Colorado SB25-003 Process
How to Get Trained & Purchase an SSF
Follow Colorado’s eligibility process from creating your Firearms Safety System profile to completing the required training and purchasing or transferring a qualifying Specified Semiautomatic Firearm.
Start Here: Complete These 3 Steps
Use these direct links to begin Colorado’s SB25-003 eligibility process before registering for your required firearm safety course.
Create Your CPW Profile
Create your free Firearm Safety System profile and begin your state application.
2
Complete Your Background Check
Order the third-party name-based background check needed for your sheriff’s application.
3
Apply Through Weld County
Submit your eligibility-card application directly to the Weld County Sheriff’s Office.
The Process at a Glance
Follow these steps in order to obtain your eligibility card, complete the required training and purchase a qualifying firearm.
Create Your CPW Profile
Create your Firearm Safety System profile and begin the state application.
Complete a Background Check
Obtain the required name-based background check and vendor attestation.
Apply Through a Sheriff’s Office
Submit your application and required documentation to an authorized sheriff’s office.
Weld County is entirely online and charges no additional county fee.Receive Your Eligibility Card
If approved, the sheriff issues your firearm safety course eligibility card.
Choose Your Course
Hunter Education history determines whether you need the 4-hour or 12-hour course.
Complete the Training
Attend the required course and successfully complete the required testing.
Purchase Through a Dealer
Complete the qualifying purchase or transfer through a licensed Colorado dealer.
The eligibility card only allows enrollment in the required course. You must complete the training before purchasing or transferring a qualifying SSF.
Step-by-Step
Follow these seven steps from determining whether a firearm is covered through completing your purchase from a licensed dealer.
Confirm the Firearm Is a Covered SSF
Determine whether the firearm you intend to purchase is a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm under Colorado law.
Source: Colorado law and official guidanceStart With Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Create your Firearm Safety System profile and complete the required CPW application.
Source: Colorado Parks & WildlifeComplete the Required Name-Based Background Check
Complete the third-party check and retain the results and vendor attestation.
Required: Third-party background checkApply Through an Authorized Sheriff’s Office
Submit your application, identification and background-check documents to an authorized sheriff’s office.
Weld County is entirely online and charges no additional county fee. The required state fee still applies. Source: County sheriff’s officeReceive Your Firearm Safety Course Eligibility Card
If approved, the sheriff issues the eligibility card needed to enroll in the required course.
The card only allows course enrollment. It does not authorize or complete a firearm purchase.
Complete the 4-Hour or 12-Hour Course
Complete the required firearm safety course based on your qualifying Hunter Education history.
Provided by: 2A ColoradoComplete Your Purchase Through a Licensed Dealer
Purchase or transfer the qualifying firearm through a licensed Colorado firearm dealer.
Final verification completed by the dealer
What to Have Ready
Having these items ready will make the eligibility-card application process faster and help prevent avoidable delays.
Government-Issued Photo ID
Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. You may also need proof of your current address.
Completed Background-Check Documents
Have your completed third-party name-based background-check results and the vendor’s attestation.
Required Application Information
Have your completed CPW application and all information requested by the sheriff’s office.
Applicable State and Sheriff Fees
Be prepared to pay the required state fee and any additional fee charged by the sheriff’s office you use.
Using Weld County? The application is currently available entirely online, and Weld County states that it does not collect an additional county fee. The required state fee still applies.
Which Course Comes Next?
The course you need depends primarily on whether Colorado Parks and Wildlife can verify qualifying Hunter Education in your record.
Qualifying Hunter Education on File
If CPW verifies qualifying Hunter Education in your record, you are eligible to complete the shorter Basic course.
No Qualifying Hunter Education on File
If CPW cannot verify qualifying Hunter Education in your record, you will need to complete the full Extended course.
Your eligibility and course assignment are determined through the state process. If you are uncertain which course applies, contact 2A Colorado before registering.
After You Complete the Class
Here is what happens after you successfully complete your required Colorado SB25-003 firearm safety course.
Instructor Reports Completion
Your verified instructor reports your successful course completion through the state’s Firearm Safety System.
You Receive Documentation
You receive proof of course completion for your records. Keep this documentation in a secure location.
Licensed Dealer Verifies Your Information
The licensed dealer verifies the required information and completes all applicable checks during the purchase process.
Common Process Questions
Quick answers to common questions about Colorado’s SB25-003 eligibility-card and firearm safety training process.
What is a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm (SSF)?
An SSF is a firearm that falls within Colorado’s statutory definition of a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm. The definition covers certain semiautomatic rifles, shotguns and other listed firearm configurations. Confirm the exact firearm with the current official guidance or a licensed dealer before beginning the process.
How long does the eligibility-card process take?
Processing time varies based on the background-check provider, sheriff’s office, application volume and whether your documents are complete. Average timeframe is about 2 weeks.
Do I need a new background check if I recently completed one?
The application requires specific third-party, name-based background-check results and a vendor attestation. A background check completed for a firearm purchase, employment or concealed handgun permit may not satisfy these documentation requirements. Confirm acceptance with the sheriff’s office processing your application. Use the links at the top of this page for the best results.
What does the eligibility card allow me to do?
The eligibility card allows you to enroll in the required firearm safety course. It does not authorize or complete the purchase or transfer of a firearm. You must complete the required training before proceeding through a licensed dealer.
How do I know whether I need the 4-hour or 12-hour course?
Your qualifying Hunter Education history determines the course. Applicants with qualifying Hunter Education verified through CPW are generally eligible for the 4-Hour Basic Course. Applicants without qualifying Hunter Education need the 12-Hour Extended Course.
Where can I take the required firearm safety course?
The course must be taught by a verified instructor. 2A Colorado offers both the 4-Hour Basic Course and the 12-Hour Extended Course at multiple Colorado locations. View upcoming SB25-003 classes .
Can I apply through the Weld County Sheriff’s Office as a non-resident?
Yes. Weld County currently offers an online eligibility-card application and states that it does not collect an additional county fee. The required state-established fee still applies. Verify the current requirements directly with Weld County before submitting your application.
This information is a general overview and is not legal advice. Requirements and agency procedures may change.
Ready to Start the Process?
Begin your Colorado SB25-003 eligibility application or find an upcoming 2A Colorado firearm safety class.