Gun Laws in Colorado
Gun laws in Colorado are relatively permissive, but all gun owners must comply with both federal law and Colorado state-specific regulations. All private transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer. A waiting period applies: 3 business days for all firearm purchases. This complete guide covers every Colorado gun law you need to know in 2026.
Colorado Gun Laws — Quick Overview
Colorado Gun Laws — Quick Reference
Adults 18+ not prohibited under Colorado or federal law. Shall-issue concealed carry permit.
Private Sales: Must go through licensed FFL dealer
Background Check: Required for ALL transfers
Waiting Period: 3 business days for all firearm purchases
Permit to Purchase: Not required
Registration: Not required
Magazine Limit: 15 rounds max
Assault Weapons Ban: No state ban
Min Age (Private): 18+
Min Age (Dealer): 21+ handguns / 18+ long guns
Carry Laws: Shall-issue concealed carry permit
Table of Contents
Colorado Gun Laws — Complete Reference Table
The table below covers every major category of gun law in Colorado — from private sales and background checks to carry rights, prohibited persons, and penalties. Each row includes Colorado's specific rule, key details, and direct links to the governing law.
| LAW CATEGORY | COLORADO STATUS | KEY DETAILS | LAW RESOURCES |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRIVATE SALES & TRANSFERS | |||
| Private Gun SalesPerson-to-person transfers | ⚠️ FFL Required | All private firearm transfers in Colorado must go through a licensed FFL dealer for a background check. Direct person-to-person private transfers without a dealer are not permitted under Colorado law. GunTransfer performs a full background check and generates a bill of sale for every transfer. | C.R.S. § 18-12-112 (universal ... ATF — Private Transfer Rules |
| FFL Dealer RequiredLicensed dealer involvement | 🔵 Required | All private transfers in Colorado must go through a licensed FFL dealer. The dealer conducts the background check and maintains required records. | ATF — FFL Dealers ATF — Interstate Rules |
| Bill of SaleTransfer documentation | 🔵 Recommended | FFL dealer records are required. A GunTransfer bill of sale adds private documentation protecting both parties beyond the dealer's required records. | GunTransfer Bill of Sale → |
| Interstate TransfersOut-of-state sales | 🔵 FFL Required | Federal law prohibits direct private handgun transfers between residents of different states. Any out-of-state firearm purchase must ship to a licensed FFL dealer in the buyer's state. | 18 U.S.C. § 922 ATF Interstate Guidance |
| BACKGROUND CHECKS | |||
| Background Check — DealerLicensed dealer purchases | 🔵 Required | Background checks are required for ALL purchases from licensed FFL dealers under federal law. The dealer submits a NICS check through the FBI before releasing any firearm. | FBI NICS System ATF — Brady Law |
| Background Check — Private SalesPerson-to-person | 🔵 Required | Colorado requires background checks for ALL private firearm transfers — all transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer who conducts the check. GunTransfer also performs its own full background check on every buyer. | ATF — Prohibited Persons 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) |
| WAITING PERIODS | |||
| Waiting PeriodDealer & private sales | ⚠️ Required | Colorado requires a waiting period: 3 business days for all firearm purchases. The buyer cannot take possession until this waiting period has elapsed after the transfer is approved. | Colorado Firearms Laws Giffords — Waiting Periods |
| PERMITS & LICENSES | |||
| Permit to PurchaseBefore buying a firearm | ✅ Not Required | Colorado does not require any permit, license, or state ID card to purchase a firearm. Federal eligibility requirements apply. | Colorado Firearms Laws |
| Concealed CarryCarrying a hidden firearm | 🔵 Shall-Issue | Shall-issue concealed carry permit. Open carry generally permitted but some localities restrict it. | Colorado Carry Laws Colorado Carry Reciprocity |
| REGISTRATION | |||
| Firearm RegistrationState registry | ✅ Not Required | Colorado has no state firearm registry. Gun owners are not required to register firearms with any state or local government. | Colorado Firearms Laws |
| AGE REQUIREMENTS | |||
| Handguns — DealerMinimum purchase age | ⚠️ 21+ | Federal law requires buyers to be at least 21 to purchase a handgun from a licensed FFL dealer. | 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) |
| Long Guns — DealerRifles & shotguns | ⚠️ 18+ | Federal law allows licensed FFL dealers to sell rifles and shotguns to buyers 18+. | 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) |
| Private Sales — All FirearmsMinimum private sale age | ⚠️ 18+ | Federal law sets 18 as the minimum age for all private firearm transfers in Colorado — handguns and long guns alike. | 18 U.S.C. § 922(x) |
| 🔫 CARRY LAWS | |||
| Open CarryCarrying a visible firearm | ✅ Legal | Open carry is legal in Colorado for eligible adults. Restricted locations (schools, courthouses, federal buildings) still apply. | Colorado Carry Laws |
| ⛔ FIREARM RESTRICTIONS | |||
| Assault Weapons BanRestrictions on certain firearms | ✅ No Ban | Colorado has no state assault weapons ban. Semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns are legal to purchase, own, and transfer in Colorado. | Colorado Firearms Laws Giffords — Colorado AWB |
| Magazine Capacity LimitsRound restrictions | ⚠️ 15 Round Limit | Colorado limits magazine capacity to 15 rounds. Magazines exceeding this limit are prohibited. Note: bringing high-capacity magazines from other states into Colorado is illegal. | Giffords — Magazine Laws |
| Red Flag / ERPO LawsEmergency removal orders | ⚠️ Law Exists | Colorado has a Red Flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order / ERPO). Law enforcement or family members may petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from an individual deemed a risk. | Giffords — Red Flag Laws |
| 🚫 PROHIBITED PERSONS | |||
| Federal Prohibited PersonsWho cannot own firearms | 🚫 See List | Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), prohibited from possessing firearms in Colorado and all states:
| ATF — Prohibited Persons 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) |
| SELLER & BUYER OBLIGATIONS | |||
| Seller ResponsibilityLegal obligations when selling | 🔵 Federal Law | Even in gun-friendly states like Colorado, sellers carry federal legal obligations. You cannot:
| 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) ATF — Seller Obligations |
| Gift TransfersTransferring without payment | ✅ Legal | Firearms may be gifted in Colorado when the recipient is legally eligible and at least 18 years old. The same prohibited person restrictions apply. Gifting to a prohibited person is a federal felony. Document with GunTransfer. | 18 U.S.C. § 922 |
| Gun InheritanceInheriting firearms from estate | ✅ Legal | Colorado allows the inheritance of legally-owned firearms. Key rules:
| ATF — Firearm Inheritance ATF — NFA Inheritance |
| KEY COLORADO STATUTES | |||
| Primary Firearms StatuteMain state law | State Law | C.R.S. § 18-12-112 (universal background checks); C.R.S. § 18-12-302 (magazines) — Colorado's primary firearms laws covering possession, transfer, carry, and prohibited persons. | Colorado Firearms Code (Full Text) Giffords — Colorado Gun Laws NRA-ILA — Colorado |
| Federal Baseline LawApplies in all 50 states | Federal | 18 U.S.C. § 922 — The primary federal firearms statute governing who can own guns, dealer background checks, interstate transfer rules, and federal firearms crimes. Applies in Colorado and every state. | 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Full Text) ATF State Laws Guide |
Quick Facts
How Gun Laws Are Categorized
To understand firearm regulations across the United States — and in Colorado specifically — gun laws fall into three broad categories: gun-friendly states, moderate states, and strict states. Colorado falls into the moderate category: 🟡 Moderate.
- No background checks for private sales
- No waiting periods
- No permit required to purchase
- No firearm registration
- Permitless (constitutional) carry
- No magazine capacity limits
- Minimal transfer restrictions
- Some background check requirements
- Private sale rules vary
- Concealed carry permits required
- Limited waiting periods
- Some firearm restrictions
- State-level transfer rules
- Universal background checks required
- Mandatory waiting periods
- Firearm registration required
- Permit required to purchase
- Magazine capacity limits
- Assault weapon restrictions
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Colorado requires a licensed dealer for private transfers. We route you to a local FFL at no markup and handle the bill of sale and permanent records for you. Flat $50.
Quick Answers about Colorado Gun Laws
A gun transfer occurs whenever legal ownership of a firearm changes from one individual to another in Colorado. In Colorado, all transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer.
- Permitted in Colorado, but ALL private transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer for a background check.
- Yes — required for all transfers in Colorado. All private sales must go through a licensed FFL dealer.
- No — not directly. Federal law requires handgun sales to buyers in other states to go through a licensed FFL dealer in the buyer's state. Online purchases must ship to a local FFL.
- Yes — required and strongly recommended. The FFL dealer retains required records. A GunTransfer bill of sale adds additional protection.
Understanding when a firearm transfer is required and how to complete one legally in Colorado is essential for responsible gun ownership. GunTransfer makes every private transfer documented and legally protected.
Responsible Firearm Transfers
Responsible firearm transfers in Colorado help ensure that firearms remain in the hands of law-abiding citizens. Even in gun-friendly Colorado, responsible sellers always verify buyer eligibility and document the transfer.
- Confirming the buyer is legally eligible to possess firearms under Colorado and federal law
- Verifying the buyer is at least 18 years old and a legal U.S. resident
- Using GunTransfer to run a full background check on the buyer
- Generating a complete GunTransfer bill of sale documenting both parties and the firearm
- Meeting in a safe, public location to complete the transfer
- Keeping a permanent copy of the GunTransfer bill of sale
Responsible firearm transfers help protect Colorado gun owners from future liability, prevent firearms from reaching prohibited individuals, and demonstrate the law-abiding character of Colorado’s gun owner community.
Colorado Gun Law Resources
Complete Colorado firearms guides and 50-state resources from GunTransfer.com
50 State Guides
Gun Laws by State → How to Buy a Gun by State → How to Sell a Gun by State → Private Gun Sale Laws by State → Gun Transfer Laws by State → Background Check Laws → Waiting Period Laws →Colorado Law Guides
How to Buy a Gun in Colorado → How to Sell a Gun in Colorado → Private Gun Sale Laws in Colorado → Gun Transfer Laws in Colorado → Background Check Laws in Colorado → Waiting Period Laws in Colorado →Support
Frequently Asked
Questions
What are the gun laws in Colorado?
Colorado regulates private firearm sales. All private transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer for a background check in Colorado. 3 business days for all firearm purchases. No firearm registration is required. See C.R.S. § 18-12-112 (universal background checks); C.R.S. § 18-12-302 (magazines).
Do I need a background check to buy a gun in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado requires a background check for all firearm transfers, including private sales. All transfers must go through a licensed FFL dealer.
Is there a waiting period for gun purchases in Colorado?
Colorado requires a waiting period: 3 business days for all firearm purchases. The buyer cannot take possession until this period elapses.
What is a gun transfer and when is it required?
A gun transfer occurs whenever legal ownership of a firearm moves from one person to another. In Colorado, all transfers — including private sales — must be processed through a licensed FFL dealer. Interstate transfers always require a licensed FFL in the buyer’s state under federal law.
Ready to Transfer ?
Colorado Gun Law Resources: C.R.S. § 18-12-112 (universal backg | ATF — Prohibited Persons | 18 U.S.C. § 922 | FBI NICS | Giffords — Colorado Gun Laws
A handshake isn’t a transfer.
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- Official bill of sale, signed by both partiesElectronic. Documented to hold up in court.
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- Routed to a local licensed dealer — no markupColorado requires an FFL; we handle the paperwork and records.
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About this guide
- Published by
- Gun Transfer, which has handled private firearm transfers since 2016. Written and maintained in-house.
- Sources
- Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 921–931), the ATF’s published rules and guidance, and the statutes of the state this page covers. Primary sources are linked throughout the text above so you can check any of it yourself.
- Last reviewed
- . Firearm law changes often, and a page that was right in April can be wrong by August.
- Found something wrong?
- Tell us and we will check it: info@guntransfer.com or 855-750-5500.
This is general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm and no attorney has reviewed this page. Firearm law varies by state and by situation, and the consequences of getting it wrong fall on you — so verify anything you are relying on against your state’s current statute, or ask a lawyer licensed there.
