Colorado Concealed Carry Reciprocity

Governing Statutes

Colorado's concealed carry reciprocity framework is governed by two primary statutes:

General Reciprocity Principle

Colorado operates on a mutual reciprocity basis. Per C.R.S. § 18-12-105.6, a permit to carry a concealed weapon issued by another state is considered valid in Colorado if that other state, in turn, recognizes Colorado's Concealed Handgun Permits (CHPs). This is a bilateral requirement - both states must honor each other's permits.

As stated by the Colorado State Patrol: "A permit to carry a concealed weapon that is issued to a person (who is at least 21 years of age) by another state will be considered valid in Colorado if the other state, in turn, recognized Colorado's concealed handgun permits." [C.R.S. 18-12-105.6]

Requirements for Out-of-State Permit Holders in Colorado

An out-of-state concealed carry permit is valid in Colorado provided that:

1. The issuing state has reciprocity with Colorado - the other state must recognize Colorado CHPs, and Colorado must recognize that state's permits.
2. The permit holder is at least 21 years of age.
3. The permit holder is a resident of the state that issued the permit, OR is a resident of Colorado for not more than 90 days.

Per Park County Sheriff's Office documentation: "A permit to carry a concealed handgun or a concealed weapon that is issued by a state that reciprocates with Colorado shall be valid in all respects as long as the person is at least 21 years of age, is a resident of the state that issued the permit, or is a resident of Colorado for not more than 90 days."

Out-of-state permit holders visiting Colorado under reciprocity are not subject to Colorado's training requirements (including those updated by HB24-1174); those requirements apply only to Colorado CHP applicants.

Types of Reciprocity

Colorado's reciprocity arrangements fall into recognized categories used across states:

Colorado's reciprocity with most states is based on mutual statutory reciprocity rather than formal written agreements. For example, per the Pennsylvania Attorney General's reciprocity summary (updated September 2021), Colorado has mutual statutory reciprocity ("+" designation) with Pennsylvania.

States with Confirmed Reciprocity

Based on the Pennsylvania Attorney General's reciprocity summary and Ohio Attorney General's published agreements, Colorado has confirmed mutual reciprocity with the following states (among others):

• Pennsylvania - mutual statutory reciprocity (confirmed by PA AG, September 2021)
• Ohio - reciprocity agreement (published by Ohio AG)
• Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Wisconsin - mutual statutory reciprocity with Pennsylvania, and listed as recognizing Colorado permits

Additionally, the following states have written reciprocity agreements or unilateral recognition that include Colorado recognition based on mutual frameworks: Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho (Enhanced License), Kentucky, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota (Class I License), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia (Regular License), Wyoming.

Important caveats:

• Some states recognize only specific permit types (e.g., Idaho "Enhanced" only, North Dakota "Class I" only, Utah "Regular" only, West Virginia "Regular" only).
• The specific list of reciprocal states changes periodically as states update their laws.
• Always verify current reciprocity status directly with the CBI or the destination state before traveling.

Where to Verify Current Reciprocity Agreements

The official list of states with which Colorado has reciprocity is maintained by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI):

• CBI Concealed Handgun Permit Reciprocity: https://cbi.colorado.gov/sections/firearms-instacheck-unit/concealed-handgun-permit-chp-reciprocity

The Colorado State Patrol also provides reciprocity information:

• Colorado Gun Laws: https://csp.colorado.gov/colorado-gun-laws

New Colorado Residents with Out-of-State Permits

• If you move to Colorado and hold a valid concealed carry permit from a reciprocal state, you may carry concealed in Colorado for up to 90 days after establishing residency.
• After 90 days of residency, you may continue to hold your out-of-state permit, but should apply for a Colorado CHP from the county sheriff where you reside.
• Out-of-state permits are NOT eligible for renewal in Colorado. New residents must submit a new application following all Colorado requirements, including the updated training requirements under HB24-1174.
• Your out-of-state permit becomes invalid once you become a resident of Colorado by obtaining a Colorado driver's license (after the 90-day grace period).
• A Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card is required to apply for a Colorado CHP.

Colorado CHP Holders Traveling to Other States

• Per C.R.S. § 18-12-213, reciprocity means the other state recognizes Colorado permits and Colorado recognizes that state's permits.
• You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the laws of any state you are traveling to or through. Each state has its own rules regarding where you can carry, prohibited locations, duty to inform law enforcement, and other requirements.
• Colorado CHP holders must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the state they are visiting.
• Reciprocity applies only to the carrying of concealed firearms and not to any other types of weapons (per language in formal reciprocity agreements).

Non-Resident Permits

Colorado does not issue concealed handgun permits to non-residents. Per the Pennsylvania AG's reciprocity summary, Colorado is listed among states where non-residents may not apply for a separate concealed carry license. Applicants must hold a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card to apply for a Colorado CHP.

Colorado CHP Application Requirements (for New Residents and Current Residents)

New Applications

• Training: Must attend an 8-hour Concealed Handgun Training Class taught by a firearms instructor verified by a Colorado Sheriff's Office (per HB24-1174, effective July 1, 2025).
• Training certificate: Must submit the original proof of training certificate dated within one year of application appointment date. Copies are not accepted.
• Residency: Must have a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card.
• Background check: Fingerprints and photo required; background check completed by the issuing sheriff's office.
• Processing time: Permit mailed within 90 days (or less) from fingerprint submission date.
• Cost: $152.50 (plus credit card fees) for a new application.

Alternative Training Evidence

In lieu of the 8-hour training class, applicants may provide:

• Evidence of organized shooting competition participation, current military service, or current peace officer certification
• Evidence of being a verified instructor at time of application
• Proof of honorable military discharge within 3 years (general) or 10 years (with pistol qualifications)
• Retirement certificate from a Colorado law enforcement agency with pistol qualifications within 10 years

Renewal Applications

• Renewals must be submitted to the sheriff's office in the county where you currently reside, even if the original permit was issued by a different county.
• May renew up to 120 days (4 months) prior to permit expiration.
• Expired permits have a 6-month grace period for renewal.
• Permits expired more than 6 months are not renewable - a new application is required.
• Renewal training (post-July 1, 2025): Original training certificate from a concealed handgun training class or refresher class (per C.R.S. § 18-12-202.5) obtained within 6 months prior to submitting the renewal form. Copies not accepted.
• Cost: $63 (plus credit card fees) for current permits; $78 ($63 + $15 late fee per state law) for late renewals within the 6-month grace period.

Address, Name Changes, and Lost/Stolen Permits

Address Change (Within Colorado)

• Required by state law to notify the issuing agency within 30 days of moving.
• Complete a Change of Address Form through the issuing county's portal.
• No charge for address changes. No new card issued.

Address Change (Moving Out of State)

• Must notify the issuing agency within 30 days.
• Permit becomes invalid once you become a resident of another state by obtaining that state's driver's license.
• Must return your permit to the issuing sheriff's office.

Name Change

• Must provide a Name Change form (notarized) and court documents showing legal name change.
• A new CHP card will be issued.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Permit

• Required by state law to report a lost or stolen permit within 30 days to the issuing agency.
• Replacement card cost: $15 (plus credit card fees) per state law.
• Replacement form must be notarized.

Key Statutory References

Important Notes

• Marijuana use: The medicinal or recreational use of marijuana, although legalized in Colorado, is illegal under federal law and prohibits the lawful possession of firearms. Per Park County documentation: "The medicinal or recreational use of marijuana, although legalized in Colorado, is illegal pursuant to federal law and would prohibit the lawful possession of firearms." This applies to both Colorado residents and visitors.

• Federal facilities and restrictions: Reciprocity does not override federal law. Carrying in federal buildings, post offices, national parks buildings, and other federally restricted areas remains prohibited regardless of state permits.

• Training requirements (HB24-1174): Effective July 1, 2025, Colorado updated training requirements for both new and renewal CHP applications. Key changes:

  • New applications require an 8-hour training class from a verified instructor (verified by a Colorado Sheriff's Office).
  • Renewal applications received on or after July 1, 2025 are subject to new training requirements with no grace period.
  • Renewal training certificates must be dated within 6 months of the renewal application receipt date.
  • Original certificates only - copies are not accepted for either new or renewal applications.
  • These training requirements apply to Colorado CHP applicants only, not to out-of-state permit holders visiting Colorado under reciprocity.

• Reciprocity agreements can be terminated: Formal written reciprocity agreements between states typically include a 30-day written notice termination clause. Statutory reciprocity can change when either state amends its firearms laws. Always verify current status before traveling.

• LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act): Retired law enforcement officers may qualify under federal LEOSA for concealed carry privileges. Colorado counties (e.g., Boulder County through the Longmont Police Department range) offer retired officer qualification shoots for LEOSA compliance.