Colorado Firearm Safety Laws
Colorado’s firearm laws are designed to prevent theft, accidents and suicide through
responsible storage, reporting, and voluntary safeguards.
-
Firearms must be responsibly and securely stored when they are not in use to prevent access by unsupervised juveniles and other unauthorized users.
Unlawful storage of a firearm is defined as storage of a firearm in a manner that the person knows or should know:
That a juvenile can gain access to the firearm without the permission of parent or guardian;
The resident of the premises is ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law.
Tip: Store firearms locked and unloaded when not in use and use gun safes, lock boxes or quality locking devices. Store ammunition separate from firearms.
-
A person shall not knowingly leave a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the handgun is in a locked hard-sided container that is placed out of plain view.
A person shall not knowingly leave a firearm that is not a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the firearm is in a locked hard-sided or locked soft-sided container, with a locking device, that is placed out of plain view.
Violating this is a civil infraction.
-
Must report a lost or stolen firearm to a law enforcement agency within 5 days of discovering the firearm is lost or stolen.
Law Enforcement agencies that receive a report of a lost or stolen firearm must enter information in the CBI crime information database.
First offense is civil offense, $25 fine
Second and subsequent offenses is a misdemeanor, maximum $500 fine.
-
WHY: By delaying access to firearms for those who chose to voluntarily participate on a do-not-sell list, it is reasonable to expect a reduction in overall suicide risk
A person may voluntarily waive the right to purchase a firearm.
While the waiver is in effect, the bureau shall deny the transfer of a firearm to a person who voluntarily waived the right to purchase a firearm.
A person who voluntarily waives the right to purchase a firearm may designate one or more contact persons who will be contacted if the person attempts to purchase a firearm while the voluntary waiver is in effect or if the person revokes the voluntary waiver.
-
Firearms may be loaned to a relative, as long as the person isn’t prohibited by law from having a gun. “Relatives” are defined in statute as spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents or grandkids, nieces or nephews, first cousins, and aunts/uncles.
Colorado law says that loans to a non-relative for over 72 hours must go through a background check, usually at a gun shop.
To learn more about Colorado laws regarding temporary transfers see CRS 18-12-112 or consult an attorney.
-
The reality according to the University of Colorado's 2025 State of the Policy report:
93% of Coloradans agree secure storage reduces firearm injury and death
Yet 1 in 3 households with firearms still stores at least one gun unlocked
Over half of non-firearm owners don't know these laws exist
Why It Matters: Research shows these laws are linked to fewer youth suicides, unintentional shootings, and violent crimes. When more people know about and follow secure storage practices, more lives are saved.
Read the Full Report → CU's Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative
-
An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) is a civil tool designed to prevent firearm-related harm when an individual poses a significant risk to themselves or others.
How it Works: If a judge approves an ERPO, firearms are temporarily removed from the person’s possession, and they are prohibited from purchasing or receiving new firearms while the order is active. A temporary 14-day order (TERPO) may be issued before a hearing for a longer, one-year order.
Who Can File: Originally passed in 2019 for law enforcement and household members, the law was expanded in 2023 to include healthcare professionals, mental health providers, district attorneys, and educators.
Implementation Trends: From January 2020 to December 2024, 692 petitions were filed and 371 ERPOs were granted. Law enforcement officers (330 filings) and family members (179 filings) are the most frequent users of this tool. Research indicates that for every 10–15 ERPOs granted, one suicide death can be prevented.
Public Perception: Awareness is high, with 85% of Colorado adults knowing ERPOs exist. Furthermore, 85% to 90% of both firearm owners and non-owners believe ERPOs are appropriate when a person is in a severe crisis or has made threats of violence.
Read the Full Report → 2025 ERPO Policy Brief