Colorado concealed carry & gun laws.

Open carry in Colorado

Open carry is generally legal for 18+ statewide without a permit. Denver prohibits open carry of long guns within city limits. Multiple Colorado municipalities have local 'assault weapons' restrictions following 2023-2024 law changes.

Vehicle carry

A handgun may be carried in a private vehicle without a permit if for lawful protection of self, family, or property. Concealed handgun on person in a vehicle still requires a CHP unless under permitless authority (which CO does not have).

Where you can't carry — sensitive places

These are the statutory locations where Colorado prohibits carry regardless of permit status. Federal facility bans (post offices, federal courthouses, etc.) apply on top of these.

• K-12 schools and school grounds
• Higher-education campuses (varies by institution)
• Polling places (per 2024 expansion)
• State and local government buildings (most)
• Courthouses
• Public transportation (RTD)
• Parks where the local jurisdiction has opted in (per 2023 HB 23-1230)
• Public hospitals and medical facilities
• Liquor licensed premises (most)

City-specific rules

These are major local-government carve-outs that override the statewide default. Always verify before carrying in the named cities.

• Denver. Prohibits open carry of long guns within city limits. Concealed carry with valid CHP permitted in most areas. Local 'assault weapons' restrictions apply.
• Boulder. Restrictive local ordinances on certain firearm types; verify before carrying.

Self-defense law

• Castle doctrine: Colorado recognizes castle doctrine — no duty to retreat in your home (and typically vehicle/workplace).
• Stand your ground: Colorado has limited stand-your-ground principles, often through case law rather than a clean statute. Consult a firearms attorney for specifics.
• Duty to inform on traffic stops: Varies — verify with state AG.

Recent law changes

• 2024-04-29 — Sensitive places expansion (SB 24-131). Expanded the statutory list of 'sensitive places' where firearms are prohibited, including parks where local jurisdictions opt in, polling places, and public transportation. Source →
• 2023-04-28 — 3-day waiting period (HB 23-1219). Established a 3-business-day waiting period for firearm purchases. Source →
• 2023-04-28 — Sensitive locations restriction (HB 23-1230). Authorized local governments to prohibit firearms in public buildings and certain other sensitive locations. Source →

Reciprocity — your Colorado permit elsewhere

A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is honored in approximately 32 states. See the full list and travel-route planning on our Can I Carry tool.

Reciprocity — other states' permits in Colorado

Colorado honors permits ONLY if the holder is a resident of the issuing state (2023 changes). Non-residents need a CO permit. No permitless carry.

How to get a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)

See our Colorado permit guide for full process details: required class, fingerprinting, application form, fee, and processing time.