Colorado Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map
*Page Last Updated: November 20, 2023Colorado is a shall-issue state that requires a residential CCW permit to conceal carry. Licenses are issued to adults who meet certain qualifications.
Colorado recognizes concealed carry permits from 33 other U.S. states that fulfill certain criteria. Non-residents who wish to conceal carry in Colorado must have a valid residential permit from a state with which Colorado has a reciprocity agreement; must be 21 years of age; and have a driver’s license from that state.
To qualify for a Colorado concealed carry permit, you must be at least 21 years old, be a legal resident of Colorado, demonstrate competency with a handgun, and meet all federal requirements. There are also several factors that may disqualify you from obtaining a Colorado concealed handgun permit.
Open carry is legal in Colorado for those over the age of 18 and legally allowed to possess a firearm. However, some municipalities within the state may prohibit open carry in certain places.
To learn more about Colorado concealed carry requirements, review Colorado’s laws here or visit the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Department of Public Safety’s website.
*Disclaimer: This Colorado concealed carry reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your state laws or consult an attorney.
Colorado Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance
Issue Type |
Shall-issue |
Constitutional Carry |
No |
Open Carry |
Yes |
Nonresident Permits |
No |
Enhanced Permits |
No |
Colorado Concealed Carry Age |
21 |
Permit Valid |
5 years |
Legal to Conceal Weapons Other Than Handguns? |
No |
Reciprocating States |
35 |
States Honored |
33 |
Duty to Inform |
No |
Castle Doctrine |
Yes |
Stand Your Ground |
No |
Issuing Agency |
County Sheriff’s Office |
Concealed Carry Colorado FAQ
What is Reciprocity?
Concealed carry reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between two states to honor CCW licenses issued by one another. Depending on the state, concealed carry reciprocity can vary greatly. Some states simply accept permits from other states, while others do so with some added caveats. To learn more about this topic, check out “What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity”.
Does Colorado Recognize Permits from Other States?
Yes. Colorado recognizes valid concealed carry permits from 33 other U.S. states.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Which States Honor Colorado CCW Permits?
Gun laws vary from state to state. When traveling with firearms, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with the laws of the state you’re visiting. Before transporting a gun over state lines, always check the laws in that state to ensure you’re doing so legally.
The following states honor Colorado concealed carry permits. Please note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer Colorado reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply.
- Alabama
- Alaska*
- Arizona*
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida*
- Georgia*
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa*
- Kansas*
- Kentucky*
- Louisiana
- Maine*
- Michigan*
- Mississippi*
- Missouri*
- Montana
- Nebraska*
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio*
- Oklahoma*
- Pennsylvania*
- South Dakota
- Tennessee*
- Texas*
- Utah*
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia*
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming*
Is it Legal to Conceal Carry in Colorado Without a Permit?
No. Concealed carry is only permitted in Colorado for those who have a valid Colorado CCW license and non-residents with a permit from a state that Colorado honors.
What are the Requirements for a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit?
To obtain a Colorado CCW permit, you must meet certain eligibility requirements:
-
Be 21 years or older.
-
Be a legal resident of Colorado.
-
Demonstrate competency with a handgun.
-
Meet federal requirements.
There are also certain factors that make you ineligible to obtain a Colorado concealed handgun permit:
-
A perjury conviction.
-
A drug or alcohol addiction.
-
Having an order of protection against you.
For a full, detailed list of eligibility requirements and disqualifiers in the state of Colorado, read the laws and regulations here.
Where Can You NOT Conceal Carry in Colorado?
Even with a concealed carry permit, some places are off-limits to concealed carry in Colorado, including schools; public buildings with fixed security checkpoints; polling locations; secure areas of airports; public facilities in the city of Aurora; snowmobiles; and anywhere that carrying a firearm is federally prohibited.
What Are the Colorado Concealed Carry Laws for Non-residents?
To conceal carry in Colorado as a non-resident, you must have a valid CCW permit from a state that Colorado honors.
Is Colorado an Open Carry State?
Yes. Colorado open carry laws allow those who are at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm to open carry. That being said, some municipalities within the state (including Denver County) may have additional restrictions on open carry, such as prohibiting it in certain buildings and other areas.
Where Can I Learn More About Colorado Concealed Carry Laws?
You can visit the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Department of Public Safety’s website for the most up-to-date information on concealed carry in Colorado and to learn more about how to apply for a Colorado concealed handgun permit. For the official laws regarding Colorado concealed carry permit reciprocity and regulations, you can read state laws here.
This reciprocity map is provided for informational purposes only. Any activity involving firearms is potentially dangerous and could result in property damage, serious injury, disabling injury or death. All firearms must be handled in a responsible manner and in accordance with applicable law. The author disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, misuse of, or misinterpretation of information contained in this reciprocity map.