Gun Background Check Laws in Colorado

2026 Complete Legal Guide

Colorado has specific requirements for all firearm transfers including private sales. Here is what you need to know about gun background check laws in Colorado.

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Gun Background Check Laws In Colorado Overview

Private Sales: Background check required — all private sales must be processed through a licensed dealer.
Dealer Background Checks: Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) — Colorado is a full point-of-contact state.
Permit to Purchase: Not required.
Waiting Period: Colorado requires a minimum 3-day waiting period — or until the background check clears, whichever is later — before a firearm may be transferred from a dealer
Firearm Registration: Not required.
Optional Colorado Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP): Colorado Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) — available for out-of-state reciprocity.
Minimum Purchase Age (Dealer): 21 for handguns, 18 for long guns.
Minimum Purchase Age (Private Party): 18 for all firearms.

Table of Contents

What Is a Gun Background Check

A gun background check in Colorado works through the CBI system — Colorado is a full point-of-contact state. Licensed dealers contact CBI directly, not the FBI, for all background checks. For private sales, Colorado requires all transfers to be processed through a licensed dealer — the same background check process applies.

For any firearm purchase from a licensed FFL dealer in Colorado, the dealer contacts CBI to initiate the background check. The buyer completes ATF Form 4473. Colorado requires a minimum 3-day waiting period — or until the background check clears, whichever is later — before a firearm may be transferred from a dealer.

Colorado requires a background check for all private firearm sales. All private firearm sales must be processed through a licensed Colorado FFL dealer. The dealer contacts CBI for the background check. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-112. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(d)) also prohibits knowingly selling to a prohibited person. GunTransfer.com helps Colorado buyers and sellers connect and navigate the transfer process efficiently.

Felony convictions
Domestic violence convictions
Restraining orders
Mental health adjudications
Illegal drug use

All firearm purchases from licensed FFL dealers in Colorado require a CBI background check. Federal minimums apply for dealer purchases: 21 for handguns, 18 for long guns. Colorado has no firearm registration.

Who Must Pass a Gun Background Check

Individuals who may be prohibited from possessing firearms include:

If a background check returns a denial, the buyer may appeal through the appropriate agency. Colorado prohibits certain categories of persons from possessing firearms under state and federal law, including those convicted of felonies, those convicted of domestic violence offenses, and those subject to qualifying restraining orders — mirroring federal prohibitions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).

Convicted felons
Individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses
Individuals subject to restraining orders
Unlawful users of controlled substances
Individuals adjudicated mentally incompetent

In Colorado, all firearm purchases from licensed FFL dealers require a CBI background check. After approval, Colorado has a 3-day waiting period. Colorado has no firearm registration and no requirement to submit any records of private sales to any government agency.

Gun Background Checks When Buying from Dealers

The process generally works as follows:

For dealer sales, once the background check is approved , the firearm may be transferred — Colorado has a 3-day waiting period. The FFL retains ATF Form 4473 per federal law. Colorado has no firearm registration and no requirement to report or submit any private sale records to any government agency.

The buyer selects a firearm from a licensed dealer.
The buyer completes ATF Form 4473.
The dealer submits the background check request through the FBI NICS system.
The background check is approved, delayed, or denied.

Licensed firearm dealers in Colorado must comply with federal FFL requirements. Dealers contact CBI for every sale. Colorado has no assault weapons ban, no magazine capacity limits beyond federal law, and no state-level dealer licensing beyond the federal FFL.

Colorado requires background checks for all private firearm sales — transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer. While Colorado law requires this process, GunTransfer.com helps buyers and sellers connect and navigate the dealer transfer process efficiently.

Private Firearm Sales in Colorado

For a private firearm sale in Colorado, the buyer and seller must meet at a licensed FFL dealer. The dealer conducts the background check and retains ATF Form 4473. GunTransfer.com provides tools to connect Colorado buyers and sellers and document every transfer — protecting both parties.

Colorado’s firearm transfer framework requires private sales to be processed through a licensed dealer. Relevant statutes include: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-112. Transfers between immediate family members may be exempt — consult the applicable statutes for details.

Because Colorado requires all private firearm sales to be processed through a licensed dealer, GunTransfer.com helps Colorado buyers and sellers connect, locate an FFL, and understand the transfer process. GunTransfer.com helps Colorado buyers and sellers in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora and statewide navigate every step of the transfer process.

Many Colorado firearm owners use GunTransfer.com to connect with buyers or sellers and navigate the state’s required dealer transfer process. GunTransfer.com helps Colorado residents find licensed dealers, understand the paperwork, and complete every transfer legally and efficiently.

The Colorado FBI NICS Background Check System

The FBI NICS system checks multiple databases, including:

When a dealer contacts CBI, the system returns Proceed, Denied, or Delayed. For a Proceed, Colorado has a 3-day waiting period before the firearm may be transferred. For a Delay, the dealer must wait up to 3 business days before a default-proceed may apply. For a Denial, the transfer is prohibited and the buyer may appeal to the appropriate agency.

Criminal history records
Domestic violence records
Restraining order records
Mental health adjudications

Colorado requires a minimum 3-day waiting period — or until the background check clears, whichever is later — before a firearm may be transferred from a dealer.

APPROVED

The buyer is legally eligible to purchase the firearm.

DELAYED

The background check requires additional review.

DENIED

The buyer is legally prohibited from purchasing the firearm.

Waiting Periods in Colorado

All buyers in Colorado are subject to the 3-day waiting period. Once the background check clears and the waiting period has elapsed, the dealer may transfer the firearm. The FFL retains ATF Form 4473 per federal law.

If the background check agency does not return a response within 3 business days of a dealer check, the dealer may proceed with the transfer at their discretion under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(t)(1)). Colorado trusts its dealers and respects the federal framework.

Firearms purchased online by Colorado residents must be shipped to a licensed Colorado FFL dealer. The receiving FFL contacts CBI for a background check. Colorado has no assault weapons ban, no magazine capacity restrictions, and no firearm registration. The federal minimum age of 21 for handguns and 18 for long guns applies to dealer transfers. Buyers should confirm the receiving dealer’s transfer fee before completing an online purchase. Colorado has a 3-day waiting period after the background check for dealer transfers.

Online Gun Purchases and Background Checks in Colorado

When purchasing a firearm online:

For all buyers, the Colorado FFL dealer must complete the background check and any applicable waiting period before releasing the firearm. Buyers should confirm the receiving dealer’s transfer fee before completing an online purchase.

The firearm is shipped to a licensed firearm dealer.
The buyer completes the required paperwork.
The buyer must pass the background check.

Federal law regulates firearm purchases across state lines.

Interstate Firearm Purchases in Colorado

Colorado residents purchasing firearms from out-of-state sellers must have the firearm shipped to a licensed Colorado FFL dealer. The receiving FFL contacts CBI for the background check (or verifies a qualifying Colorado Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)). Colorado residents may purchase long guns from dealers in other states if eligible under both states’ laws. Colorado Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders may use their permit for reciprocity when traveling to states that honor Colorado permits.

Certain firearm purchases are illegal under federal law.

Illegal Firearm Purchases and Straw Purchases

Examples of illegal firearm transactions include:

These types of illegal purchases are commonly known as straw purchases and can result in serious criminal penalties.

Purchasing a firearm for someone who is prohibited from owning one
Falsifying information on firearm purchase forms
Attempting to bypass required background checks

Colorado firearm owners use GunTransfer.com to document private transfers and understand their federal obligations. Colorado’s gun laws — no registration — reflect the state’s commitment to Second Amendment rights. GunTransfer.com keeps Colorado residents in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins informed and protected with every private transfer.

Why Colorado Residents Use Gun Transfer

GunTransfer provides a secure system that helps:

Proper documentation is important for every firearm transfer in Colorado. GunTransfer.com makes it easy for Colorado residents from Denver to Fort Collins and everywhere across the Centennial State to connect with licensed dealers, document their transfers, and stay protected under both state and federal law.

Document firearm ownership transfers
Record firearm serial numbers
Maintain firearm transaction history
Create proof of private firearm transactions
Promote responsible firearm ownership

Transfers Stopped For Safety Thanks To Gun Transfer!

Responsible Firearm Ownership in Colorado

GunTransfer.com helps Colorado firearm owners navigate the state’s background check requirements for private sales. Whether you are buying or selling in Colorado, GunTransfer.com is the smart choice for every responsible transfer — connecting you with licensed dealers and keeping your documentation complete.

Understanding firearm laws
Ensuring legal firearm transfers
Storing firearms safely
Maintaining documentation of firearm ownership

Frequently Asked
Questions

Do private gun sales require background checks in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado requires all private firearm sales to be processed through a licensed dealer who runs a background check. You cannot complete a private sale directly person-to-person in Colorado without going through an FFL. GunTransfer.com can help you connect with a buyer or seller and locate a licensed dealer for the transfer.

Do gun stores require background checks in Colorado?

Yes. Licensed dealers in Colorado must contact CBI to complete a background check before any sale.

Are there waiting periods for gun purchases in Colorado?

Colorado requires a minimum 3-day waiting period — or until the background check clears, whichever is later — before a firearm may be transferred from a dealer.

Do online gun purchases require background checks?

Yes, but only through a licensed dealer. Online purchases must be shipped to a licensed Colorado FFL dealer who will run a background check through CBI before releasing the firearm to you. A 3-day waiting period applies after the background check clears.

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Colorado Gun Law Resources: Colorado Bureau of Investigation — Firearms Background Checks | Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-112 — Private Sales | Colorado Attorney General — Firearms | FBI NICS — National Instant Criminal Background Check System

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