Denver’s Concealed Carry Overview
Gaining a thorough understanding of concealed carry laws in Denver is imperative for residents, both native and transplants alike. It’s important not only to have a basic grasp of these gun ownership restrictions, but also how they fit the broader scope of Colorado concealed carry laws as a whole.
In 2003, the state legislature passed a "shall issue" law, allowing for any individuals who qualified for a permit to obtain one. Concealed carry permits are required for those who seek to carry a weapon openly. Permits aren’t required for individuals who transport a firearm in a vehicle, as long as the weapon is unloaded and placed in a case or holster.
In order to obtain a concealed carry permit in Colorado, a resident must first meet a number of general requirements . These include being:
Individuals 21 years of age and older in these circumstances may apply for a full concealed carry permit through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. You’ll need to provide photo identification that demonstrates your age, your fingerprints, a gun safety certificate and a copy of the application from your local sheriff’s department.
Because Colorado is a "shall issue" state, concealed carry permits are fairly easy to obtain. As long as you meet the required qualifications, you should be granted a permit. However, you must also be mindful of the locations in Denver that are deemed "gun free" areas, where carrying a concealed weapon can result in punishment.
Who Can Get a Concealed Carry Permit?
In order to obtain a concealed carry permit in Denver, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. Generally these criteria include:
- Age
- Residency
- Background check
It is important to note that Denver has implemented residency requirements for carrying a concealed weapon that are sometimes more strict than other areas of the state. For example, a person wanting a CCW permit here in Denver must carry on to their Denver residency criteria, including the following:
Once an applicant has met Denver’s residency requirements, they must pay a fee (range fees depend on the type of course taken) that varies depending on the type of permit, plus an additional processing fee.
Firearm registration is not required prior to obtaining the permit.
How to Apply for a Denver Concealed Carry Permit
The concealed carry permit application process in Denver is both rather methodical and straightforward. Follow the procedure, and you can obtain your permit. The first step in the process to apply for a concealed carry permit is to obtain an actual permit application.
Step 1: Obtain Application
You can obtain an application for concealed carry from the Denver Police Department here. Complete and print the entire application page without leaving any questions or boxes blank. If you do not have the requested information or it does not apply to you, please write "N/A." If there are additional passengers in your vehicle other than those listed in the application, list the number of passengers on the bottom of the application page and their relationship to you.
Step 2: Fingerprints
Fingers can be clammy and a bit sweaty the moment you realize you have left your concealed carry application at home. However, if you call the office of your friendly Denver concealed carry attorney, they will be more than happy to email you a copy of the application page that has already been filled out for you. Then you can use your sweaty fingers to grab a pen and jot down a local police station or fingerprinting service in the Denver area to have your fingerprints scanned. The fee for fingerprints is approximately $20. This is the easiest part for most people, assuming, of course, your car is not broken into while you negotiate the staircase leading up to the entrance of the police station.
Step 3: Application Fees
Along with a completed application page and the bank-generated fingerprinting statement, you must also provide a $100.00 money order in the name of the Denver Police Department. Checks or cash will not be accepted.
The Denver Police Department (DPD) is available to help during business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays and 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays excluding certain holidays. You can also reach the DPD via email here. Draft a great email, include all the important details and feel free to express some stress relief by either exclaiming or shouting "Help!" at the end of your email. Someone from the DPD will politely respond and help you sort things out.
Designated Prohibited Places and Areas
When maintaining a concealed weapons license in Denver, a resident must keep in mind where these weapons cannot be carried at all. Cases have occurred in the area where a person believes that they can carry a weapon anywhere without repercussions; that is not true. Carrying an openly displayed firearm may be restricted in certain areas, and it will also be prohibited in certain areas if the weapon is concealed. There are issues that may occur when a person simply forgets to remove a weapon from their pocket when entering one of these locations. If you are questioned about whether or not you have a weapon on you, it is important to be truthful in your response. You cannot be on school grounds of any kind with a weapon. If the weapon is carried into a school building and you do not have a concealed carry permit, you can be charged with a class 6 felony. If that concealed carry permit is even a little bit expired, you chance getting charged with a class 1 misdemeanor. Entering the posted public places – areas open to public – with a concealed weapon is a class 2 misdemeanor. An officer has the authority to arrest you in this instance without a warrant for such actions. Some of the locations where a concealed weapon cannot be carried include: • Amusement parks • City parks • City buildings • Pools • Recreational facilities • Zoo While carrying a concealed weapon in Denver, a resident is breaking the law if they are drinking at the same time. That resident is breaking the law by having a low blood alcohol concentration level. Hunting in the area is also restricted.
Denver Concealed Carry Training Requirements
In order to receive a concealed carry permit in the state of Colorado, you must complete a basic firearm training course that meets specific standards. These courses are crucial in ensuring that anyone in possession of a concealed carry permit is well-versed in the safe operation and handling of their firearm.
To be eligible to apply for a permit, applicants must be at least 21 years of age, be a resident of Colorado, and have no felony record. Applicants who have had any legal issues which resulted in a conviction, including the issuing of a restraining order, are ineligible. The course of instruction required to receive a permit must include at least four hours of classroom instruction and range instruction, and must cover firearm responsibility and safety as well as the laws related to carrying a concealed firearm in Colorado.
The most common way to obtain a permit is by completing a course offered by an approved instructor. There are a number of different organizations that offer such classes, including community colleges , sheriffs’ offices and private instructors. These organizations provide guidance on gun safety, marksmanship, Colorado gun laws, proper drawing techniques and holster use, malfunctions in semi-automatic weapons, and dealing with traffic encounters.
Safety is always the number one priority for those who carry firearms. Individuals should only draw their firearm when absolutely necessary, and they should avoid drawing or displaying their weapon unless they plan to use it. When drawing or displaying your firearm, always take care to point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger. If possible, follow the instructions given to you during training so you can avoid any accidental injuries or fatalities due to careless use of your weapon.
These requirements aren’t just a matter of legal necessity; they’re part of a larger commitment to public safety. While you may have earned the right to carry a firearm, you also have the responsibility to ensure your capabilities meet that right.
Consequences for Denver Concealed Carry Violations
If you are stopped with a concealed weapon without a permit, you can be charged with a class 2 misdemeanor, which ranges from 3-12 months of community service to up to six months in jail, and/or a fine of up to $750. If you were involved in a crime while carrying your concealed weapon, you can be charged with more serious crimes, including: 3rd Degree Assault. If you display a firearm while trying to menace someone threateningly, it can be considered an act of threatening or menacing. It is a class 1 misdemeanor and can result in up to 18 months’ probation, up to one year in jail, and a fine of up to $5,000. 2nd Degree Assault. If you intentionally put someone in fear of being injured by using a deadly weapon, you’ve committed 2nd degree assault – that can be a class 1 or class 2 felony, depending upon whether you actually injure someone as part of the assault. A class 1 felony carries a punishment of 8 to 24 years in prison, and a class 2 felony will result in 3 to 12 years in prison. 1st Degree Murder. If you kill someone while carrying a firearm, you can be charged with 1st degree murder, which is a class 1 felony, and if you cause their death with malice (indifference) and intent, you face the death penalty or life without parole.
A concealed carry permit is not a gun license A permit is valid only for handguns. A permit does not authorize you to carry a gun. You can possess a firearm without a permit. Only concealed carry requires a permit. Open carry does not require a permit.
Resources and Recent Legislative Changes
In recent years, new legislation has been introduced at both the federal and state levels that impact concealed carry laws in Denver. One important piece of legislation is the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which was signed into law by President Trump in December 2017. This act requires states to recognize concealed carry permits from other states, which could have a significant impact on permit holders in Denver.
In addition, Colorado has enacted several laws that impact concealed carry laws in the state. One of these laws is the "Colorado Red Flag Law" or "Extreme Risk Protection Orders", a new measure that went into effect on January 1, 2020. This law allows a judge to issue an order temporarily transferring firearms from a person who poses a significant risk of harming themselves or others. While this law does not directly impact concealed carry laws in Denver, it is an important piece of legislation for gun owners to be aware of.
Another important piece of legislation in Colorado is HB 20-1424, which went into effect on January 1, 2020. This new law requires background checks for all private gun sales in the state, with a few exemptions. While Denver has long required background checks for all firearm sales within the city, this new law makes the requirements applicable statewide.
These recent updates and legislative changes to concealed carry laws in Denver and the state of Colorado have the potential to significantly impact concealed carry permit holders. It’s important to stay informed on the latest developments in these areas to ensure that you are in compliance with all regulations.
Denver Concealed Carry Lawyer
The best source for legal advice regarding concealed carry laws in Denver is the Denver Police Department – Training Section. You can reach this section at 720-913-7468. They will be able to answer most of your questions. I got so frustrated with conflicting information that I called this section. The officer was very professional and happy to answer all my questions. I was very impressed. I suggest you call them whenever confused about concealed carry laws.
Additionally , the Colorado Concealed Carry Association is a non-profit association run by and for the benefit of responsible gun owners in Colorado. Concealed Carry Association offers all sorts of legal advice and resources to its members.