Acquiring a Concealed Carry Permit (also see our CCW Guide and Step-By-Step instructions on how to acquire a permit)
Who issues permits? Your County Sheriff (in Denver it is the Manager of Safety)
Can a sheriff issue a permit to me, even if I don’t live in the area they cover? CONDITIONAL YES. You can apply to the county where you own a second residence, own your own business, or where you have a previous permit. However, most sheriffs require you to show a drivers license to prove your place of residence.
18-12-205. Sheriff - application - procedure - background check.
(2) (a) An applicant shall complete the permit application form and return it, in person, to the sheriff of the county or city and county in which the applicant resides, to the sheriff of the county or city and county in which the applicant maintains a secondary residence or owns or leases real property used by the applicant in a business, or to the sheriff that previously issued a permit to the applicant.
How do I apply for a permit? Some departments have their applications available online here. Pick up an application from your local sheriff. (In Denver, you can get one from any police dept.)
How much is it to apply for a permit? Approximately $150 plus the cost of training (price may vary slightly depending on county)
What kind of training is required?
- Documented participation in an organized shooting event
- Current military service
- Proof of honorable discharge from military within 10 years of application
- Evidence of being a certified instructor
- Retirement from a Colorado law enforcement agency within the last 10 years
- Proof of Handgun class within the last 10 years
If I'm denied the permit but would like to appeal it, how do I do that? According to state law, you can file an appeal with the Sheriff's office. You can also file for a Judicial Review using rule 106 (a) (4) AND (b) of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.
