Sheriff

Concealed Handgun Permits

Specified Semiautomatic Firearm Law Effective 8/1/2026
  • All information regarding the new Specified Semiautomatic Firearm (SSF) law and the application process is on the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website; their application portal is available here: https://cpw.state.co.us/specified-semiautomatic-firearms  
  • A current list of the Specified Semi-Automatic Firearms is available on the Department of Revenue (DOR) website: https://sbg.colorado.gov/firearms-dealer-division
  • The Sheriff's Office has a limited role in this process. Read the full Act signed into law by Colorado legislators. 
  • If you want to purchase or transfer an SSF, please follow the step-by-step guide below.
New CHP Application
CHP Renewal Application
Name/Address Change, Lost Replacement Application
Verified CHP Firearms Instructors
SSF Safety Course Eligibility Card
Verified SSF Firearms Instructors

Concealed Handgun Permits (CHP)

The Larimer County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to providing you with a straightforward and efficient application process. Here, you'll find the necessary information and steps to apply for your CHP. Safety and responsible firearm ownership are essential. 

The application process must be completed on a third-party software operated by Permitium. Your safety and security are of paramount importance to us, and we're committed to facilitating a smooth and transparent application experience. Please reach out if you have questions while completing this process. 

The Loveland campus at 200 Peridot has limited open hours. Please visit the Permitium website here for an up-to-date schedule.

Colorado State Statutes for CHP

Fingerprinting for Firearm Dealer Employees

  • Colorado law requires firearm dealer employees to be fingerprinted (C.R.S. 18-12-407(3)(b)). 
  • LCSO does not conduct firearm dealer employee fingerprinting.
  • If you are a firearm dealer employee, please visit one of the state's approved vendors for fingerprinting.

CHP: Current and former LCSO employees

Retired Law Enforcement Officer Concealed Firearm Program (HR-218) 

*NEW* Specified Semiautomatic Firearms (SSF)

Colorado law (SB25-003) now requires the completion of a firearms safety course for anyone purchasing or transferring an SSF. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages this process, which also involves your local Sheriff's Office. 

Step 1: CPW Customer Application

Go to the CPW Firearms Safety System (FSS) page to create an account and complete an application. Once you hit submit, your application will be sent to your county Sheriff’s office queue. It will not be processed until the next step. If you have Hunter Education, you will add the information to your application during this step.

Step 2: Sheriff's Office Portal (Larimer County residents only)

  • First, obtain a name-only based background check. Applicants must provide a name-based background check completed by a third-party vendor that includes: National criminal history, Colorado criminal history, Judicial database records, and Vendor attestation confirming the background check was completed.
  • Next, visit our Larimer County SSF portal and select the Specified Semiautomatic Firearms Training Eligibility application. Note: You will be required to upload a copy of your background check and a government–issued photo ID to complete this step. 

Step 3: Sheriff Review and Eligibility Card Issuance

The Sheriff's Office reviews the documentation, determines eligibility, and issues an eligibility card (EC) that is good for 5 years. Your eligibility card information is entered into the FSS by the Sheriff's Office. Whether approved or denied, you will receive an auto-generated email. If denied an EC, you will be notified.

Step 4: Course & Exam

Find an approved instructor and enroll in course. A cost may be associated with this step. You may take the course from any FSP Verified Firearms Instructor. View a list of verified SSF instructors here.

The instructor will verify your eligibility to take the Basic (4hrs) or Extended (12hrs) course. During this step, you will need to pass an exam and hands-on practical with a 90% or better. When the instructor enters pass/fail, you will receive an email immediately. If you pass the course, you have 5 years to purchase specified semi-automatic firearms (SSF).

Step 5: Purchase & FFL Verification

The gun dealer will confirm your eligibility in the FSS and begin the purchase process.

FAQs

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  1. Do I have to make an appointment to submit my application?

    For a new permit you are required to schedule an appointment for fingerprints and a photo- the online application will walk you through scheduling that appointment.

    For a renewal permit, you do not need an appointment, but you are required to come in for a new photo after completing your renewal application. You can come in to our Fort Collins or Loveland office anytime during normal business hours.

  2. I just moved here from out of state, can I apply for a permit right away?

    No. You must upload your CO Drivers License or ID card when you submit your application.

  3. I just moved here; can I use my out-of-state permit while I'm waiting for the Colorado permit?

    Yes, if we reciprocate with that state and you have an out of state driver's license. Once you obtain a Colorado driver's license, your out-of-state permit is no longer reciprocal.

  4. What type of firearms training class do I need to take?
    New statewide legislation has changed this process, effective 7/1/2025. Click here to learn more about those changes.

    A personally attended class given by a "Verified” instructor is required, or refer to the application packet for other forms of handgun training that we can accept. 

    Internet-based training where no direct contact with an instructor, firearms, or physical environment is insufficient.

    "Verified Instructor" means an instructor for a firearms safety course, verified as a firearms instructor by a Sheriff, pursuant to Section 18-12-202.7.

  5. Where do I go for firearms training?
  6. What if I need an emergency permit?

    If you need an emergency permit, please call our CHP Unit at (970) 498-5157. These situations are handled on a case-by-case basis, and our unit will guide you through the process to apply.

  7. Do you accept a Hunter Safety card for firearms training?

    No, we can no longer accept a Hunter Safety card as proof of handgun training, per HB24-1174.

  8. I've already had my fingerprints done for CBI (teacher, real estate agent, etc.) do I have to do them again?

    Yes. CBI requires that a new set of fingerprints be done for all new CHP applications.

  9. Does my out-of-state permit suffice for firearm's training?

    New statewide legislation has changed this process, effective 7/1/2025. Click here to learn more about those changes.

    No. You must take a class taught by a Colorado Verified instructor or refer to the application packet for other forms of handgun training that we can accept.

  10. Do I need to take another firearms training class each time I renew?

    New statewide legislation has changed this process, effective 7/1/2025. Click here to learn more about those changes.

    Yes. All renewing permit holders must take a “refresher” class taught by a Verified instructor no more than 6 months before you submit your application.

  11. My permit says it's valid until the end of the Sheriff's term, is it still valid?

    The Colorado Revised Statutes that were revised in 2003 state that those permits issued prior to May 17, 2003 were set to expire by June 30, 2007 instead of the current Sheriff's term. New permits issued after May 17, 2003 are now valid for a 5-year period. A letter was mailed in early 2007 to those permit holders that were affected by this change and were informed that they needed to renew their permit by June 30, 2007. If you did not receive this notice, please be advised that your permit has now permanently expired and you will need to reapply for a new permit.

  12. Will I receive a renewal notice?

    You will receive an email reminder approximately three months before your permit expires. If you do not have an email address on file, you will receive a renewal reminder in the mail.

  13. How long do I have to wait to get my permit?

    Processing times can take up to 90 days depending on our and CBI’s backlog. We can advise current processing time when you submit your application. If there is a question about your background, we will contact you by phone or by email. Your permit will be mailed to you.

  14. My permit expired more than 6 months ago, can I still renew it?

    No. You only have up to 6 months past the expiration to renew it, after that it is permanently expired and you must apply for a new permit.

  15. I got my permit in Larimer County and now I'm moving to another county, how do I transfer the permit (or vice versa)?

    Permits are not transferrable from county to county. Your permit is valid statewide. You are required by law to update your address with the original issuing agency so they can update your information. As of 2014, you are required to renew your permit in the county that you currently reside, own a business or own property.

  16. I got my permit in Larimer County but now I live in another county and my permit is going to expire within 120 days (4 months). What do I do?

    You are required to renew in the county that you currently reside, own a business, or own property. After you receive your new permit, please return your invalid Larimer County permit to us.

  17. I got my permit in another county but now I live in Larimer County and my permit is going to expire within 120 days (4 months). What do I do?

    You are required to submit a renewal application with Larimer County.

  18. Do I have to submit the address change form in person?

    No. You will submit your address change through the online application system.

  19. How long do I have after I move to submit my address change?

    You are required to notify us within 30 days or you could be subject to a Class 1 Petty Offense.

  20. What other states are my permit valid in?

    You can check CO reciprocity on CBI's website for the most up-to-date information on reciprocity.

  21. What is Senate Bill 25-003?

    Senate Bill 25-003 (SB003), signed on April 10, 2025, prohibits the purchase or transfer of specified semiautomatic firearms (SSF) unless the person completes the appropriate firearms safety course. Under this law, those who have been verified as having taken a hunter education course will be assigned the Basic Course; those without hunter education will be assigned the Extended Course.

  22. What is a specified semiautomatic firearm (SSF)?

    An SSF is a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun with a detachable magazine, or a gas-operated handgun with a detachable magazine. SSF does not include:

    • Most semiautomatic hunting shotguns
    • Rimfire .22-caliber or lower firearms, unless the firearm has a separate upper and lower receiver
    • A firearm that is manually operated by a bolt, pump, lever or slide action 
    • A semiautomatic firearm with a permanently affixed magazine that is limited to 15 rounds of ammunition or fewer
    • A single- or double-action semiautomatic handgun that uses recoil to cycle the action of the handgun
    • A firearm that has been made permanently inoperable
    • An antique firearm or curio or relic
    • Certain models of firearms, as they exist and are configured on August 1, 2026 as described in CRS 18-12-116(1)(d)(II)(e)
  23. Does this law prohibit the use of SSFs?

    No. The law requires the successful completion of a firearms safety course in order to purchase or transfer an SSF after August 1, 2026.

  24. Does this law affect users who already own an SSF?

    No. This law only affects those who wish to purchase and transfer SSFs.

  25. Where can I find answers to more common SSF questions?
Concealed Handgun Permits

For permit or application specific questions, contact...

LCSO CHP Unit
(970) 498-5157
sheriff-chp@co.larimer.co.us

 

For questions regarding technical issues with the application site, contact...

Permitium Help Desk
help@permitium.com