How Much Does a Colorado CCW Cost?

One of the most common questions people ask before signing up for a Colorado concealed carry permit (CCW / CHP) class is:

“How much does a Colorado CCW actually cost?”

The honest answer is that there isn’t one flat price. The total cost to legally carry concealed in Colorado depends on whether you are a new applicant or renewing, which training academy you choose, and what county issues your permit. That said, there is a realistic minimum most people should expect to pay.

Total Cost for a Colorado CCW / CHP Permit

For most people applying for a Colorado concealed handgun permit:

New CCW / CHP applicants: $300 to $450
Renewal CCW / CHP applicants: $200 to $350

Anything meaningfully below these numbers usually means required concealed carry permit costs are being charged separately.

New Applicant CCW Cost in Colorado

If you are applying for a Colorado concealed carry permit for the first time, your total CCW cost includes training, county fees, and standard range-related expenses.

Colorado CCW Training Class

Most Colorado CCW classes for new applicants range from $150 to $275, depending on the training academy.

A real-world example of a typical Colorado concealed carry class looks like this:

CCW training class: $170
Range fee: $20

That places training and range access at $190 before applying for your Colorado CHP permit.

Under current Colorado law, all CCW / CHP classes must be taken in person with a verified instructor and include a minimum of 8 hours of training. This covers Colorado concealed carry law, use-of-force law, a written exam (80% minimum), and a live-fire qualification (70% minimum accuracy).

View upcoming Colorado CHP classes and sign up here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class

Ammunition, Targets, Rentals, and Safety Gear

In addition to the class itself, most Colorado CCW students should expect normal range expenses:

Ammunition: $15 to $25
Targets: $2 to $5
Handgun rental (if needed): $15 to $25
Ear protection rental: $5 to $10
Eye protection rental: $2 to $5

These costs are commonly not included in advertised concealed carry class pricing and are one of the biggest reasons CCW applicants underestimate total cost.

Colorado Sheriff Application Fees

After completing training, you apply for your Colorado concealed handgun permit through your county sheriff.

In many Front Range counties, the new CCW / CHP application fee is $152.50. This is a county-set fee and is completely separate from training costs.

Fingerprints and Background Check

Fingerprinting for a Colorado CCW permit typically costs $10 to $30, depending on the county.

New Applicant Total Cost for a Colorado CCW

Using common, real-world numbers:

Training + range fee: $190
Ammo, targets, safety gear: $30–$50
Sheriff application fee: $152.50

That places the realistic minimum cost to obtain a Colorado CCW / CHP permit at $300.

Most new applicants will spend between:

$300 and $450 total

Colorado CCW Renewal Cost

Renewing a Colorado concealed carry permit costs less than a new application, but still requires budgeting.

Colorado CCW Renewal Class

Most Colorado CCW renewal classes range from $110 to $150 and require in-person instruction, a written test, and a live-fire qualification. Renewal CCW / CHP certificates are valid for one year.

Additional Renewal Costs

Renewal applicants should still plan for:

Ammunition
Targets
Gun rental (if needed)
Ear and eye protection rentals

Colorado CHP Renewal Fees

Most counties charge $52 to $100 to renew a Colorado concealed handgun permit.

Renewal Total Cost

Most renewal applicants should plan for:

$200 to $350 total

View upcoming Colorado CHP classes and sign up here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class

Why Colorado CCW / CHP Costs Vary

Colorado does not regulate CCW class pricing. Concealed carry training academies set their own rates.

Costs vary based on range access, instructor experience, class size, and whether ammo, targets, and safety gear are included. Lower advertised CCW prices often shift required items into add-on fees.

Colorado CCW Cost – Q & A

What is the absolute minimum cost to get a Colorado CCW?

For a new applicant, $300 is a realistic minimum once you factor in training, range fees, ammunition, and the sheriff’s application fee. Anything advertised significantly lower usually excludes required items that must be paid separately.

Why does my CCW class price look cheap but the total cost isn’t?

Many classes advertise only the base instruction price. Range fees, ammunition, targets, eye and ear protection, rentals, and county fees are often added later, which is why the final cost ends up much higher.

Do renewal applicants really need to pay for training again?

Yes. Under current Colorado law, both new and renewal applicants must complete in-person training with live fire, pass a written test, and qualify on the range. Renewal certificates are now only valid for one year.

Can I avoid range fees or ammo costs?

Sometimes. Some academies bundle range time, ammo, targets, and safety gear into the class price. Others charge those separately. Always ask what is included before registering.

Is the sheriff’s fee negotiable or avoidable?

No. Sheriff application fees are set by the county and must be paid regardless of which training academy you choose.

Why do CCW costs vary so much between counties?

Training costs are set by private academies, while application fees are set by county sheriffs. This combination creates variation across Colorado, even though the legal requirements are statewide.

Is a more expensive CCW class worth it?

Often, yes. Higher-priced classes typically offer more live-fire time, smaller class sizes, better legal instruction, and fewer surprise add-on fees. Cheap training can cost far more later if you make a mistake.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when budgeting for a CCW?

Only budgeting for the class itself and ignoring ammo, range fees, safety gear, and sheriff costs. This is why many applicants are surprised when their total exceeds expectations.

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Class

If you live in Colorado and are applying or renewing 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.