Colorado SB25-003 / SB3 Frequently Asked Questions

Oh, absolutely.

If we had our way, none of us would be spending our weekends teaching a government-mandated class so law-abiding adults can continue exercising a constitutional right.

Unfortunately, wishing it away doesn't make it disappear.

So instead of complaining from the sidelines, we decided to make the process as painless, affordable, and straightforward as possible. Our goal is to help you check the box, get your certificate, and move on with your life.

And yes—we're actively involved in other efforts aimed at changing or repealing these requirements. Until that day comes, we'll keep helping Coloradans navigate the system with as little time, money, and frustration as possible.

Believe it or not, the process is so simple even a moron like Tom Sullivan can do it.

Here's the basic roadmap:

1. Create your Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) profile.

2. Complete your background check.

3. Complete the required training.

4. Apply at a Colorado sheriff's office. Keep in mind that fees vary by county, some offices are more applicant-friendly than others, and not every sheriff accepts out-of-county residents.

To save you from spending hours digging through government websites, we've linked the simplest, least expensive, and most user-friendly resources we've been able to find directly on our home page.

We've already done the homework—you shouldn't have to.

No.

Colorado law does not require you to apply in the county where you live. If another sheriff's office accepts out-of-county applicants, you're generally free to apply there instead.

The catch? Every sheriff's office has its own process. Some let you apply online. Some want to see you in person. Some are less expensive. Some... have a stronger appreciation for paperwork.

We've done our best to sort through the chaos for you. The home page links to the easiest, most affordable, and most up-to-date options we're aware of—because comparing county websites shouldn't need to be a hobby.

You’ll need to send a photo copy of the front and back of your card as well as a photo if your ID to the hunters education department at: dnr_wildlife.huntered@state.co.us

If you already applied to CPW and ran into an error, you’ll receive an automated email with additional steps.

Not any more than before August 1. The Colorado General Assembly created the Firearms Dealer Division in 2025. In response, many Colorado FFLs pushed back by declining to voluntarily provide records and transaction paperwork that were maintained for federal ATF compliance.

The state's response was to require dealers to complete an additional state form for every firearm transaction. In practice, this form collects substantially the same acquisition, disposition, and purchaser information already contained in the federal records. Unlike the federal records, however, these state-required documents are maintained as part of Colorado's regulatory framework and may be requested by the state during inspections or investigations, with failure to comply carrying potential criminal penalties.

If you're only taking the 4-hour Firearm Safety Course to satisfy Colorado's firearm purchase training requirement, the state does not require any live-fire training. Yes, really. The firearm safety course doesn't actually require you to fire a firearm.

If you choose our 12-hour Extended Course, you'll also complete the Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit training requirements, including the required live-fire qualification during a separate scheduled range session. It's not a "CHP class"—it just happens to check that box, too. Conveniently.

Your Permit to Purchase is valid for five years.

For those five years, you can purchase firearms without repeating the training or applying for another permit each time. Think of it as a subscription to buying things you were already legally allowed to buy—except this one expires.

When the five years are up... well, we'll all get to do this again. I feel safer already.

Excellent question.

Unfortunately, the Permit to Purchase doesn't replace Colorado's existing 3-day waiting period. They're two completely separate legal requirements, which means you get to satisfy both.

In other words, you take a class, obtain a permit, pass a background check... and then you're still required to wait three days before taking possession of the firearm.

If you're wondering why, you're asking the same question we are.

Efficiency was apparently not one of the design objectives. But on the bright side, you'll have a few extra days to shop for ammunition, a holster, and contemplate the fascinating world of redundant government oppression.

Unfortunately, no.

Your current Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit does not exempt you from the new Permit to Purchase requirements and does not satisfy the required firearm safety training.

So yes—even if you've already completed training, passed a background check, qualified on the range, and have been legally carrying for years, you'll still need to complete the new process.

Apparently, experience doesn't transfer.

No. That's Facebook-comment-section information. Your permit is valid for five years, covers multiple purchases, and renewals are the 4-hour course, even if you never took Hunter Ed.

There is no blanket law enforcement exemption. Officers purchasing under the exemption need a letter from their agency identifying the make and model of the firearm they're authorized to purchase. (Yes, we checked with CPW and confirmed it with officers from multiple departments.)

You read that right. They lied to cops too.