Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Renewal Process
Overview
Colorado concealed handgun permits are valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance. Renewal is handled by the county sheriff's office in the county where the permit holder currently resides, even if the original permit was issued by a different Colorado county. Out-of-state permits are not eligible for renewal in Colorado; holders must apply as new applicants.
Renewal Timeline
Earliest renewal: No more than 120 days (approximately 4 months) prior to the permit expiration date. Applications submitted before the 120-day window will be returned/not accepted.
Grace period after expiration: Permits may be renewed within a 6-month (180-day) grace period after the expiration date, subject to a $15 late fee (per C.R.S. § 18-12-211).
Permanently expired: A permit that is more than 6 months past its expiration date cannot be renewed under state law. The holder would need to apply as a new applicant.
Training Requirements for Renewal (Effective July 1, 2025 - HB24-1174)
House Bill 24-1174, signed into law in 2024 and effective July 1, 2025, significantly changed renewal training requirements. All renewal applications received on or after July 1, 2025, must comply with the new requirements - there is no grace period for the training mandate.
Standard Renewal Training
A renewal applicant must demonstrate competence with a handgun by submitting one of the following:
Refresher Course Certificate - A training certificate from a minimum 2-hour concealed handgun refresher class conducted by a verified instructor (verified by a Colorado Sheriff's Office), obtained within six (6) months prior to submitting the renewal application. The refresher class must include:
A written concealed handgun competency exam with a minimum passing score of 80%
A live-fire exercise with a minimum passing score of 70% accuracy
The certificate must be the original with the printed name and original signature of the verified instructor
Alternatively, a certificate from a full 8-hour concealed handgun training class obtained within 6 months is also accepted
Organized Shooting Competitions / Active Military / Peace Officer - Evidence of experience with a firearm 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.
Verified Instructor Status - Evidence that, at the time of application, the applicant is a verified instructor.
Honorable Military Discharge - Proof of honorable discharge from a branch of the United States Armed Forces that reflects pistol qualifications obtained within the ten (10) years preceding submittal of the renewal form.
Retired Colorado Law Enforcement - A certificate showing retirement from a Colorado law enforcement agency that reflects pistol qualifications obtained within the ten (10) years preceding submittal of the renewal form.
Important notes on training:
Online training and hunter education courses are not accepted
All classes must be conducted in-person by a verified instructor; no portion of the class may be virtual
Photocopies, digital versions, carbon copies, or emailed/printed certificates are not accepted - only the original signed certificate
Verified Instructor Requirement (HB24-1174)
As of July 1, 2025, concealed handgun training classes (both initial and refresher) must be conducted by a certified firearms instructor who has been "verified" by a Colorado Sheriff's Office. Key points:
Instructors must be verified by the sheriff's office in the county where the majority of their training is conducted
Verification is statewide (a verified instructor from any county is accepted)
Verified instructors are listed on the respective sheriff's office website
Verification is valid for 10 years or until the instructor's certification expires
Renewal Fees
Fee Component
Amount
Standard renewal fee
$63 (state-set amount; some counties may have slight variations in total due to processing)
Late renewal fee (expired up to 6 months)
$63 + $15 late fee = $78 (per C.R.S. § 18-12-211)
Replacement card (lost/stolen/damaged)
$15
Note: Some counties charge additional credit/debit card processing fees (e.g., 2.39%). Payment methods vary by county (cash, check, money order, credit/debit card).
Fee breakdown may vary slightly by county. For example, Park County lists $50 for the permit + $13 for the background investigation = $63 total.
Required Documents for Renewal
Completed CHP Renewal Application - Do not sign until your appointment (signature is witnessed by sheriff's office staff)
Original training certificate - From a verified instructor, dated within 6 months of application (or qualifying military/law enforcement documentation)
Valid Colorado Driver's License or State ID - Must show a current address in the county where you are applying
Current concealed handgun permit - Especially required if renewing in a different county than the one that issued the original permit
Payment - $63 for current permits; $78 for late renewals
Additional documentation may be required, including proof of address (lease, utility bill), proof of name change (court documents, marriage certificate), etc.
Out-of-County Renewals
If you have moved to a different Colorado county since your permit was issued:
You must renew in the county where you currently reside (per state law)
Bring your current permit issued by the previous county
Standard renewal requirements and fees apply ($63)
Contact the new county's sheriff's office to schedule an appointment
Name Change During Permit Period
If a renewal applicant has undergone a name change (marriage, divorce, or otherwise) since first acquiring the permit:
A copy of court documents or marriage certificate must be included with the renewal paperwork
State law requires a fresh set of fingerprints for renewal applicants who have undergone a name change
Processing Time
Processing times vary by county:
Boulder County estimates approximately four weeks for renewal permits to be mailed
New permits may take up to 90 days from fingerprint submission
Some counties (e.g., Weld County) process renewals on the spot with no waiting period
Address Change Requirement
Permit holders must notify the issuing sheriff's office of a change of address within 30 days of moving. Lost or stolen permits must be reported within 30 days (some counties specify 3 business days for lost/stolen reporting).
Key Statutory References
C.R.S. Title 18, Article 12, Part 2 - Concealed Handgun Permits
C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5 - Concealed handgun training class and refresher class requirements
C.R.S. § 18-12-211 - Late renewal fee provisions
HB24-1174 - Legislative changes effective July 1, 2025 (verified instructor program, enhanced training requirements, refresher course mandate)