Can You Open Carry in Denver?

No. Open carry is illegal in the City and County of Denver, even though Colorado generally allows open carry at the state level.

Is Open Carry Legal In The City & County Of Denver?

Colorado Open Carry: The General Rule

Colorado is generally an open carry state. An adult who may legally possess a firearm can openly carry without a permit in many parts of the state.

However, Colorado law allows local governments to prohibit open carry, and Denver has exercised that authority.

Denver’s Open Carry Ban (Actual Code Citation)

Denver’s open carry prohibition is codified in the Denver Revised Municipal Code (D.R.M.C.) § 38-117(b), which states in relevant part:

“It shall be unlawful for any person to openly carry a firearm on his or her person in a public place or on private property if the firearm is visible to the ordinary observation of a reasonable person.”

Key Takeaways From the Ordinance

Applies to handguns and long guns
Applies to public places
Applies to private property when the firearm is visible to public observation
Applies regardless of concealed handgun permit status
Actively enforced by the Denver Police Department

This ordinance is the controlling authority inside the City and County of Denver.

What About Concealed Carry in Denver?

Concealed carry is legal in Denver if:

You have a valid concealed handgun permit (CHP) recognized by Colorado, and
You comply with location-based restrictions (certain government buildings, posted private property, etc.).

Important clarification:

A CHP does not override Denver’s open carry ban.
If the firearm is visible, you can still be in violation—even with a permit.

Click Here For More Info About Our Colorado CHP Class

Open Carry in Your Home in Denver (Visibility Still Matters)

You may lawfully possess and openly carry a firearm inside your own home in Denver. The ordinance is not intended to regulate normal firearm possession inside a private residence.

However, visibility to the public is the controlling factor under D.R.M.C. § 38-117(b).

Clearly Lawful

Open carry inside your home
Firearm possession in private living areas
Carrying openly in areas not visible to the public

Where Risk Begins

If a firearm is visible to ordinary observation from a public place, enforcement risk increases—even if you are still on your own property.

Examples include:

Standing in a doorway with a visible firearm
Carrying on a front porch visible from the sidewalk
Carrying in a front yard visible from the street
Open carry visible through windows or open doors

Rule of thumb: Inside is generally fine; visible from public view creates legal risk.

Open Carry in Your Own Business in Denver

Ownership alone does not control legality. Denver focuses on public access and visibility.

Businesses Open to the Public

A privately owned business that is open to the public—such as a retail store, restaurant, bar, lobby, or walk-in office—is treated as a public place under Denver law.

Open carry in customer-facing areas exposes you to enforcement
Ownership does not create an exception
Visibility to customers or passersby is the trigger

Private, Non-Public Business Areas

Open carry is generally lawful only when both of the following are true:

The area is not open to the public, and
The firearm is not visible from public areas.

Examples include:

Back offices with restricted access
Secured warehouses
Private office suites
Closed businesses after hours with no public access

Vehicles and Property Boundaries

Lawful possession of a firearm in a vehicle is generally permitted under Colorado law.
Intentionally displaying or openly carrying a firearm when exiting a vehicle in Denver can create legal exposure.
Some parking lots are private property and may prohibit firearm possession entirely.

Vehicle carry does not provide a blanket exception once you step into public view.

Other Colorado Cities With Open Carry Bans

Denver is not the only jurisdiction with local restrictions. Other cities with open carry bans include:

Boulder
Louisville
Lafayette
Superior
Certain government buildings statewide

Always verify local ordinances, not just state law.

Practical Considerations in Denver

Even aside from legality:

Open carry frequently results in 911 “man with a gun” calls
Police response may be rapid and forceful
Investigative detention and temporary firearm seizure are common
Open carry of long guns in urban areas can trigger active-shooter-style responses

Discretion matters.

Want to Carry Legally in Denver?

Because open carry is prohibited in Denver, the only practical and lawful way to carry a firearm for self-defense within the city is concealed carry with a valid Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP).

A CHP allows you to:

Carry discreetly without drawing attention
Avoid violations of Denver’s open carry ordinance
Reduce unnecessary law enforcement encounters
Carry lawfully while commuting, working, or traveling through Denver

Get Your Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)

If you live in or travel through Denver, obtaining a CHP is the smartest next step.

A quality CHP class will cover:

Colorado and Denver firearm laws
Where you can and cannot carry
Use-of-force and self-defense legal standards
Safe, responsible concealed carry practices
Required training and qualification standards

US Firearms Training Academy offers professional CHP training designed to keep you legal, informed, and confident when carrying in Colorado’s most restrictive jurisdictions.

If you plan to carry in Denver, a CHP is not optional — it is essential.
How To Get Your Colorado CCW

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I open carry in Denver if I’m just passing through?
No. Denver’s ordinance applies regardless of residency or intent.

Q: Does a Colorado CHP allow open carry in Denver?
No. A CHP authorizes concealed carry only.

Q: Can I open carry on my own property in Denver?
Inside your home, generally yes. If the firearm is visible from a public place, risk increases.

Q: Can I open carry in my own business?
Only in non-public, restricted areas not visible to the public. Customer-facing areas are treated as public places.

Final Takeaway

You cannot legally open carry in Denver.
Denver’s municipal ordinance—D.R.M.C. § 38-117(b)—controls within city limits. If you carry in Denver, concealed carry with a valid permit and avoiding public visibility is the lawful and practical approach.

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Class

If you live in Colorado and are applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), state law requires completion of a qualifying training course taught by a verified instructor. Our Colorado CHP classes meet current statutory requirements and include legal instruction, firearms safety, and required certification documentation.
View upcoming Colorado CHP classes and sign up here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class

Self-Defense Insurance

Even a lawful act of self-defense can trigger criminal investigations, civil lawsuits, and significant legal costs. Many CCW holders evaluate self-defense insurance or legal protection plans to help manage those risks—coverage varies by provider and state, so understanding the differences matters.
Learn more and compare options here: Self-Defense Insurance Comparison

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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.