What are the requirements for a Colorado CHP?

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a resident of Colorado, and submit fingerprints. The application is processed by County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence); background check by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Is training required for a Colorado CHP?

Yes. Colorado requires firearms training to obtain the CHP. An applicant must demonstrate competence with a handgun (C.R.S. § 18-12-203(1)(h)). HB24-1174 (2024) overhauled the training-certificate path: beginning July 1, 2025, an initial handgun-training class must be an in-person course of at least eight hours — including a live-fire exercise and a written competency exam — taught by a sheriff-verified instructor and completed within one year before the application (reduced from the prior ten-year window). Permit renewal now also requires re-demonstrating competence (e.g., a refresher class of at least two hours, including live-fire and a written exam, completed within six months before renewal). Alternate ways to demonstrate competence remain available: evidence of experience through organized shooting competitions or current military service, current certification as a peace officer or firearms instructor, honorable discharge from the armed forces with recent pistol qualification, or retirement from a Colorado law-enforcement agency with recent pistol qualification.

Can non-residents get a Colorado CHP?

No. Colorado generally limits the CHP to residents.

How much does the Colorado CHP cost, and how long is it valid?

The application fee is $52.5. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation's fee for a NEW CHP application is $52.50 (a $17.50 CCIC fingerprint check, a $13.00 InstaCheck fee, and a $22.00 FBI fingerprint check) under C.R.S. § 18-12-205(2)(b); renewal is $13.00 (§ 18-12-211) and a temporary emergency permit is $30.50 (§ 18-12-209). These fees are payable to CBI; the issuing sheriff's department may charge an additional administrative fee, so the total cost varies by county. The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.

This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.

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Colorado CHP Requirements

How to get a Colorado Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.

How to apply

Application fee: $52.5 — The Colorado Bureau of Investigation's fee for a NEW CHP application is $52.50 (a $17.50 CCIC fingerprint check, a $13.00 InstaCheck fee, and a $22.00 FBI fingerprint check) under C.R.S. § 18-12-205(2)(b); renewal is $13.00 (§ 18-12-211) and a temporary emergency permit is $30.50 (§ 18-12-209). These fees are payable to CBI; the issuing sheriff's department may charge an additional administrative fee, so the total cost varies by county.
Minimum age: 21
Training: Required — An applicant must demonstrate competence with a handgun (C.R.S. § 18-12-203(1)(h)). HB24-1174 (2024) overhauled the training-certificate path: beginning July 1, 2025, an initial handgun-training class must be an in-person course of at least eight hours — including a live-fire exercise and a written competency exam — taught by a sheriff-verified instructor and completed within one year before the application (reduced from the prior ten-year window). Permit renewal now also requires re-demonstrating competence (e.g., a refresher class of at least two hours, including live-fire and a written exam, completed within six months before renewal). Alternate ways to demonstrate competence remain available: evidence of experience through organized shooting competitions or current military service, current certification as a peace officer or firearms instructor, honorable discharge from the armed forces with recent pistol qualification, or retirement from a Colorado law-enforcement agency with recent pistol qualification.
Fingerprints: Required
Processing time: See official source
Validity / renewal: 5 years, then renewal
Residency: Colorado residents only
Non-resident permit: Not available

Applications are processed by County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence); background check by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Steps to get a Colorado CHP

Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 21 years old and a Colorado resident, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
Complete the required firearms training. An applicant must demonstrate competence with a handgun (C.R.S. § 18-12-203(1)(h)). HB24-1174 (2024) overhauled the training-certificate path: beginning July 1, 2025, an initial handgun-training class must be an in-person course of at least eight hours — including a live-fire exercise and a written competency exam — taught by a sheriff-verified instructor and completed within one year before the application (reduced from the prior ten-year window). Permit renewal now also requires re-demonstrating competence (e.g., a refresher class of at least two hours, including live-fire and a written exam, completed within six months before renewal). Alternate ways to demonstrate competence remain available: evidence of experience through organized shooting competitions or current military service, current certification as a peace officer or firearms instructor, honorable discharge from the armed forces with recent pistol qualification, or retirement from a Colorado law-enforcement agency with recent pistol qualification.
Get fingerprinted. Submit fingerprints for the state and FBI background check as part of the application.
Submit your application to County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence); background check by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. File your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) application with County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence); background check by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. See the official page for forms and instructions.
Pay the application fee. Pay the CHP application fee of $52.5. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation's fee for a NEW CHP application is $52.50 (a $17.50 CCIC fingerprint check, a $13.00 InstaCheck fee, and a $22.00 FBI fingerprint check) under C.R.S. § 18-12-205(2)(b); renewal is $13.00 (§ 18-12-211) and a temporary emergency permit is $30.50 (§ 18-12-209). These fees are payable to CBI; the issuing sheriff's department may charge an additional administrative fee, so the total cost varies by county.
Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CHP is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.

Last verified 2026-07-09 against Colorado Bureau of Investigation — Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP).

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Colorado CHP FAQ

What are the requirements for a Colorado CHP?: Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a resident of Colorado, and submit fingerprints. The application is processed by County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence); background check by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Is training required for a Colorado CHP?: Yes. Colorado requires firearms training to obtain the CHP. An applicant must demonstrate competence with a handgun (C.R.S. § 18-12-203(1)(h)). HB24-1174 (2024) overhauled the training-certificate path: beginning July 1, 2025, an initial handgun-training class must be an in-person course of at least eight hours — including a live-fire exercise and a written competency exam — taught by a sheriff-verified instructor and completed within one year before the application (reduced from the prior ten-year window). Permit renewal now also requires re-demonstrating competence (e.g., a refresher class of at least two hours, including live-fire and a written exam, completed within six months before renewal). Alternate ways to demonstrate competence remain available: evidence of experience through organized shooting competitions or current military service, current certification as a peace officer or firearms instructor, honorable discharge from the armed forces with recent pistol qualification, or retirement from a Colorado law-enforcement agency with recent pistol qualification.
How long does it take to get a Colorado CHP?: Colorado has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CHP — check with County Sheriff (of the applicant's county of residence); background check by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for current wait times.
Can non-residents get a Colorado CHP?: No. Colorado generally limits the CHP to residents.
How much does the Colorado CHP cost, and how long is it valid?: The application fee is $52.5. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation's fee for a NEW CHP application is $52.50 (a $17.50 CCIC fingerprint check, a $13.00 InstaCheck fee, and a $22.00 FBI fingerprint check) under C.R.S. § 18-12-205(2)(b); renewal is $13.00 (§ 18-12-211) and a temporary emergency permit is $30.50 (§ 18-12-209). These fees are payable to CBI; the issuing sheriff's department may charge an additional administrative fee, so the total cost varies by county. The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.

Sources

Colorado Bureau of Investigation — Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) (2026-07-09)