How to Buy a Handgun in Colorado: Requirements To Know About

What Does the CBI Review?

The CBI reviews multiple records to determine if an individual is eligible to own a firearm.

This includes:

• Criminal Record: Any past convictions or pending charges that could prohibit firearm ownership.
• Mental Health Holds: History of involuntary mental health holds that may legally restrict gun ownership.
• Juvenile Delinquency and Probation Records: Colorado law allows access to juvenile records for firearm background checks.
• Federal and State Prohibitions: Verification against all legal restrictions that could prevent the sale from proceeding.

By thoroughly reviewing these records, the CBI ensures compliance with both state and federal laws, helping to prevent firearms from being sold to individuals who are legally prohibited from owning them.

Cost and Processing Time for Background Checks

The cost of a background check in Colorado is set by the CBI and is typically paid by the buyer. This fee is subject to annual appropriation by the state legislature to cover administrative costs.

Payment options vary by dealer but often include cash or card payments.

Processing times can vary depending on demand:

• Typical Time: Background checks are completed in about 20 minutes under normal conditions.
• Extended Time: Some checks may take up to three days or longer if additional review is needed.

In summary, the background check process is an essential step in legally purchasing a firearm in Colorado. While most buyers will receive quick approval, understanding why delays occur, how to appeal a denial, and what costs to expect can help streamline the experience.

If you plan to buy a handgun, being prepared with accurate documentation and knowledge of state regulations will ensure a hassle-free transaction.

Military personnel have unique circumstances when purchasing firearms, particularly when moving between duty stations or deploying.

Colorado law provides specific allowances for service members while still maintaining federal and state firearm regulations. Understanding these requirements can help ensure compliance and a smooth purchasing process.

Purchasing Firearms as an Active-Duty Service Member

Active-duty military personnel stationed in Colorado can purchase firearms under the following conditions:

• With a Military ID and Permanent Duty Orders: Service members assigned to a permanent duty station in Colorado can use their military ID and current orders as proof of residency. No additional residency documentation is required.
• If Temporarily Stationed: Those stationed in Colorado on a temporary basis must provide additional proof of residency, such as a Colorado driver’s license or lease agreement, to purchase a firearm.

These requirements apply to both handguns and long guns. However, individual dealers may impose their own verification procedures beyond legal requirements.

Firearm Purchases and PCS (Permanent Change of Station) Orders

Military personnel undergoing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) must follow specific rules when transferring firearms between duty stations:

• Buying a Firearm While in PCS Transition: If a service member is in transition between bases and has not yet established permanent residency at the new duty station, they may face additional requirements depending on the state of relocation.
• Acceptable PCS Documentation: When purchasing in Colorado while in PCS transition, orders that establish Colorado as the new duty station can be used to satisfy residency requirements.
• Interstate Transfers: If a service member is moving to another state and already owns firearms, they must comply with the new state’s firearm laws regarding registration, background checks, and magazine capacity limits.

Deployment Considerations for Firearm Ownership

Service members who own firearms but are deploying overseas or to another location should consider:

• Storage During Deployment: Many military bases offer secure armory storage for personal firearms. Some service members also choose private firearm storage facilities to ensure weapons are kept safely during long-term deployments.
• Legal Transfers Before Deployment: If selling or transferring firearms before deployment, service members must follow federal transfer laws, which generally require the use of a licensed firearm dealer (FFL) to complete the transaction legally.

Special Military Exemptions

Active-duty military personnel are exempt from some firearm laws, including:

• Age Restrictions for Handgun Purchases: Federal law prohibits civilians under 21 years old from purchasing handguns, but active-duty service members stationed in Colorado may purchase a handgun at 18 with valid military ID and orders.
• Background Checks: While most firearm buyers must undergo a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check, some military personnel may qualify for expedited processing due to their security clearances. However, this does not exempt them from background checks entirely.

Rules for Interstate Transfers and Military Relocation

Since service members frequently relocate, understanding interstate firearm transfer rules is important:

• Buying Firearms in a Different State: Military personnel may purchase rifles and shotguns in any state if the sale complies with both the state of purchase and their home state’s laws. However, handgun purchases must generally be made in their state of residence or duty station.
• Shipping Firearms to a New Duty Station: When moving to a new state, service members should check with both their new duty station and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to confirm firearm transport regulations. Firearms must be shipped via FFL if crossing state lines in most cases.

Understanding these military-specific firearm regulations ensures compliance while making the purchase and ownership process as seamless as possible for service members.

When purchasing a handgun in Colorado, proof of residency is required under federal and state law. While a valid government-issued ID is the primary requirement, additional documentation may be necessary in specific cases. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how residency affects firearm purchases.

Temporary vs. Permanent Residency

• Permanent Residents: Individuals who legally reside in Colorado and hold a Colorado driver’s license or state ID with their current residential address meet residency requirements.
• Temporary Residents: Visitors, seasonal workers, or those staying in the state for short-term reasons (e.g., job assignments, extended family visits) do not qualify as legal residents for handgun purchases.

College Students and Firearm Purchases

College students living in Colorado for school but maintaining residency in another state face unique challenges when purchasing a firearm.

• Students from Out of State: If a student has an out-of-state driver’s license, they cannot purchase a handgun in Colorado unless they establish Colorado residency (e.g., changing their driver’s license to a Colorado ID).
• Students with Colorado Residency: If a student has a Colorado driver’s license and proof of local residency, they may purchase a handgun just like any other state resident.

Multiple Residences and Firearm Purchases

Some individuals maintain multiple residences in different states. Under federal law:

• If a person resides in multiple states during different times of the year, they may be considered a resident of both states while present in each location.
• They may purchase a firearm in either state, provided they show proof of residency at the time of purchase.

Acceptable Residency Documentation Alternatives

If your government-issued ID does not reflect your current address or lists a P.O. Box, you must provide a secondary proof of residence.

Acceptable documents include:

• DMV-issued Address Printout: Obtained from a local DMV office, showing proof of updated residency.
• Vehicle Registration: Must display the applicant’s name and current address.
• Utility Bill: Electric, water, or gas bills in the buyer’s name (cell phone bills do not qualify).
• Rental or Lease Agreement: A signed and current lease listing the buyer’s name as a tenant.

Firearm Purchases After a Recent Move

If you have recently moved to Colorado, you must establish residency before purchasing a handgun. Steps include:

1. Updating Your Driver’s License: Colorado law requires new residents to update their license within 30 days of moving.
2. Registering a Vehicle in Colorado: If applicable, transferring an out-of-state registration helps confirm your new residency.
3. Providing Address Verification: If your ID still lists your old address, use DMV records, utility bills, or a lease agreement as supplemental proof.

By ensuring you meet Colorado’s residency requirements and having the proper documents on hand, you can avoid unnecessary delays in purchasing a handgun.