Colorado Concealed Handgun Permits (CHP) are governed by Colorado Revised Statutes Title 18, Article 12, Part 2 (C.R.S. 18-12-201 through 18-12-216), as amended by Colorado House Bill 24-1174. Applications must be submitted to the County Sheriff's Office where the applicant resides, owns property, or owns a business.
Effective Date of New Requirements: July 1, 2025
Application Methods
Online Application System
All applications (new, renewal, address changes, name changes, and replacements) must be submitted through Permitium, the online CHP application software used by Colorado Sheriff's Offices
No walk-in appointments are available
Applications typically take less than 10 minutes to complete online
Computer terminals are available at Sheriff's Office lobbies for applicants without computer access
Accessibility
Applicants who cannot complete the online process due to disability or special circumstances may contact their County Sheriff's Office for assistance.
New Concealed Handgun Permit Applications
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age: 21 years old at time of application
Residency: Must apply in the county where applicant resides, owns property, or owns a business
Valid Identification: Colorado Driver's License or State-issued Identification Card required
Training Requirements (Effective July 1, 2025)
8-Hour Concealed Handgun Training Class
General Requirements:
Must be taught in-person by a Verified Concealed Handgun Instructor certified by a Colorado Sheriff's Office
No portion of the class may be held online
Classes must meet requirements of the federal "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990"
Training certificate must be dated within one (1) year of application submission date
Original certificate required - copies will NOT be accepted
Certificate must include printed name and original signature of verified instructor
Required Course Elements per C.R.S. 18-12-202.5:
Duration: Minimum 8 hours (does not need to be consecutive)
Instructor-led Education: Topics defined in C.R.S. 18-12-202.5
Live-Fire Exercise:
Minimum 50 rounds discharged on a range
Minimum accuracy score: 70%
Does not need to be conducted in a single day
Written Competency Exam:
Tests knowledge of subjects in C.R.S. 18-12-205.5 (3)(a) through (3)(f)
Minimum passing score: 80%
Must be an open-book exam
Alternative Training Qualifications
Applicants may demonstrate competence through:
Evidence of experience through participation in organized shooting competitions, current military service, or current certification as a peace officer pursuant to Article 2.5 of Title 16
Evidence that applicant is currently a verified instructor
Proof of honorable discharge from U.S. Armed Forces within 3 years preceding application
Proof of honorable discharge from U.S. Armed Forces reflecting pistol qualifications obtained within 10 years preceding application
Certificate showing retirement from Colorado law enforcement agency reflecting pistol qualifications obtained within 10 years preceding application
Application Process Steps
Complete Required Training (within one year of application)
Access Permitium Portal to begin online application
Complete Application Form through Permitium
Schedule Fingerprint/Photo Appointment (scheduled via Permitium)
Pay Application Fee through Permitium portal
Attend Fingerprint/Photo Appointment
Bring valid Colorado Driver's License or State ID
Bring original training certificate
Be prepared for photo
Allow approximately 30 minutes
Arrive on time (late arrivals may result in cancellation)
Background Check Processing
Fingerprints electronically submitted to Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Criminal background check conducted per C.R.S. 18-12-205
Sheriff Review and Approval (if no disqualifying factors found)
Permit Issuance
Procedures vary by county: some counties mail the permit to the address provided on the application; others require a final in-person appointment to sign the application, take a photo, and print the permit
Processing Time
Applications can take up to 90 days to process from fingerprint submission date
Fees (as of 2025)
New CHP Application: $110-$152.50 (varies by county; includes background check)
Example: Delta County - $110; Boulder County - $152.50
Credit card processing fees may apply
Renewal Applications
Renewal Eligibility and Timing
May apply no more than 120 days (4 months) prior to expiration date
Applications submitted earlier than 120 days before expiration will be returned
Must apply with Sheriff's Office in county where applicant currently resides (even if original permit was issued by a different Colorado county)
Grace Period: Expired permits may be renewed within 6 months of expiration
Permits expired more than 6 months require a new application with full training requirements and new application fees
Training Requirements for Renewal (Effective July 1, 2025)
IMPORTANT: All renewal applications received on or after July 1, 2025 are subject to new training requirements with no exceptions or grace period.
2-Hour Refresher Class
General Requirements:
Must be taught by a Verified Concealed Handgun Instructor
Training certificate must be dated within six (6) months of renewal application submission
Original certificate required - copies will NOT be accepted
Refresher class certificates are only valid for renewals and cannot be used for new applications
Required Course Elements:
Duration: Minimum 2 hours
Live-Fire Exercise:
Minimum 50 rounds discharged on a range
Minimum accuracy score: 70%
Instruction on Legal Changes:
Federal and state firearms laws enacted within 5 years prior to refresher class
Written Competency Exam:
Tests knowledge of subjects in C.R.S. 18-12-205.5 (3)(a) through (3)(f)
Minimum passing score: 80%
Must be an open-book exam
Alternative Renewal Qualifications
Permittees may demonstrate competence through:
Evidence of competence through participation in organized shooting competitions (within one year), current military service, or current certification as a peace officer pursuant to Article 2.5 of Title 16
Evidence that applicant is currently a verified instructor
Proof of honorable discharge from U.S. Armed Forces reflecting pistol qualifications obtained within 10 years preceding renewal
Certificate showing retirement from Colorado law enforcement agency reflecting pistol qualifications obtained within 10 years preceding renewal
Renewal Process Steps
Complete Required Training (within 6 months of renewal submission)
Access Permitium Portal to begin renewal application
Complete Renewal Form online
Submit Required Documentation through portal
Pay Renewal Fee through Permitium
Background Check Processing
Permit Issuance (if approved; one county source states approximately 4 weeks by mail)
Renewal Fees
Current Permit Renewal: $45-$63 (varies by county)
Example: Delta County - $45; Boulder County - $63
Late Renewal (within 6 months expired): $60-$78 (includes $15 late fee per state law)
Example: Delta County - $60; Boulder County - $78
Credit card processing fees may apply
Out-of-State Permits
Out-of-state permits are NOT eligible for renewal
Former Colorado residents seeking a Colorado CHP must submit a new application with full requirements
Address Changes
Legal Requirement
Per state law, permit holders must notify the issuing agency of address changes within 30 days of moving.
Within Colorado
Submit Change of Address Form through Permitium portal
Must notify the Sheriff's Office that issued the permit (not necessarily current county of residence)
Form does not need to be notarized
No fee
No new card issued
Moving Out of State
Submit Change of Address Form through Permitium portal to issuing agency
Form does not need to be notarized
No fee
Permit becomes invalid upon obtaining another state's driver's license
Must return permit to issuing Sheriff's Office
Name Changes
Requirements
Submit Name Change Form through Permitium portal
Form must be notarized
Upload copy of court documents showing legal name change
Submit to Sheriff's Office that issued the permit
New CHP card will be issued
Replacement Permits
Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Permits
Must contact Sheriff's Office within three (3) business days of loss, theft, or destruction
Submit replacement request through Permitium portal
$15 replacement fee payable to the issuing sheriff, plus any credit card fees (C.R.S. 18-12-210(2))
Required Documentation Summary
For All Appointments
Valid Colorado Driver's License or State-issued Photo ID
Original training certificate (as applicable)
Be prepared for photograph
Fingerprint Appointments
Allow approximately 30 minutes
Arrive on time (must call if delayed to avoid cancellation)
Bring government-issued photo ID
Relevant Colorado Revised Statutes
Colorado Concealed Handgun Permits are governed by:
C.R.S. 18-12-201 - Legislative declaration
C.R.S. 18-12-202 - Definitions
C.R.S. 18-12-202.5 - Training requirements
C.R.S. 18-12-203 - Criteria for obtaining a permit
C.R.S. 18-12-208 - Colorado Bureau of Investigation duties
C.R.S. 18-12-209 - Issuance of temporary emergency permits
C.R.S. 18-12-210 - Maintenance of permit, address change, invalidity
C.R.S. 18-12-211 - Renewal of permits
C.R.S. 18-12-212 - Exemption
C.R.S. 18-12-213 - Reciprocity
C.R.S. 18-12-214 - Authority granted by permit, carrying restrictions
C.R.S. 18-12-215 - Immunity
C.R.S. 18-12-216 - Permits issued prior to effective date
C.R.S. 18-12-105 - Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon
C.R.S. 18-12-105.5 - Unlawfully carrying weapon on school, college, or university grounds
C.R.S. 18-12-105.6 - Limitation on local ordinances regarding firearms in private vehicles
C.R.S. 29-11.7-101 through 29-11.7-104 - Local regulation restrictions
Federal Statutes
18 USC 926A - Interstate transportation of firearms
18 USC 926B - Carrying of concealed firearms by qualified law enforcement officers
18 USC 926C - Carrying of concealed firearms by qualified retired law enforcement officers
Important Notes
County-Specific Variations: While state law governs CHPs, individual counties may have variations in procedures, fees, and issuance methods (e.g., mailing vs. in-person pickup). Always verify with your specific county Sheriff's Office.
Verified Instructors: Lists of verified instructors are maintained by each county Sheriff's Office and available on their websites.
No Exceptions: The July 1, 2025 training requirements apply to ALL applicants with no exceptions or grace periods for renewals.
Certificate Validity: Training certificates for new applications are valid for one year; refresher certificates for renewals are valid for six months.
Original Certificates Required: Copies of training certificates will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Background Checks: All applicants undergo fingerprint-based criminal background checks through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation per C.R.S. 18-12-205.
Contact Information
For assistance with the application process, contact the Sheriff's Office in your county of residence. Applications and inquiries must be directed to the county where you reside, own property, or own a business.
Fact-Checked Information:
The minimum age for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is 21 years old. Multiple official Colorado county sheriff's office websites consistently state that applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application. This requirement is codified in Colorado Revised Statutes 18-12-203(1)(b). (Sources: Concealed Handgun Permits | Elbert County, CO, Concealed Handgun Permits | Delta County, CO - Official Website, Concealed Handgun Permit | San Miguel County, CO - Official Website, Concealed Handgun Permits | Elbert County, CO)
In Colorado, a concealed handgun permit (CHP) application can take up to 90 days to process from the date fingerprints are submitted. This is the statutory maximum. Boulder County states the permit will be mailed 'within 90 days (or less) from the date your fingerprints were submitted.' Delta County also confirms 'Applications can take up to 90-days to process.' Renewal permits may be processed faster - Boulder County notes renewals take 'approximately four weeks.' The exact processing time varies by county, but the legal maximum is 90 days for new applications. Neither AI model provided a defined answer (both returned 'undefined'), so neither was correct. (Sources: Concealed Handgun Permit - Boulder County, Concealed Handgun Permit - Boulder County, Concealed Handgun Permits | Delta County, CO, Concealed Handgun Permits | Elbert County, CO)
