Getting A CCW in Colorado
In Colorado 8 hours is required. You have to pass two tests. We do the Concealed Handgun Training Course in two parts: Classroom and Range. Our Competitions also qualify you to obtain a permit. Below is the Schedule.
Getting A CCW In Colorado – Class Schedule
We recommend you attend the classroom part first. Our Competitions are an alternative way of getting a ccw in Colorado with no test or time requirements.
Search:
Event
Venue
Date
Classroom - Denver Area Free CCW Class -Oct. 26th, 2025
Littleton Guns For Everyone
Register
Classroom - Denver Area Free CCW Class -Nov. 5th, 2025
Aurora Guns For Everyone
Register
Range - Colorado Springs Area Free CCW Class - November 15th, 2025
Pikes Peak Gun Club
Sold Out
Range - Denver Area Free CCW Class - Nov. 15th, 2025
GFEN Private Range - Elbert, CO
Register
Range - Colorado Springs Area Free CCW Class - November 16th, 2025
Pikes Peak Gun Club
Sold Out
Classroom - Colorado Springs Area Free CCW Class - November 22nd, 2025
Pikes Peak Gun Club
Register
Range - Denver Area Free CCW Class - Nov. 22nd, 2025
GFEN Private Range - Elbert, CO
Register
Range - Colorado Springs Area Free CCW Class - November 23rd, 2025
Pikes Peak Gun Club
Register
Classroom - Denver Area Free CCW Class -Nov. 23rd, 2025
Aurora Guns For Everyone
Register
Getting a CCW in Colorado: Step-by-Step Guide to a Concealed Handgun Permit in Colorado
1. Eligibility under C.R.S. 18‑12‑203(1)
To obtain a permit, you must meet these state requirements:
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Be a legal resident of Colorado, age 21 or older.
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Not be prohibited by state or federal law.
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Not have committed perjury on a previous permit application.
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Not chronically abuse alcohol or be addicted to controlled substances.
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Not be subject to an active protection or extreme risk order.
If you meet these, the remaining requirement for getting a ccw in Colorado is demonstrating competence with a handgun, per subsection (h) of § 18‑12‑203.
2. Choose Your Route to Prove Competence
You can satisfy handgun competence for getting a ccw in Colorado in two main ways:
A. Organized Shooting Competition, Military, Officer, or Instructor – C.R.S. 18‑12‑203(1)(h)(I)
Subsection (h)(I) allows applicants to demonstrate competence by:
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Participating in organized shooting competitions
This route does not require attending an 8-hour concealed handgun training course—your documented competition participation suffices.
B. Training Certificate from Verified Class – C.R.S. 18‑12‑203(1)(h)(VI)
Subsection (h)(VI) requires submission of a training certificate from a concealed handgun training class taught by a verified instructor, from July 1, 2025 onward—must be obtained within one year of application.
The class for getting a ccw in Colorado must include:
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At least 8 hours of in‑person instruction (classroom + live-fire).
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A written competency exam, minimum 80% passing score.
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A live-fire exercise, discharging at least 50 rounds, with minimum 70% accuracy.
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Issued by an instructor verified by a Colorado sheriff.
3. How the Concealed Carry Cup Fits In Getting A CCW in Colorado
Guns For Everyone National’s Concealed Carry Cup is an organized shooting competition recognized under (h)(I).
Key points:
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Beginner‑friendly, fun, supportive competition format.
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No time or testing required—just participation.
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Provides documented proof accepted for Getting A CCW in Colorado under competition rule C.R.S. 18‑12‑203(1)(h)(I).
This makes the Cup a great choice for Getting A CCW in Colorado without completing a full training course.
4. Steps to Qualify
A. If Using the Concealed Carry Cup for getting a ccw in Colorado (h)(I))
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Register for a Concealed Carry Cup event through GFEN.
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Participate and complete the competition.
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Obtain proof of participation—e.g. score sheet or certificate.
B. If Taking the Training Class for getting a ccw in Colorado (h)(VI))
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Attend the full 8-hour course (classroom + live fire).
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Pass the written exam (≥ 80%) and live-fire (≥ 70% of 50 rounds).
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Receive your original training certificate, signed by the verified instructor.
GFEN offers free CCW classes and range sessions that meet Colorado’s training standards and are led by verified instructors.
5. Submit Your Permit Application
Many counties allow application via online through Permitium or in-person. Required documents include:
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Completed application form.
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Valid Colorado ID or driver’s license.
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Proof of competence:
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Competition documentation ((h)(I)), or
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Original training certificate ((h)(VI)).
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Passport-style photo.
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Fingerprinting (done with sheriff).
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Applicable fees (up to $100 for county and $52.50 for CBI).
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Appointment scheduling for in-person filing where needed.
Training certificates used must:
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Be dated within one year of application
Competition proof does not have a strict time window provided it’s verifiable.
6. Background Check & Issuance
Once submitted:
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Your county sheriff conducts a background check verifying all eligibility under C.R.S. 18‑12‑203(1).
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The sheriff must issue the permit if all criteria are met, unless they reasonably believe you pose a danger.
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Typical processing time is up to 90 days, though many applicants receive permits earlier.
7. Receive Your Permit & Carry Responsibly
When approved:
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It’s valid for five years and honored across Colorado and in states with reciprocity.
8. Renewal Process
Renewal allows you to reconfirm competence using one of two paths:
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Competition participation (again using Concealed Carry Cup) under (h)(I).
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Trainer option under (h)(VI) via a refresher course taught by a verified instructor.
Refresher requirements:
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At least 2 hours class plus 50 rounds live-fire, ≥ 70% accuracy.
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Written exam with ≥ 80% passing score.
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Course must be completed within 6 months before renewal submission.
Renewal applications open 120 days before expiration.
Guns For Everyone National
Main: 303-219-0604
WhatsApp: (720) 663-7151
Headquarters
8120 Sheridan Blvd,
Arvada, CO 80003