5 Steps to getting your Concealed Handgun Permit in Colorado

In the state of Colorado, obtaining a concealed handgun permit (CHP) allows individuals to carry a concealed handgun in certain places. If you are a resident of Colorado and interested in obtaining a CHP, there are a few steps you will need to follow.

1. Determine your eligibility: In order to be eligible for a CHP in Colorado, you must be at least 21 years old and a resident of the state. You must also be able to demonstrate that you have the necessary training and knowledge to handle a handgun safely.

2. Complete a firearms training course: In order to apply for a CHP, you must complete a firearms training course. This course must include in-person instruction (though not required the course you choose should include practical training on the range with live fire). The instructor must provide a certificate of completion to you upon the completion of the course.

3. Submit your application: Once you have completed a certified firearms training course, you can apply for a CHP online through your local sheriffs department in Colorado. You will need to provide proof of training, complete the application, and pay the appropriate fees. Typically you will also be finger printed and photographed, which will be used for your background check and picture for your I.D. card if approved.

4. Wait for processing: Once your application has been received, a background check will be preformed to determine your eligibility. This process can take several weeks to complete.

5. Wait for your CHP to arrive: Once you have completed the fingerprinting process, the CBI will issue your CHP and mail it to you. It is important to note that it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in Colorado without a valid CHP.

Obtaining a Concealed Handgun Permit in Colorado requires completing a firearms training course, submitting an application, and completing a background check and fingerprinting. By following these steps and adhering to the laws and regulations governing CHPs in the state, you can legally carry a concealed handgun in certain places.

Here are the requirements and statues from the Colorado Bureau of investigations website:

Current as of 1/4/2023 as always check the CBI website for the most current information.

Statutes current through Chapter 220 of the 2021 Regular Session and effective as of June 10, 2021. The inclusion of the 2021 legislation is not final. It will be final later in 2021 after reconciliation with the official statutes, produced by the Colorado Office of Legislative Legal Services. Colorado Revised Statutes Annotated Title 18. Criminal Code (Arts. 1 — 26) Article 12. Offenses Relating to Firearms and Weapons (Pts. 1 — 5) Part 2. Permits to Carry Concealed Handguns (§§ 18-12-201 — 18-12-216) 18-12-203. Criteria for obtaining a permit (1) Beginning May 17, 2003, except as otherwise provided in this section, a sheriff shall issue a permit to carry a concealed handgun to an applicant who: (a) Is a legal resident of the state of Colorado. For purposes of this part 2, a person who is a member of the armed forces and is stationed pursuant to permanent duty station orders at a military installation in this state, and a member of the person’s immediate family living in Colorado, shall be deemed to be a legal resident of the state of Colorado. (b) Is twenty-one years of age or older; (c) Is not ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to section 18-12-108 or federal law; (d) Has not been convicted of perjury under section 18-8-503, in relation to information provided or deliberately omitted on a permit application submitted pursuant to this part 2; (e) (I) Does not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that the applicant’s normal faculties are impaired. (II) The prohibition specified in this subsection (1)(e) shall not apply to an applicant who provides an affidavit, signed by a professional counselor or addiction counselor who is licensed pursuant to article 245 of title 12 and specializes in alcohol addiction, stating that the applicant has been evaluated by the counselor and has been determined to be a recovering alcoholic who has refrained from using alcohol for at least three years. (f) Is not an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance as defined in section 18-18-102 (5). Whether an applicant is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance shall be determined as provided in federal law and regulations. (g) Is not subject to: (I) A protection order issued pursuant to section 18-1-1001 or section 19-2-707, C.R.S., that is in effect at the time the application is submitted; or (II) A permanent protection order issued pursuant to article 14 of title 13; (III) A temporary protection order issued pursuant to article 14 of title 13 that is in effect at the time the application is submitted; or (IV) A temporary extreme risk protection order issued pursuant to section 13-14.5-103 (3) or an extreme risk protection order issued pursuant to section 13-14.5-105 (2); (h) Demonstrates competence with a handgun by submitting: (I) Evidence of experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competitions or current military service; (II) Evidence that, at the time the application is submitted, the applicant is a certified instructor; (III) Proof of honorable discharge from a branch of the United States armed forces within the three years preceding submittal of the application; (IV) Proof of honorable discharge from a branch of the United States armed forces that reflects pistol qualifications obtained within the ten years preceding submittal of the application; (V) A certificate showing retirement from a Colorado law enforcement agency that reflects pistol qualifications obtained within the ten years preceding submittal of the application; or

(VI) A training certificate from a handgun training class obtained within the ten years preceding submittal of the application. The applicant shall submit the original training certificate or a photocopy thereof that includes the original signature of the class instructor. To the extent permitted by section 18-12-202 (5), in obtaining a training certificate from a handgun training class, the applicant shall have discretion in selecting which handgun training class to complete. (2) Regardless of whether an applicant meets the criteria specified in subsection (1) of this section, if the sheriff has a reasonable belief that documented previous behavior by the applicant makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to self or others if the applicant receives a permit to carry a concealed handgun, the sheriff may deny the permit. (3) (a) The sheriff shall deny, revoke, or refuse to renew a permit if an applicant or a permittee fails to meet one of the criteria listed in subsection (1) of this section and may deny, revoke, or refuse to renew a permit on the grounds specified in subsection (2) of this section. (b) Following issuance of a permit, if the issuing sheriff has a reasonable belief that a permittee no longer meets the criteria specified in subsection (1) of this section or that the permittee presents a danger as described in subsection (2) of this section, the sheriff shall suspend the permit until such time as the matter is resolved and the issuing sheriff determines that the permittee is eligible to possess a permit as provided in this section. (c) If the sheriff suspends or revokes a permit, the sheriff shall notify the permittee in writing, stating the grounds for suspension or revocation and informing the permittee of the right to seek a second review by the sheriff, to submit additional information for the record, and to seek judicial review pursuant to section 18-12-207.