Concealed Carry in Colorado

No for concealed carry. Knowingly and unlawfully carrying a firearm concealed on or about one's person is a class 1 misdemeanor, unless the person is in their own dwelling, place of business or property under their control; is in a private automobile or other private conveyance carrying the weapon for lawful protection while traveling; or holds a valid concealed handgun permit (or temporary emergency permit).

Permit to carry a concealed handgun, issued by the county sheriff (of the county of residence, or of a county where the applicant has a secondary residence or business property). Generally shall-issue: the sheriff 'shall issue' to an applicant who is a legal resident of Colorado (including military stationed in Colorado and their family), 21 or older, not barred from possessing firearms, not subject to protection orders or extreme risk protection orders, not a chronic alcohol abuser or unlawful drug user, not convicted of listed misdemeanors (for offenses on or after July 1, 2025) within five years, and who demonstrates handgun competence (for example a training certificate from a concealed handgun class within the past year). The sheriff may deny if they have 'a reasonable belief that documented previous behavior by the applicant makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to self or others.' Training class: in person, at least eight hours, including a live-fire exercise (minimum 70% accuracy) and a written competency exam. Fee: a sheriff-set permit fee 'not to exceed one hundred dollars,' plus the CBI/FBI fingerprint processing fee (both non-refundable). Valid for five years; renewable.

Colorado honors permits only from states that recognize Colorado permits, and only if the holder is 21 or older and either a resident of the issuing state (shown on that state's driver's license or ID) or a Colorado resident for no more than 90 days.

Everyone (open or concealed): licensed child care centers, public and private K-12 and vocational schools, and colleges, universities and seminaries (class 1 misdemeanor; exceptions include an unloaded firearm left in a vehicle on college property, school-authorized activities, and permit holders in a vehicle at K-12 schools or in parking areas of child care centers and colleges); buildings housing the General Assembly or legislative hearings; local government council chambers, meeting places and elected officials' offices (unless the local government allows carry); courthouses and buildings used for court proceedings, including adjacent parking (permit holders may carry in the parking areas); and polling locations, drop boxes and central count facilities. Permit holders also may not carry in public buildings with permanent security screening at every entrance, places banned by federal law, or buildings or areas where a local government or college board bans concealed carry by ordinance (with signs posted). Private property owners, tenants, employers and businesses may restrict carry.

A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry it without a permit, and it is not considered concealed, when in a private automobile or other private conveyance and carrying it for a legal use, including self-defense. A handgun left in an unattended vehicle must be in a locked hard-sided container out of plain view (a locked glove compartment or center console counts) inside a locked vehicle or trunk; long guns left in unattended vehicles must be in a locked container (with a locking device if soft-sided). Violation is a civil infraction. A separate section, § 18-12-105.6, limits local ordinances regarding firearms in private vehicles (its text was not summarized).