What Gun Owners Need to Know Before August 1, 2026
Beginning August 1, 2026, Colorado law requires individuals to complete an approved firearms safety course and obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC) before purchasing or receiving certain semiautomatic firearms. This requirement applies to qualifying firearms acquired after the effective date and is part of the lawful purchase and transfer process in Colorado.
This article explains what the FSCEC is, who it applies to, where to apply, and how to complete the process from start to finish.
What Is the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC)?
The Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC) is a state-issued credential confirming that an individual has successfully completed an approved, in-person firearms safety course that meets Colorado statutory requirements.
The FSCEC must be issued before a qualifying semiautomatic firearm may be purchased or transferred. Firearms lawfully owned prior to August 1, 2026 are not affected.
Firearms Covered by the FSCEC Requirement
The FSCEC requirement applies to many common semiautomatic firearms, including:
- Semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines
- Semiautomatic shotguns with detachable magazines
- Gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines
The classification is based on the firearm’s operating system and magazine configuration, not appearance or cosmetic features.
Firearms Not Covered
The FSCEC requirement does not apply to:
- Bolt-action, lever-action, or pump-action firearms
- Most rimfire firearms (such as common .22 LR configurations)
- Firearms with permanently affixed magazines within legal limits
- Antique or curio and relic firearms
Despite these exemptions, many modern semiautomatic firearms fall within the FSCEC definition.
Firearms Safety Training Requirement
To obtain an FSCEC, applicants must complete an approved firearms safety course, which includes:
- In-person instruction only (online-only courses do not qualify)
- Safe firearm handling and operation
- Secure storage and transportation practices
- Legal responsibilities related to firearm ownership
- Successful completion of a final exam
The course must be completed before a qualifying firearm purchase or transfer can occur.
How to Get a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC)
The FSCEC process must be completed in order.
Step 1: Apply Online
Applicants must submit an online application through Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The application portal will be available beginning July 2026.
All applications must be completed online. Assistance may be obtained at a CPW office or a local Sheriff’s Office, but internet access is required to submit the application and obtain an application ID.
Application link:
https://cpw.state.co.us/specified-semiautomatic-firearms
Applicants must pay an application processing fee. This fee is set by the Parks and Wildlife Commission and is separate from any Sheriff administrative fee or firearms training tuition. Application fees are assessed regardless of approval outcome.
Step 2: Complete the Required Firearms Safety Course
Once the application is approved, the applicant must complete the required firearms safety course through a certified instructor.
Depending on eligibility, applicants will be required to complete either:
The instructor will verify, through CPW’s Firearms Safety System, which course the applicant is required to take.
Courses include instruction on:
- Safe handling of specified semiautomatic firearms and magazines
- Child safety and secure firearm storage
- Legal responsibilities of firearm ownership
- Firearm deaths associated with mental illness
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs)
- Victim awareness and empathy
Course requirements:
- Must be taught in person
- Instructor must be verified by a Sheriff
- Minimum passing score of 90% on the final exam
- Firearms safety courses are valid for 5 years
After expiration, a new course must be completed to purchase or transfer additional specified semiautomatic firearms.
Step 3: Complete the Purchase or Transfer Through an FFL
After successful course completion, the firearm purchase or transfer must be completed through a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer.
The FFL will:
- Query CPW’s Firearms Safety System to confirm course completion
- Conduct a CBI InstaCheck background check
- Collect applicable InstaCheck and dealer fees
- Complete the transfer in accordance with state and federal law, including waiting periods
Once these steps are completed, the specified semiautomatic firearm may be transferred to the purchaser.
Where to Apply for the FSCEC
In addition to submitting the online application, applicants must physically appear at their local Sheriff’s Office and present:
- Government-issued photo identification, and
- Results of a completed name-based background check of national and Colorado criminal history and judicial databases, conducted by a third-party vendor with vendor attestation
If approved, the county Sheriff will enter the applicant’s eligibility card information into the Firearms Safety System database associated with the applicant’s application ID.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for an FSCEC
An applicant is eligible to apply if they:
- Do not have a state or federal conviction prohibiting firearm possession or purchase
- Will not violate applicable state laws related to purchase, possession, storage, or lawful use of firearms
- Will only transfer firearms in compliance with C.R.S. § 18-12-112 and C.R.S. § 18-12-116
- Will not allow access to a firearm by any person the applicant reasonably believes would pose a danger to themselves or others
Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval. All applications are subject to review.
How This Relates to a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)
A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) does not automatically satisfy the FSCEC requirement. The FSCEC is a separate statutory process tied specifically to the purchase or transfer of specified semiautomatic firearms.
That said, many applicants choose to complete both firearms safety training and CCW training for broader instruction and compliance.
Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC)
If you live in Colorado and plan to purchase or transfer a specified semiautomatic firearm, state law requires completion of an approved firearms safety course to obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC). Our FSCEC classes meet Colorado statutory requirements and provide in-person instruction covering safe firearm handling, storage, operation, and legal responsibilities.
View upcoming Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card classes and sign up here:
Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card Class
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
Why This Matters
Effective August 1, 2026, Colorado requires a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC) prior to the purchase or transfer of specified semiautomatic firearms. This requirement applies regardless of prior ownership or experience and must be completed before a transfer can occur.
Completing the required training in advance ensures compliance with state law and reduces the likelihood of delays or failed transactions at the point of sale.
Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC) – Q&A
1. What is the Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC)?
The Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC) is a state-issued credential confirming that an applicant has completed an approved, in-person firearms safety course required by Colorado law. The card is required before the purchase or transfer of certain specified semiautomatic firearms and is recorded in the state’s Firearms Safety System database.
2. When does the FSCEC requirement take effect?
The FSCEC requirement takes effect on August 1, 2026. Any qualifying firearm purchase or transfer occurring on or after that date must comply with the FSCEC requirement, regardless of when the firearm was manufactured or how long the applicant has owned firearms previously.
3. Who is required to obtain an FSCEC?
Any individual who intends to purchase or receive a specified semiautomatic firearm in Colorado after August 1, 2026 must obtain an FSCEC prior to the transfer. This applies to first-time buyers and experienced firearm owners alike, provided the firearm meets the statutory definition.
4. Does the FSCEC requirement apply to firearms I already own?
No. The FSCEC requirement applies only to future purchases and transfers. Firearms lawfully owned prior to August 1, 2026 may continue to be possessed without obtaining an FSCEC, provided all other laws are followed.
5. What types of firearms require an FSCEC?
The requirement generally applies to semiautomatic rifles, semiautomatic shotguns, and gas-operated semiautomatic handguns that use detachable magazines. The determination is based on how the firearm operates and its magazine configuration, not its appearance or accessories.
6. Are any firearms exempt from the FSCEC requirement?
Yes. Manually operated firearms (such as bolt-action, pump-action, or lever-action firearms), most rimfire firearms, firearms with permanently affixed magazines within legal limits, and certain antique or curio and relic firearms are not subject to the FSCEC requirement.
7. Can the FSCEC requirement be satisfied with an online firearms course?
No. Colorado law requires that the firearms safety course be completed in person with the instructor physically present. Online-only or virtual instruction does not qualify for FSCEC issuance.
8. Does a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) replace the FSCEC requirement?
No. A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit does not automatically satisfy the FSCEC requirement. The FSCEC is a separate credential tied specifically to the purchase or transfer of specified semiautomatic firearms, while the CHP relates to lawful concealed carry of a handgun.
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
View upcoming Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card classes and sign up here:
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- Can You Carry A Firearm In Lakewood, Colorado?
- Can You Carry A Firearm In Aurora, Colorado?
- Can You Get a Concealed Carry Permit Online in Colorado?
- What Is Unlawful Physical Force?
- Do I Need Self Defense Insurance?
- How To Get Your Colorado CCW
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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