---

Legal Resources

Concealed Carry in Colorado

Useful Tips and Information

• Colorado is a "Shall Issue" state. That means that unless there is a reason not to issue a permit, the local sheriff 'shall issue' a permit.
• Permits are administered by the county sheriff's office. A listing of Colorado Sheriff's offices can be found here. If you live in Summit County Colorado, you can visit the Summit County Sherriff's site for concealed carry permits.
• In Colorado, you are not required to inform an officer that you are carrying during a traffic stop - but it may be advisable to do so anyway (deputies and officers are not big on surprises).
• See the County Sheriffs of Colorado website for more information on obtaining your Colorado Concealed Carry Permit.
• Laws relating to concealed carry in Colorado can be found at C.R.S. 18-12-201 (scroll down to Part 2).

Reciprocity

HandgunLaw.us provides a well organized, map-based guide to the reciprocity and handgun laws around the United States - including Colorado-specific information.

The NRA's ILA also has a map-based reciprocity site. Check both sites to see if there are any differences which will tell you to dig deeper for recent law changes.

These sites are for reference only and you are responsible for staying notified of any late-breaking changes to firearms laws.

Other Firearms Law References

Federal Law Information

• Interstate Transportation of Firearms: This is a link to the Cornell University Law School citation of U.S. Code Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44, § 926A regarding transporting a firearm in states where you do not have a concealed carry permit. A complete listing of Federal Firearms Laws can be found at the NRA-ILA.
  The Bottom Line: If you are transporting a handgun through a state in which you do not have a recognized concealed carry permit, keep the unloaded handgun locked in a box locked in the trunk, and then keep the ammunition locked separately in the trunk...and that may still not be sufficient to comply with all state and local laws! Read up and know the laws where you are traveling.
• NRA-ILA Gun Law Summary: Comprehensive listing of gun laws by state. Note: This site may not be current with recently passed legislation.
• 2008 Heller Opinion (SCOTUS): The 2nd Amendment applies to Washington DC residents.
• 2010 McDonald Opinion (SCOTUS): The 2nd Amendment applies to the states.

Colorado-Specific Information

These documents and links provide the key information regarding Colorado's current concealed carry and firearms laws.

• Colorado's Firearms Laws: C.R.S. Article 12 (Part 2 relates to concealed carry).
• 2003 Salazar Opinion: The University of Colorado (CU) has a right to make its own concealed carry policies despite Colorado Law.
• 2010 Colorado Court of Appeals Ruling: In a unanimous decision (Students for Concealed Carry on Campus v. CU Board of Regents et al), the appeals court declares that Salazar was wrong in his opinion and CU cannot ban concealed carry on campus. This decision has been appealed to the Colorado Supreme Court based on a vote by the C.U. Board of Regents. A ruling is pending.