How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a CCW in Colorado?

One of the most common questions people ask when researching concealed carry in Colorado is simple: How old do you have to be to get a CCW?

In Colorado, a concealed carry permit—often referred to as a CCW or CHP—allows a person to carry a concealed handgun in public where lawful. Regardless of the terminology used, eligibility requirements are set by state law and apply uniformly across all counties.

Minimum Age Requirement for a Colorado CCW

To apply for and be issued a Colorado concealed carry permit, you must be at least 21 years old.

This requirement is established under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-203, which governs eligibility for concealed handgun permits. Under this statute, county sheriffs may only issue permits to applicants who meet all statutory requirements, including the minimum age.

Whether someone refers to it as a CCW, CHP, concealed carry license, or concealed handgun permit, the rule is the same: you cannot be issued a permit before turning 21.

CCW vs. CHP vs. Concealed Carry License — What’s the Difference?

In Colorado, the concealed carry credential is technically a permit issued by the county sheriff. The terms CCW, CHP, concealed carry permit, and concealed carry license are commonly used interchangeably.

They all refer to the same thing: a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit issued under state law. There is no separate license or different classification based on wording.

Is There a Military Exception in Colorado?

This is a frequent point of confusion.

Colorado does not have a military exception that allows someone under 21 to obtain a concealed carry permit. Active-duty service members, reservists, and veterans are all subject to the same minimum age requirement under CRS § 18-12-203.

Military service does not override the age requirement for a CCW or CHP. County sheriffs are not authorized to issue concealed carry permits to anyone under 21, regardless of military status.

Where military service can matter is training. If an applicant is 21 or older, certain military firearms training may be accepted to satisfy the training requirement. This applies only to training documentation—not age eligibility.

Why Colorado Sets the Age at 21

Colorado treats concealed carry differently than general firearm possession. Carrying a handgun concealed in public involves significant legal responsibility, including understanding use-of-force law, knowing where carry is prohibited, and handling encounters with law enforcement appropriately.

Because of those responsibilities, Colorado law sets 21 as the minimum age to obtain a concealed carry permit. This is a bright-line statutory rule enforced uniformly across the state.

Carrying Concealed Without a Permit or Underage

Carrying a concealed handgun in Colorado without a valid concealed carry permit can expose a person to criminal charges, depending on the circumstances and location.

Being under 21 does not create an exception. Carrying concealed before you are legally eligible—or without a permit—can result in enforcement action. Training, intent, or misunderstanding the law does not replace the legal requirement to have a valid permit issued.

Training Timing: When Should You Take the CCW Class?

Age is only the first requirement.

To receive a Colorado concealed carry permit, applicants must complete compliant in-person training, pass a written exam and live-fire qualification, submit an application through their county sheriff, and meet all state and federal background requirements.

Under current law, CCW training certificates are valid for one year. This means you can take a concealed carry class before turning 21, as long as the certificate is still valid when you apply.

That said, we generally recommend taking your CCW training no more than three months before your 21st birthday. This keeps your training current, avoids certificate timing issues, and positions you to apply as soon as you are legally eligible.

Common Questions About CCW Age in Colorado

Can you get a CCW at 18, 19, or 20 in Colorado?
No. If you are 18, 19, or 20 years old, you are not eligible to be issued a concealed carry permit. Under CRS § 18-12-203, you must be 21 years old. There are no age-based exceptions.

Is a CCW different from a CHP or a concealed carry license?
No. In Colorado, CCW, CHP, concealed carry permit, and concealed carry license all refer to the same permit issued by the county sheriff.

Does military service allow concealed carry under 21 in Colorado?
No. There is no military exception to the minimum age requirement. Military status does not change eligibility.

Can you take a CCW class before turning 21?
Yes. Training certificates are valid for one year, so you may take a CCW class before turning 21. Most instructors recommend doing so within three months of your 21st birthday.

What happens if someone carries concealed under 21 or without a permit?
Carrying concealed without a valid permit—or before you are legally eligible—can result in criminal charges, depending on the circumstances and location.

Can a sheriff issue a temporary or conditional CCW to someone under 21?
No. Colorado law does not allow temporary, provisional, or conditional concealed carry permits. All statutory requirements, including age, must be met before issuance.

Planning Ahead for a Colorado Concealed Carry Permit

If you are approaching your 21st birthday, preparation matters. Learn Colorado use-of-force law, understand prohibited carry locations, and complete compliant training within a reasonable window before applying.

Doing this correctly reduces delays, avoids denials, and helps prevent legal mistakes once you begin carrying concealed.

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

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.