If you’re preparing to carry concealed in Colorado, one of the first questions you’ll face is:
“How long does it actually take to get my CCW permit?”
The short answer: 1–90 days, depending on how fast you complete training and how quickly your county processes your application.
Below is the complete step-by-step timeline for 2025 and beyond.
✅ Sign Up for a Colorado CHP Class
The entire CCW process starts with one thing:
Signing up for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) class taught by a state-verified instructor.
At US Firearms Training Academy, our CHP course meets every legal requirement under Colorado law. Students receive:
- A full 8-hour class covering law, safety, storage, and use of force
- A state-verified instructor accepted in every Colorado county
- A written test
- A live-fire qualification
- A training certificate valid for 1 year
- Professional instruction from experts who train real CCW holders, security personnel, and armed professionals
Most students complete the required training in a single day, allowing them to begin their CCW application immediately.
Step 1: Complete Your Colorado CHP Class
Colorado law requires all CCW applicants to complete an approved training course before applying. During your class you will:
- Learn Colorado’s concealed carry laws
- Cover use-of-force, situational awareness, and secure storage
- Take a written test
- Complete your live-fire range qualification
- Score at least 70%
- Receive your training certificate (valid 1 year)
Once you have this certificate, you’re eligible to apply with your county.
Step 2: Apply With Your County Sheriff’s Office
Every CCW permit in Colorado is issued at the county level, and each county falls into one of three application systems:
Online Application + In-Person Appointment
You apply online, upload required documents, and then schedule an appointment for:
- Photo
- Fingerprinting
- Document verification
Counties using this system:
Douglas, Boulder, Larimer (Fort Collins), Weld (Greeley), El Paso (Colorado Springs), Pueblo, Broomfield, Mesa, and most mountain counties (Summit, Eagle, Garfield, etc.)
In-Person Appointment Only (No Online Application)
You must schedule an in-person appointment through the sheriff’s office. Everything is handled on-site, including:
- Photo
- Fingerprinting
- Document review
Counties using this system:
Adams, Jefferson, Denver.
Limited Walk-In Days (In-Person)
Some counties still allow walk-ins on designated days.
County using this system:
Arapahoe County.
Quick County Comparison
| County | Application Type | Appointment? | Walk-Ins? | Photo/Fingerprints |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arapahoe | In-Person | No | Yes | On-site |
| Adams | In-Person | Yes | No | On-site |
| Jefferson | In-Person | Yes | No | On-site |
| Denver | In-Person | Yes | No | On-site |
| Douglas | Online + In-Person | Yes | No | On-site |
| Boulder | Online + In-Person | Yes | No | On-site |
| Larimer | Online + In-Person | Yes | No | On-site |
| Weld | Online + In-Person | Yes | No | On-site |
| El Paso | Online + In-Person | Yes | No | On-site |
| Pueblo | Online + In-Person | Yes | No | On-site |
| Broomfield | Online + In-Person | Yes | No | On-site |
| Mesa | Online + In-Person | Yes | No | On-site |
Step 3: Wait for Approval (Up to 90 Days by Law)
Once you submit your fingerprints and application, Colorado law gives your county:
Up to 90 days
to approve or deny your permit.
Many counties complete processing faster—some in as little as 1–2 weeks—but legally they have the full 90 days.
Your county will then either:
- Mail your permit, or
- Require you to pick it up
depending on their specific procedures.
“Shall Issue” After Bruen
Since the Supreme Court decision Bruen v. NYSRPA (2022), the entire United States—including Colorado—operates under a shall-issue standard.
Meaning:
- If you are not a prohibited person,
- You completed the required training,
- And you submitted proper documentation,
Your county must issue your CCW permit.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
Fastest Possible:
1–2 weeks
Typical Timeline:
30–60 days
Maximum Allowed by Law:
90 days
Your timeline begins the moment you complete your CHP class and schedule your county appointment.
Start Your Colorado CCW Journey Today
US Firearms Training Academy provides:
- Full 8-hour CHP classes
- Written testing
- Live-fire qualification
- Certificates valid for 1 year
- Highly experienced, state-verified instructors
- Training trusted by CCW holders, security officers, and responsible firearm owners across Colorado
If you want your CCW permit as quickly as possible, the first step is simple:
Sign up for your CHP class and start the process today.
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Legal Disclaimer
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 assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.
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