not have to take the class. Check with your county sheriff to determine if your training meets the guidelines.
Concealed Carry Class Near You In Colorado
Search by zipcode
If you need to find a class closer to you just enter your zip code below and click “FIND LOCATIONS”
What will you learn in class?
Don't worry if you are completely new to handguns. Your instructor will start with the basics. You will learn how to properly handle a gun as well as how to clean and maintain it. Once you learn the basic rules of gun safety your instructor will move into more advanced topics.
You will learn how to choose the right ammunition to carry. Most instructors will tell you to carry hollow point ammo. The hollow tip of a bullet causes it to break apart on impact which decreases penetration. This is good for you because you don't want your bullets hitting unintended targets. You can be sued by innocent bystanders who are hurt when you fire a weapon. In some states you can even be sued by the person you shot in a self defense situation.
Pay special attention to the section about Colorado laws. Colorado is a "Castle Doctrine" state and has a "Stand your ground" law. You need to understand what this means to you. If you don't follow the law it could mean jail time.
Your instructor will present you with a certificate of completion at the end of class. This certificate is good for 10 years. You may apply for your concealed weapons permit anytime within that 10 year period.
How long does it take to get a license?
Your county sheriff has up to 90 days to approve or deny your permit. Make sure you include everything requested with your application because the 90 day period does not start until the sheriff receives all needed documents.
How much does the license cost?
Your local sheriff will determine the fees but the maximum application fee is $100. You will also be charged fees for fingerprinting and background checks. In Boulder county the additional fees total $52.50.
Reciprocity with other states
Colorado recognizes the permits of any other state that also recognizes the Colorado permit. A Colorado permit holder can currently carry in 33 other states.
Note: When traveling to other states make sure you contact the attorney general of those states to make sure you are allowed to carry your weapon. Laws are always changing and you need to go straight to the source.
Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?
- Places prohibited by federal law
- Public schools (except for in a locked vehicle or while you are in the vehicle)
- Public buildings where permanent metal detectors are in place
- You cannot carry while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance
Featured Instructors
Colorado does not allow online CCW training. Make sure you find an in-person class. Find a Colorado concealed carry class with one of these great instructors:
- Equip 2 Conceal
- Colorado Handgun Safety
- SureSight Firearms Training
- Tall Guns LLC
- Colorado Concealed Carry
- Concealed Carry Classes Denver
- Concealed Carry Class Fort Collins
- Concealed Carry Class Grand Junction
- Concealed Carry Classes in Colorado Springs
Jason Huskey
Owner of CCWClasses.net
Jason Huskey is a family man with three kids and a wonderful wife. He’s always starting new hobbies, but his true passion lies in shooting sports. Jason has been a CCW license holder for over 10 years and carries every day. In addition to firearms, he also enjoys playing guitar and writing songs. He tries to live by the Christian values he believes in.
More things you might enjoy…
Can a 38 Special Shoot 357 Rounds?
Image by MikeGunner from Pixabay I’ve long since discovered that very few activities give me the same thrill and sense of security as firing a gun. As a gun owner and enthusiast, I’ve always been curious about which guns can shoot which kinds of ammunition. I have a Derringer five-shot revolver that uses .22 rounds.…
Who Makes the Most Popular Brands of Ammo
If you are here to figure out who makes Herter’s ammo just look below the following table for a more thorough answer. If you are looking for a specific type of ammo, then you need to start by figuring out who makes it. There are lots of options for ammunition and each type of bullet…
What Does Full Metal Jacket Mean?
If you have heard the term full metal jacket, then you might be wondering what this means. I know that growing up, I heard this term a lot. I dismissed it as some sort of saying or cliche. Eventually, I decided that I needed to figure out what people meant when they use this term.…
How Often Should You Clean Your Gun?
After purchasing a firearm, you might wonder how often you should clean your gun. The truth is that it largely depends on how often you use it and where you live. Keep reading to learn more. How Often Should You Clean Your Gun? The short answer: do a light cleaning after every shooting session and…
What Is The Main Difference Between Centerfire And Rimfire Ammunition?
Rimfire vs Centerfire Everyone has to start somewhere. If you’re new to guns, learning the difference between rimfire and centerfire ammunition is important. Let me backtrack a moment. The first time I went out on the gun range, I had zero idea that there were different types of ammo for different types of weapons. All I knew…
Continue Reading What Is The Main Difference Between Centerfire And Rimfire Ammunition?
How Should You Hold a Handgun for Maximum Accuracy?
Whether it’s for sport or you find yourself in a defensive situation where you need to use a handgun, how you hold it will significantly affect your accuracy. Developing your handgun techniques will help you become a better shot and keep you safe. Read on to learn the answer to the question: How should you…
Continue Reading How Should You Hold a Handgun for Maximum Accuracy?
What Is Stippling On A Gun?
Hey, would you like a more firm grip on your gun? Would that help you shoot better? Well that is what stippling is for. Stippling is a modification to the grip that makes it, well, more grippy. It is done by sanding off the original finish and then using a hot soldering iron to make…
What Is A Centerfire Pistol?
To answer the question: “What Is A Centerfire Pistol?”, you must first understand that there are two main types of ammunition: Centerfire Rimfire These ammo categorizations are based on where the firing pin hits the back of the bullet to make it fire. A centerfire pistol is one where the firing pin strikes the center…
Is It Bad To Dry Fire A Glock?
There are loads of myths and assumptions surrounding handguns. If you grew up around guns, you probably heard some of these myths. Today, we will answer the question: Is it bad to dry fire a Glock. The Quick Answer Dry firing modern centerfire guns is completely fine (this includes most Glocks). The firing pin does…
What Is The Sight Picture?
When you first became interested in shooting you probably heard the terms sight picture and sight alignment being thrown around. Most people tend to use the two terms interchangeably; however, they do not mean the same thing. In this guide, I will make a clear distinction between sight picture and sight alignment. To master any new trade, you must…
What is Ball Ammo
When you hear the term “ball ammo” you may be picturing an actual ball. While the term did originate from ball shaped ammo, that’s not what it means today. Most ball ammo today is cylindrical in shape. It will have a lead core coated with copper. Keep reading to learn all about the history and…
Leave a Reply