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How to Get Your Colorado Concealed Carry Permit


If you want to carry a concealed handgun in Colorado, you must apply for a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) through the sheriff’s office in your county of residence (or where you own property or operate a business). Colorado is a shall‑issue state — meaning sheriffs must issue a permit if you meet the legal requirements and training criteria.

Here’s how the process works:

Step 1 — Meet Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, make sure you:

  • Are 21 years or older.

  • Are a legal resident of Colorado.

  • Are not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm (no disqualifying convictions, restraining orders, etc.).

Colorado law outlines specific disqualifiers in statute — including habits of substance abuse and certain criminal history.(Wikipedia)

Step 2 — Complete Required Training

Under Colorado’s updated training requirements (effective July 1, 2025), all new permit applicants must submit proof that they’ve demonstrated competence with a handgun — most commonly by completing an in‑person, instructor‑led training class instructed by a verified firearms instructor and dated within 1 year of your application.

For renewals submitted on or after July 1, 2025, the refresher training must be dated within 6 months of your renewal application.

Options for competence include:

  • Participation in organized shooting competitions,

  • Current military service,

  • Or being a certified instructor.

Step 3 — Submit Your Application

Most Colorado sheriff’s offices now require CHP applications to be submitted online through the third‑party portal Permitium. You will be asked to upload:

  • Your original training certificate,

  • Valid Colorado ID (Driver’s License or State ID),

  • Proof of residency if needed,

  • A recent passport‑style photo.(denverco.permitium.com)

Once submitted, you’ll need to schedule an in‑person appointment for fingerprinting and possibly to finish your photo session, depending on your county.(Jefferson County)

Step 4 — Background Check & Approval

After your fingerprints and application are submitted, the sheriff’s office will complete background checks through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the FBI. If you meet all criteria and pass the checks, your permit will be issued — typically within 90 days of application.(Boulder County)

📍 Find Your County Sheriff’s Office

You must apply through the sheriff’s office in your county of residence (or where you own property or operate a business). Below are links to sheriff offices that handle concealed handgun permits:

🧭 Major Counties (with direct concealed carry info)

Other Colorado Counties

For a full list of Colorado sheriff offices by county — each of which handles concealed handgun permits — see this statewide directory:🔗 County Sheriffs of Colorado – Sheriff Directory

This directory includes all 64 Colorado counties with their contact information so you can apply locally.(coloradosheriffs.org)

✅ Final Tips Before Applying

  • Double‑check training certificates meet updated legal requirements.

  • Apply in the county where you live or have legal ties.

  • Schedule fingerprinting and photo early — it’s a required part of the process.

Getting your Colorado concealed carry permit is a straightforward process — but it’s critical to follow training, documentation, and application procedures closely so your application isn’t delayed or denied.


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