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Last updated April 2026 · By Nick Hall, CCW instructor tracking Colorado’s rapid 2023-2026 firearms law changes and the new SB25-003 semi-auto restrictions taking effect August 2026
Disclaimer: This is an editorial round-up of Colorado gun laws. We do our best to make sure it’s correct, but do not rely on this as legal advice. Colorado’s firearms laws have changed rapidly in 2023-2026. If you’re unsure about anything, consult a Colorado-licensed firearms attorney.
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Intro
TL;DR: Colorado is a shall-issue state with a 15-round magazine cap, universal background checks, a 3-day waiting period, age 21 for all firearm purchases, an expanded red flag law, and — starting August 1, 2026 — a sweeping ban on the sale and manufacture of most semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines (SB25-003). Stand Your Ground is recognized through case law, not statute.
Colorado has moved from “purple” gun state to one of the more restrictive jurisdictions in the Mountain West over the last three years. A chain of legislative sessions in 2023, 2024, and 2025 added a 3-day waiting period, raised all firearm purchase ages to 21, expanded the red flag law, and passed SB25-003, which restricts the sale of AR-15s, AK-47s, and most other semi-automatic firearms that accept detachable magazines unless the buyer goes through a new county-sheriff vetting process.
Existing firearms are grandfathered. Possession of standard-capacity magazines and most semi-autos remains legal. But new purchases are now substantially harder, and the rules vary depending on whether you live in Denver (additional local restrictions) or elsewhere in the state.
If you’re a current Colorado gun owner, moving here, or trying to understand the post-SB25-003 landscape, this page breaks down the 2026 rules with statute citations and official sources.
Colorado Gun Laws: The Highlights
TL;DR: 15-round magazine cap, 3-day waiting period, universal background checks, age 21 for all firearms, expanded red flag law, and SB25-003 semi-auto restrictions starting August 1, 2026. Shall-issue CCW, open carry mostly legal outside Denver.
- Shall-issue concealed handgun permit (CHP) issued by county sheriffs under C.R.S. § 18-12-105 and § 18-12-202 through § 18-12-216.
- 15-round magazine capacity limit under C.R.S. § 18-12-301 (since 2013). Possession of pre-2013 grandfathered magazines is legal.
- 3-day waiting period on all firearm transfers under HB23-1219 (effective 2023).
- Minimum age 21 for all firearm purchases (handguns and long guns) under SB23-169.
- Universal background checks on all transfers under C.R.S. § 18-12-112, including private sales.
- Red Flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order) under C.R.S. § 13-14.5-101, expanded in 2024 and 2026 to allow petitions from schools, hospitals, and colleges.
- SB25-003 signed April 2025: bans sale, manufacture, and transfer of most semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines starting August 1, 2026. Grandfathered existing guns remain legal to own.
- Stand Your Ground recognized through Colorado case law (People v. Toler, 9 P.3d 341). No statutory duty to retreat. Make My Day law (C.R.S. § 18-1-704.5) provides strong Castle Doctrine for the home.
For the official state resource on current law, see the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Firearms Unit page.
Key Information at a Glance
Key Information: Colorado Gun Laws at a Glance (2026)
Fast answers first, with official sources at the bottom.
| Permitless Carry | No (permit required for concealed) |
|---|---|
| Open Carry | Legal 18+ statewide, banned in Denver |
| Concealed Carry | Shall-issue CHP via county sheriff, 21+ |
| Background Checks | Universal (all private sales require FFL) |
| Waiting Period | 3 days on all firearm transfers |
| Purchase Age | 21+ for all firearms |
| Magazine Capacity Limit | 15 rounds (pre-2013 grandfathered) |
| Assault Weapon Ban | SB25-003 sale ban from Aug 1, 2026 |
| Red Flag Law | Yes — expanded 2024 and 2026 |
| Firearm Registration | Not required |
| Stand Your Ground | Yes (case law + Make My Day for home) |
| Castle Doctrine | Yes (C.R.S. § 18-1-704.5) |
| State Preemption | Partial — localities may add restrictions |
| NFA Items (Suppressors/SBRs) | Legal with federal ATF approval |
SB25-003: The New Semi-Auto Restrictions (Effective August 2026)
TL;DR: SB25-003 was signed into law April 2025 and takes effect August 1, 2026. It bans the sale, manufacture, and transfer of most semi-automatic firearms that accept detachable magazines unless the buyer has completed a new “firearms safety course eligibility card” process through their county sheriff. Possession of existing firearms is unaffected.
This is Colorado’s biggest firearms law change in a generation. SB25-003 restricts the commercial sale, manufacture, and transfer of “specified semi-automatic firearms” — a category that covers most AR-15s, AK-47 variants, tactical shotguns, and a smaller group of semi-automatic pistols and rifles that accept detachable magazines.
The law has two primary paths for someone who wants to buy a newly covered firearm:
- Path 1: Fixed-magazine exemption. Covered firearms can still be sold if they have a factory-installed fixed magazine (welded, epoxied, or soldered in place) with a maximum capacity of 15 rounds. This is what California already does with “featureless” build variants.
- Path 2: Sheriff-vetted eligibility card. Buyers can complete a state-approved firearms safety course, pass an expanded background check, and apply for a “firearms safety course eligibility card” through their county sheriff. Sheriffs have broad authority to approve or deny applications based on the applicant’s background and suitability.
Possession of existing semi-automatic firearms is grandfathered. SB25-003 does not require registration, does not confiscate legally owned firearms, and does not ban possession. It targets new sales after August 1, 2026.
For the full legislative text and implementation rules, see the Colorado Sun coverage of the bill signing and the Colorado Public Radio detailed explainer.
Who Can Carry a Gun in Colorado?
TL;DR: 21+ for concealed carry with a Colorado CHP. Open carry legal at 18+ statewide except in Denver. You must pass a background check and not be federally prohibited.
Colorado requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to carry concealed under C.R.S. § 18-12-105. The state is shall-issue as of the 2003 reform: county sheriffs must issue a CHP to applicants who pass a background check and complete an approved handgun training course, unless the sheriff has documented evidence of unsuitability.
Minimum age for a CHP is 21. Federal prohibited-person rules under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) apply (felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanors, drug addiction, dishonorable discharge, etc.). Colorado also disqualifies applicants with recent alcohol or drug abuse issues, protection orders, or certain misdemeanors within the past two years.
Purchasing a Firearm in Colorado
TL;DR: All transfers (dealer and private) require an FFL-mediated background check under C.R.S. § 18-12-112. Three-day waiting period. Minimum age 21 for all firearms. Ammunition purchases will require age 21 starting July 1, 2026.
Here’s the step-by-step for a first-time buyer in Colorado:
- Choose a licensed dealer. Private sales also require an FFL-facilitated background check under universal background check law. For local shops, see our best gun stores in Colorado guide.
- Complete ATF Form 4473 + Colorado background check. Run through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) InstaCheck system.
- Wait the 3-day period. HB23-1219 imposes a minimum 3-day waiting period from the initiation of the background check or when the check is approved, whichever is later.
- Take delivery. Once the background check clears and the 3-day waiting period has elapsed, you can pick up the firearm.
- After August 1, 2026: For SB25-003-covered semi-autos, you also need a firearms safety course eligibility card from your county sheriff, unless the firearm has a factory-installed fixed magazine of 15 rounds or fewer.
Minimum age for all firearm purchases (handguns and long guns) is 21 under SB23-169, a change from the previous 18 for long guns. Ammunition purchases will require age 21 starting July 1, 2026.
Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)
TL;DR: Shall-issue permit via county sheriff under C.R.S. § 18-12-202 through § 18-12-216. Requires handgun training course, background check, fingerprints, and sheriff approval. Typically costs $100-$200 depending on county. Valid 5 years.
To apply for a Colorado CHP, you file with the sheriff of the county where you reside (or the sheriff of any Colorado county where you maintain a second home). Requirements include completion of a state-approved handgun training course, a legible set of fingerprints, proof of residency, and payment of the application fee.
Permits are issued for 5 years. Fees vary by county — expect $100-$200 for the initial application and background check, plus the cost of training (typically $75-$150 at a certified instructor). Renewal is less expensive.
Magazine Capacity: The 15-Round Limit
TL;DR: 15-round maximum under C.R.S. § 18-12-301. Magazines lawfully owned before July 1, 2013 are grandfathered. New sale, transfer, or manufacture of larger-capacity magazines is prohibited. The 2013 law was upheld in state court.
Colorado limited magazine capacity to 15 rounds in 2013 under HB13-1224, codified at C.R.S. § 18-12-301. The law prohibits the sale, transfer, or manufacture of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds. Possession of a lawfully acquired pre-2013 magazine is not criminalized.
In practice, this means an original-owner 30-round PMAG bought in Colorado in 2012 is legal to possess, but you can’t buy a new 30-round magazine in-state or bring one in from out-of-state for retail sale. Private transfer to another Colorado resident of a grandfathered magazine is a gray area and generally not advised.
Red Flag Law: Extreme Risk Protection Orders
TL;DR: Colorado has a red flag law under C.R.S. § 13-14.5-101 passed in 2019 and significantly expanded in 2024 and 2026. Family members, law enforcement, health-care workers, K-12 schools, and colleges can petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from someone deemed a danger.
Colorado’s red flag law started in 2019 and originally allowed only family members and law enforcement to petition courts for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO). In 2023, HB23-170 added district attorneys, licensed medical professionals, and educators. In 2026, SB26-004 expanded petitioners further to include health-care facilities, behavioral health facilities, K-12 schools, and colleges and universities.
The process involves a temporary (14-day) order based on sworn affidavit, followed by a full court hearing for a longer order (up to 364 days, renewable). Law enforcement takes custody of the subject’s firearms during the order. Subjects have the right to appear at the full hearing with counsel and contest the petition.
State Preemption and Local Rules
TL;DR: Colorado has partial preemption. The state repealed its strong preemption statute in 2021 (SB21-256), allowing municipalities to enact firearm regulations stricter than state law. Denver, Boulder, Aurora, and other cities now have their own rules.
Before 2021, Colorado had strong state preemption that prevented local governments from passing their own gun control ordinances. SB21-256 repealed that preemption, and several cities quickly enacted local rules.
Notable local rules include:
- Denver: Open carry of firearms is prohibited citywide. Assault weapons ban (local ordinance predating SB25-003) with grandfathering.
- Boulder: Additional age restrictions, local assault weapons regulations, and concealed carry restrictions in public buildings.
- Aurora, Louisville, Superior, Lafayette: Various local assault weapons ordinances, waiting periods, and age restrictions enacted since 2021.
If you live near a Colorado municipal boundary, check local ordinances in addition to state law. What’s legal in one county or city may not be in the next.
Reciprocity: Out-of-State Permits
TL;DR: Colorado recognizes valid concealed carry permits from most other states. Its own CHP is recognized in approximately 35 states. Full state-by-state list maintained by the Colorado Attorney General’s office.
Colorado’s reciprocity is governed by C.R.S. § 18-12-213. The state honors any permit from a state that either (1) has similar permitting requirements or (2) signs a reciprocity agreement. Most permissive and shall-issue states qualify.
Non-residents cannot apply for a Colorado CHP. If you move to Colorado, you’ll need to obtain a Colorado permit after establishing residency.
States That Recognize the Colorado CHP
| Full Reciprocity (~35) | NOT Recognized In |
| Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming | California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Washington D.C. |
Reciprocity is subject to change. Always verify through the Colorado Attorney General’s office before traveling with a firearm.
Where You Can’t Carry
TL;DR: Schools, courthouses, government buildings with screening, secured areas of airports, and locations posted by private property owners. Denver has additional open-carry restrictions citywide.
Under Colorado law, firearms (even with a CHP) are prohibited in:
- K-12 schools and school buses under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5
- College and university campuses (varies by institution; state law allows CHP holders to carry on public campuses but some institutions restrict)
- Courthouses and court facilities
- Secured areas of commercial airports
- Correctional facilities
- Federal buildings under 18 U.S.C. § 930
- Private property where the owner has posted signage or communicated a no-firearms policy
- Denver (open carry prohibited citywide by local ordinance)
Carrying while intoxicated is prohibited regardless of permit status. Local ordinances may add further restrictions — always check before carrying in unfamiliar jurisdictions.
Colorado Self-Defense Laws: Stand Your Ground and Make My Day
TL;DR: Stand Your Ground is recognized through Colorado case law (People v. Toler). The Make My Day law (C.R.S. § 18-1-704.5) provides strong Castle Doctrine protections in your home. No duty to retreat before using force.
Colorado is a Stand Your Ground state, though unlike Arkansas or Florida, the doctrine is recognized through case law rather than a specific codified Stand Your Ground statute. The Colorado Supreme Court in People v. Toler, 9 P.3d 341 (Colo. 2000) held that there is no duty to retreat before using reasonable force in self-defense.
The Make My Day law under C.R.S. § 18-1-704.5 provides explicit Castle Doctrine protection in your home. If an intruder unlawfully enters your dwelling and you have a reasonable belief they intend to commit a crime, you may use any degree of physical force, including deadly force, without criminal prosecution. The law provides broad civil and criminal immunity.
Outside the home, self-defense requires a reasonable belief of imminent unlawful force. Deadly force requires a reasonable belief of imminent death or serious bodily injury. You cannot be the initial aggressor.
NFA Items: Suppressors, SBRs, and Machine Guns
TL;DR: NFA items (suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, pre-1986 machine guns) are legal in Colorado with proper federal ATF approval. No additional state-level prohibitions.
Colorado does not add state-level restrictions to federal NFA items. Suppressors are legal for ownership and hunting. Short-barreled rifles and shotguns are legal. Lawfully registered (pre-1986) machine guns are legal for civilian ownership. All require the standard federal ATF Form 4 process and $200 tax stamp.
Machine gun conversion devices (Glock switches, post-1986 auto sears for civilian use) remain federally prohibited, which makes them illegal in Colorado as well.
Recent Changes (2023-2026)
TL;DR: Colorado has passed 12+ gun control bills since 2023. Key measures include age 21 for all firearms (SB23-169), 3-day waiting period (HB23-1219), expanded red flag (HB23-170, SB26-004), and the sweeping SB25-003 semi-auto sale restrictions effective August 2026.
The pace of firearms legislation in Colorado since 2023 has been extraordinary. The major bills worth knowing:
- SB23-169 (2023): Raised minimum age for all firearm purchases to 21.
- HB23-1219 (2023): Imposed 3-day waiting period on all firearm transfers.
- HB23-170 (2023): Expanded red flag law petitioners to include DAs, medical professionals, educators.
- HB23-1230 (2023): Created civil liability for firearms industry members for violations of law.
- SB25-003 (signed April 2025): Semi-automatic firearm sale restrictions effective August 1, 2026. This is Colorado’s assault-weapons ban analog.
- SB26-004 (2026): Further expanded red flag law petitioners to include hospitals, schools, colleges.
- Ammunition age 21 (effective July 1, 2026): Minimum age for ammunition purchases raised to 21.
Additional firearms legislation remains pending or proposed in the 2026 session. If you’re a Colorado gun owner, expect continued regulatory changes and stay current via the Colorado General Assembly bill tracker.
Our Take
TL;DR: Colorado has shifted rapidly from moderate to restrictive. SB25-003 is the biggest change and reshapes the market starting August 2026. If you want a new AR-15 or AK, buy before the deadline or prepare for the fixed-magazine / sheriff-card process afterward. Existing firearms and standard magazines remain legal to own.
Colorado’s 2023-2026 firearms legislation has fundamentally changed the state’s regulatory landscape. If you bought a semi-auto rifle or standard-capacity magazine before 2013 and before the 2026 SB25-003 deadline, you’re grandfathered. If you’re trying to buy one new after August 1, 2026, you face a substantially more complicated process.
The practical takeaways for a Colorado gun owner:
- Get a CHP if you don’t have one. It streamlines CCW travel and doesn’t exempt you from the 3-day waiting period but makes other processes smoother.
- Plan ahead. The 3-day waiting period means no same-day purchases for anything.
- Know your local ordinances. Denver, Boulder, and several Front Range cities have stricter rules than state law.
- If you’re shopping for a new AR-15 or similar firearm, buy before August 1, 2026 or understand the new sheriff-card path.
- For the strongest self-defense protections, stay inside your home — the Make My Day law (C.R.S. § 18-1-704.5) provides the most immunity.
Bookmark the CBI Firearms Legislation page for current statute summaries and the Colorado Department of Public Safety for official state guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new gun restrictions take effect in Colorado in August 2026?
SB25-003, signed into law in April 2025, takes effect August 1, 2026. It restricts the sale, manufacture, and transfer of most semi-automatic firearms that accept detachable magazines, including AR-15s, AK-47 variants, and tactical shotguns. Buyers can still purchase these firearms with a factory-fixed 15-round magazine, or by completing a new firearms safety course and obtaining an eligibility card from their county sheriff. Existing firearms are grandfathered.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Colorado?
Colorado limits magazine capacity to 15 rounds under C.R.S. § 18-12-301, enacted in 2013. The law prohibits the sale, transfer, or manufacture of magazines holding more than 15 rounds. Magazines lawfully owned before July 1, 2013 are grandfathered and can still be possessed. The state law has been upheld in court challenges.
Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to carry concealed under C.R.S. § 18-12-105. It is shall-issue through county sheriffs, requires a handgun training course, fingerprints, background check, and costs $100-$200 depending on the county. Minimum age is 21. The permit is valid for 5 years.
Is open carry legal in Colorado?
Yes, open carry is legal in Colorado for any person 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm, with major exceptions. Denver has a citywide ordinance banning open carry. Several other cities (Boulder, Aurora, Louisville, Superior, Lafayette) have added their own restrictions after state preemption was repealed in 2021 under SB21-256.
What is the waiting period to buy a gun in Colorado?
Colorado requires a 3-day waiting period on all firearm transfers under HB23-1219, enacted in 2023. The waiting period runs from the later of (1) the initiation of the background check or (2) when the background check is approved. There is no same-day firearm purchase in Colorado.
Does Colorado have a red flag law?
Yes. Colorado enacted an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law in 2019 under C.R.S. § 13-14.5-101 and significantly expanded petitioner eligibility in 2023 (HB23-170) and 2026 (SB26-004). Family members, law enforcement, district attorneys, medical professionals, educators, health-care facilities, K-12 schools, and colleges can petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from a person deemed a danger to themselves or others.
What are Colorado's self-defense laws?
Colorado recognizes Stand Your Ground through case law (People v. Toler, 9 P.3d 341, Colo. 2000), meaning no duty to retreat before using reasonable force in self-defense. The Make My Day law under C.R.S. § 18-1-704.5 provides strong Castle Doctrine protection inside your home, allowing deadly force against unlawful intruders who you reasonably believe intend to commit a crime, with broad civil and criminal immunity.
Can I buy a gun in Colorado if I'm under 21?
No. As of SB23-169 (signed in 2023), the minimum age for all firearm purchases in Colorado is 21, including long guns. Starting July 1, 2026, ammunition purchases also require age 21. The law applies to both dealer sales and private transfers, which must go through a licensed FFL under Colorado's universal background check law.
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