Colorado Duty to Inform: Police Stops While Carrying

Duty to Inform Law Enforcement - Colorado

Colorado does not have a statutory duty to inform law enforcement officers that you are carrying a concealed handgun during a routine traffic stop or other law enforcement contact. There is no provision in Colorado's concealed carry statutes (C.R.S. Title 18, Article 12) requiring a permit holder to proactively volunteer their armed status.

Carrying Requirements Under C.R.S. 18-12-204

While there is no duty to proactively inform, Colorado law imposes specific carrying obligations on concealed handgun permit (CHP) holders:

• Permit and photo ID must be carried at all times while carrying concealed. A permit holder must have both the CHP and a valid government-issued photo identification on their person whenever they are carrying a concealed handgun. (C.R.S. 18-12-204)
• Must present both documents upon request. If a law enforcement officer asks whether you hold a concealed carry permit or asks to see it, you are required to present the CHP along with valid photo ID.
• Failure to carry the permit while carrying concealed may result in a citation. However, possession of a valid permit is a defense to a charge of unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon under C.R.S. 18-12-105.

Key Legal Distinctions

Exemptions from Permit Requirement (C.R.S. 18-12-105)

Certain individuals may carry concealed without a permit and therefore have no CHP to present. Key exemptions include:

• Persons in their own dwelling, place of business, or on property they own or control
• Active-duty military personnel and honorably discharged veterans (with service documentation)
• Licensed peace officers, active or retired (with credentials)
• Persons in a private automobile for lawful protection of themselves or property
• Persons authorized by federal law to carry

Exempted individuals still have no proactive duty to inform law enforcement of concealed carry status.

Concealed Carry Permit Overview (C.R.S. 18-12-203 through 18-12-210)

• Issuing authority: County sheriff of the applicant's county of residence
• Type: Shall-issue (the sheriff must issue if all statutory criteria are met)
• Minimum age: 21 years
• Training required: Handgun training course demonstrating competence
• Permit validity: 5 years from date of issue
• Reciprocity: Colorado recognizes permits from states that recognize Colorado permits (resident permits only); check current reciprocity agreements as they change periodically

Practical Guidance During Law Enforcement Encounters

Although not legally required, many firearms law attorneys and law enforcement training organizations recommend the following best practices for permit holders during police encounters:

1. Keep hands visible - Place hands on the steering wheel during traffic stops
2. Inform the officer early if comfortable doing so - While not required, voluntary disclosure can reduce tension and demonstrate cooperation
3. Do not reach for the firearm - If you choose to inform or are asked, let the officer direct your movements
4. Follow all lawful orders - Comply with instructions regarding the firearm (e.g., officer may temporarily secure it)

Lost or Stolen Firearm Reporting Requirement (SB21-078)

Effective April 19, 2021, Colorado law requires firearm owners to report the loss or theft of a firearm to a law enforcement agency within 5 days of discovering the loss or theft. (C.R.S. 18-12-114)

Penalties for failure to report:

Key details:

• The report must be made to a local law enforcement agency (typically the police department or sheriff's office where the loss/theft occurred or was discovered)
• This requirement does not apply to licensed firearms dealers (Federal Firearms Licensees), who have separate federal reporting requirements under ATF regulations
• The reporting obligation is on the owner of the firearm, not any temporary possessor
• A person who reports in good faith is not subject to penalty even if the firearm is later recovered

Interaction with Other Colorado Firearms Laws

• No open carry preemption for Denver: Denver has a local ordinance restricting open carry. Concealed carry with a valid CHP is permitted statewide, including in Denver.
• Prohibited locations (C.R.S. 18-12-214): CHP holders may not carry in K-12 schools (unless authorized by the school district), federal buildings, or courthouses. Private property owners may also prohibit firearms on their premises.
• Firearm relinquishment orders: Under Colorado's domestic violence protection order and extreme risk protection order statutes, courts may order the relinquishment of firearms. The source material (Title 18, Criminal Code 2024) confirms detailed procedures for relinquishment including timelines, compliance hearings, and affidavit requirements under the protection order framework. A person subject to such an order must also surrender any concealed carry permit.

Recent Legislative Activity

• SB21-078 (2021): Enacted the lost/stolen firearm reporting requirement described above
• SB21-256 (2021): Authorized local governments to enact firearms regulations stricter than state law (previously preempted), which may affect where and how concealed carry is regulated locally
• SB 23-169 (2023, signed April 28, 2023; codified at C.R.S. § 18-12-112.5(1)(a.5)): Raised the minimum age for purchasing firearms from 18 to 21. Preliminarily enjoined August 2023; the 10th Circuit reversed and dissolved the injunction in Rocky Mountain Gun Owners v. Polis, No. 23-1251 (Nov. 5, 2024); a federal court upheld the law on the merits in June 2025. Currently enforceable. Class 2 misdemeanor penalty. (Does not change the CHP age requirement, which was already 21.)
• HB22-1086 (2022): "Vote Without Fear Act" - firearm restrictions around polling locations.

Permit holders should monitor local ordinances in jurisdictions where they carry, as local regulations may now vary.

Relevant Statutes

• C.R.S. 18-12-105 - Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon; defenses and exemptions
• C.R.S. 18-12-112 - Private firearms transfers (background check requirement)
• C.R.S. 18-12-114 - Reporting requirements for lost or stolen firearms (SB21-078)
• C.R.S. 18-12-203 - Concealed handgun permit issuance criteria
• C.R.S. 18-12-204 - Permit carrying requirements (permit + photo ID)
• C.R.S. 18-12-210 - Reciprocity with other states
• C.R.S. 18-12-214 - Authority of local governments and prohibited locations

Note: The primary source material reviewed (Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 18) did not include the full text of Article 12 (Firearms) sections 18-12-203 through 18-12-214. The concealed carry and permit-specific provisions cited above are based on the established statutory framework. Readers should consult the current text of these statutes at leg.colorado.gov for authoritative and up-to-date guidance.