If you’re planning to carry a firearm in Denver, there are some critical laws you need to know—especially since Denver has stricter gun laws than the rest of Colorado. While concealed carry is legal with a valid permit, open carry is banned within city limits.

This guide explains what you can and can’t do, cites the actual laws, and gives you examples to help you avoid costly legal mistakes.

🔴 Open Carry is Illegal in Denver

Open carry is not allowed in Denver under Denver Revised Municipal Code § 38-117. Even though open carry is legal in most of Colorado, Denver has enacted a local ordinance banning it in all public areas:

“It shall be unlawful for any person to openly carry any firearm on or about their person in any public place within the city.”
— Denver Revised Municipal Code § 38-117

Bottom line: Walking around with a firearm visible on your hip, even if you’re licensed, is illegal in Denver.

✅ Concealed Carry is Allowed With a Permit

If you have a valid Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), you may legally carry a concealed handgun in Denver. State law — C.R.S. § 18-12-213 — preempts most local restrictions on concealed carry for licensed individuals.

To qualify, you must:

• Be 21 or older
• Pass a background check
• Complete a state-approved concealed handgun course
• Be legally eligible to possess a firearm

As of July 1, 2025, new state law also requires:

• 8 hours of in-person instruction
• Live-fire shooting test (50 rounds minimum)
• Written exam covering firearm safety and use-of-force law

🚫 Where Concealed Carry Is Still Prohibited

Even with a valid CHP, there are many locations where firearms — concealed or not — are strictly prohibited by law. These include:

• Denver city-owned or leased buildings
• Public parks and recreation centers in Denver
• K–12 schools – per C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5
• Post-secondary education buildings (college/university buildings) – schools may set their own rules
• Legislative buildings where official meetings are held
• Federal buildings (e.g., courthouses, IRS buildings, Social Security offices)
• Airports beyond TSA checkpoints
• Secure areas of jails and correctional facilities
• Private properties with “No Firearms” signs – property owners have the legal right to prohibit carry

Carrying in any of these prohibited areas could lead to criminal charges, revocation of your permit, or worse. For a full comprehensive article on prohibited areas, please visit: Where You Are Prohibited From Carrying a Firearm in Colorado

🔍 Examples of Legal vs. Illegal Carry

✔️ Lawful Concealed Carry
A CHP holder carries a concealed handgun inside a private business or while walking down a public street in Denver. They are following the law.

❌ Illegal Open Carry
A person wears a firearm in an outside-the-waistband holster while walking through Civic Center Park. Even if they have a permit, this is against Denver’s open carry ban.

❌ Illegal Concealed Carry
Someone carries a concealed handgun in a college classroom or federal building—even with a permit. This is a violation of both state and federal law.

🎯Train With Certified Colorado Firearms Instructors

US Firearms Training Academy provides professional firearms education taught by certified, experienced instructors. Our courses include:

• Colorado Concealed Carry (New & Renewal)
• Basic Pistol 101
• Defensive Pistol & Advanced Live-Fire Training
• Court-Ordered Gun Safety Classes
• Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (Starting August 1, 2026)

We teach lawful, responsible firearm handling based on real-world experience, Colorado law, and proven defensive tactics.

usfta2@gmail.com
(720) 437-7900

Self-Defense Insurance

A lawful act of self-defense can still lead to arrest, legal fees, and civil lawsuits. That’s why many gun owners choose self-defense coverage to protect themselves financially.

To see which plan fits you best, check out our Self-Defense Insurance Comparison Page.

Related Articles

• Is Colorado an Open Carry State?
• Can You Carry a Firearm Into a Bar in Colorado?
• Can You Carry a Firearm in the City and County of Denver?
• Where You Are Prohibited From Carrying a Firearm in Colorado

Legal Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws can change, and local, state, federal, tribal, and municipal regulations may vary. Always verify current laws and consult a qualified attorney before carrying a firearm or making legal decisions related to self-defense. US Firearms Training Academy, its instructors, contractors, employees, affiliates, volunteers, and associated training locations assume no liability for actions taken based on this content.