Effective July 1, 2025, significant changes apply to firearm competency renewal requirements for concealed handgun permits in Colorado. Renewal applicants must now demonstrate competence with a handgun by meeting specific training and documentation standards. There is no grace period—all renewal applications received on or after July 1, 2025, must comply with the new law[1].
Acceptable methods to demonstrate competency for renewal include:
- Evidence of participation in organized shooting competitions, current military service, or current certification as a peace officer[3][5].
- Proof that the applicant is a verified firearms instructor at the time of application[3][5].
- Honorable discharge from a branch of the U.S. armed forces with pistol qualifications obtained within the past 10 years[3][5].
- Retirement from a Colorado law enforcement agency with pistol qualifications obtained within the past 10 years[3][5].
- Completion of a refresher training course or initial concealed handgun training class within six months before submitting the renewal form; the refresher class must meet specific requirements detailed below[1][5][7].
Refresher Training Course Requirements:
- Taught in person by a Sheriff-verified instructor in Colorado[7].
- Must be at least 2 hours long and include 50 rounds of live fire as well as a competency exam[7].
- Must cover updated firearm laws, and require participants to pass both a written and live-fire exam[5][7].
- Certificate must be issued within six months before renewal application and include the original signature of the instructor—copies are not accepted[1][7].
Additional Rules for Renewal Applications:
- Applications received after the permit expiration but within a 6-month grace period may still be renewed; however, all applications after July 1, 2025, require compliance with new training standards[1][3].
- Renewal applications submitted earlier than 120 days before the permit’s expiration will be returned[1].
- Applications submitted more than 6 months after permit expiration will not be processed and must reapply as new applicants[1][4].
- Out-of-state training certificates are not accepted[1].
For full compliance, consult your local sheriff’s office for a list of verified instructors and updated application procedures.
Leave a Reply