What is reciprocity in terms of carrying a concealed handgun? It means that concealed weapons permits from certain states are honored by other states. Colorado concealed carry reciprocity pairs with 33 states. Therefore, if a resident from one of those 33 states has a valid concealed weapons permit, they can legally carry a concealed weapon in Colorado. Likewise, a Coloradoan with a valid CCW permit can lawfully carry a concealed weapon in any of the 33 states.
Colorado Handgun Safety is committed to providing the resources you need to be a responsible, knowledgeable gun owner. That’s why we offer various firearm safety and training classes.
Additionally, we want to ensure you understand Colorado concealed carry reciprocity and how gun laws in other states affect you. Let’s discuss where your Colorado CCW permit is valid and how we can help answer any questions.
Which States Have Reciprocity With Colorado?
According to the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, Colorado has reciprocity with the following states:
- Alabama – You have to be at least 21 years old
- Alaska
- Arizona – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Arkansas – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Delaware – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Florida – Handguns and resident permits only
- Georgia – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Idaho – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Indiana – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Iowa – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Kansas – Resident permits only
- Kentucky- Resident permits only
- Louisiana – Resident permits only
- Michigan- Resident permits only
- Mississippi – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Missouri – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Montana – You have to be at least 21 years old
- Nebraska – Resident permits only
- New Hampshire – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- New Mexico – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- North Carolina – Resident permits only
- North Dakota – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Ohio – Resident permits only
- Oklahoma -You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Pennsylvania – Resident permits only
- South Dakota – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Tennessee – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Texas – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Utah – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Virginia – Resident permits only
- West Virginia – You have to be at least 21 years old; resident permits only
- Wisconsin – Resident permits only
- Wyoming – You have to be at least 21 years old
For more information about these states and their reciprocity with Colorado, Colorado Handgun Safety has you covered.
What Are the Colorado CCW Requirements?
Do you want to obtain a Colorado CCW permit? You need to know the requirements. To apply, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are at least 21 years of age. (In specific emergencies, being at least 18 will suffice.)
- You are a Colorado resident, own real estate in Colorado, own a business in Colorado, or are stationed in Colorado.
- You can lawfully possess a firearm under Colorado and federal law.
- You have no perjury convictions.
- You do not chronically or habitually use alcohol to the extent that your normal faculties are impaired.
- You are not an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance defined by Colorado and federal law, including marijuana.
- There is no temporary protection order or restraining order against you.
- You are not the subject of a permanent protection order.
To receive a Colorado CCW permit, you must show proof of competence with a handgun. You can provide evidence of competence in several ways, including:
- Evidence of experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competitions or current military service.
- If when you submit your CCW application, you are a certified instructor.
- You were honorably discharged no more than three years before application submission.
- You were honorably discharged and can reflect pistol qualifications obtained no more than ten years before application submission.
- You have a certificate showing retirement from a Colorado law enforcement agency, and it reflects pistol qualifications obtained no more than ten years before submitting the CCW application.
- You have a certificate showing completion of a handgun training class. You received the certificate no more than ten years before applying. You must submit the original certificate or a photocopy of the original, and it must have the instructor’s signature on it.
What Are the Colorado Concealed Carry Laws?
Even if you get a CCW permit, you must follow Colorado concealed carry laws. These laws are put into place to help protect you and others.
- You may not carry a concealed weapon in public schools, buildings, and anywhere banned by federal law.
- If a law enforcement officer asks for your ID and CCW permit, you must provide them with documentation. Failing to have or show these items can result in a class 1 petty offense, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $500.
Firearm Training In Colorado
When it comes to having firearms, safety is the priority — no matter where you are. Colorado Handgun Safety offers firearm training in Colorado, including a four-hour in-depth course on handgun safety and concealed carry law. We offer various classes, so no matter what you’re interested in learning, you can count on Colorado Handgun Safety to give you the training you need.
Learn About Colorado’s Gun Laws With Colorado Handgun Safety
Colorado Handgun Safety is here to help you understand Colorado’s gun laws and how they affect you, including Colorado concealed carry reciprocity. No matter your questions, we’ll help walk you through the details of various handgun laws. If there are any laws that you’re confused by or want further clarification on, please contact us and let us know! You can also reserve your spot in one of our many firearm training classes to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
