Last reviewed: May 3, 2026

Constitutional Carry No
Open Carry Varies by local jurisdiction
Permit honored in 35 states
Colorado honors 34 states

Colorado Gun Laws

Open Carry

Varies by local jurisdiction

The lack of any state law about Open Carry leaves it open for local jurisdictions to restrict Open Carry however they want. In most cases there is no restriction but some cities and counties do restrict open carry outright or in specific places or circumstances.
Partial

Duty to Notify Law Enforcement

Only when asked by the officer
Permitted

State Parks

Concealed Carry is legal in accordance with state laws that regulate the right to carry
Permitted

Restaurants Serving Alcohol

No specific restriction
Permitted

Firearms at Colleges

Firearms permitted in vehicle only and when vehicle is not occupied the firearm must be within a locked and hard sided container within the vehicle and the vehicle must be locked.
Informational

Firearms at K-12 Schools

Firearms permitted in vehicle only and when vehicle is not occupied the firearm must be within a locked and hard sided container within the vehicle and the vehicle must be locked.
Informational

Church Carry

Churches are like any other private property. No specific restriction.
Permitted

Hotels

Hotels are like any other private property. No specific restriction.
Permitted

Secure Storage Requirements

Firearms must be securely stored when one knows or reasonably should know that a juvenile can gain access to the firearm without the permission of their parent or guardian or when a resident of the premises is ineligible to possess a firearm. Also in unoccupied vehicles firearms must be in a secure container and out of sight.
Informational

Magazine Capacity Limitations

Citizens may not acquire a magazine that holds more than 15 rounds. There is nothing illegal about possession or use of any magazine of any size by residents or non-residents.
Restricted

Suppressor Ownership

Ownership legal w/ NFA registration. Hunting is legal.
Permitted

Vehicle Possession Without Recognized Permit

Handguns may be transported concealed only in vehicles within the state
Permitted

Firearm Law Uniformity

Some uniformity but local jurisdictions have some grandfathered clauses
Informational

Permit Training Requirements

Must take minimum 8 hour class with lecture, written exam, and live fire exam.
Informational

Non-Resident Permits

Colorado does not issue non-resident permits except for active military
Restricted

Constitutional Carry

No
Restricted

Duty to Retreat

No Duty to Retreat
Permitted

Places Off Limits

Schools, public buildings at which they actively screen for weapons, private property where the individual is put on notice by the property owner or representative. Buildings where elected officials meet or have offices, buildings with courts or court proceedings, polling places and ballot drop off locations during an election. Local jurisdictions can also prohibit firearms where they wish but they must post notice at the entrance to the premise if they do so.
Informational

State Contact / Source

Colorado Bureau of Investigation
PO Box 280629
Denver, CO 80228
303-813-5700
www.colorado.gov/bci
Informational

Permit Issuing Authority

Local county sheriffs office
Informational

Length of Permit Validity

5 years
Informational

Permit Application Process

Varies by county. Contact your county sheriff office
Informational

Colorado Permit Reciprocity

Reciprocity shown is for a standard resident permit. Non-resident and enhanced permit holders may have different reciprocity. Always verify before carrying. Use our full permit reciprocity map for all permit types →

Your Colorado resident permit is honored in 35 states

AK AL AR AZ DE FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NM OH OK PA SD TN TX UT VA VT WI WV WY

Colorado honors resident permits from 34 states

AK AL AR AZ DE FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NM OH OK PA SD TN TX UT VA WI WV WY
Disclaimer:
While Concealed Carry Inc strives to maintain legal reference information updated on this website from publicly available sources; you as the reader and gun owner are responsible to do any and all necessary research and consult with a local attorney before making any decisions. Concealed Carry Inc is not a government agency is not affiliated with a government agency and is not liable for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or actions taken based on this information. We are not attorneys and this information is not legal advice. If you see any information you feel is outdated or incorrect please contact us.

Legal Summaries for all 50 states are available free on our site and mobile app.