What Happens If You Carry a Concealed Handgun Without a Permit in Colorado?

Carrying a concealed handgun in Colorado without a valid CCW/ CHP permit is not a paperwork mistake or a harmless oversight. It is a criminal offense that can expose you to arrest, firearm seizure, civil liability, and long-term consequences that affect your ability to legally carry a handgun in the future.

This article explains what Colorado law actually says, how these cases play out in real life, and why unlicensed concealed carry often creates far bigger legal problems than people expect..

Concealed Carry vs. Open Carry in Colorado

Colorado does not require a permit to open carry in many jurisdictions. However, concealed carry is different.

Concealed carry requires a valid CCW / CHP
Carrying a concealed handgun without a permit is illegal
Many cities and counties restrict or prohibit open carry entirely

If a handgun is hidden under clothing, carried inside a waistband, jacket, bag, or otherwise not plainly visible, it is considered concealed.

In Colorado, licensed concealed carry requires an active concealed carry permit (CCW / CHP). Unlicensed concealed carry of a handgun is a criminal offense.

The Law That Applies in Colorado

Carrying a concealed handgun without a valid permit is governed by Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-105.

CRS § 18-12-105(1)(a)

A person commits an offense if they:

“Knowingly and unlawfully carry a concealed weapon on or about their person.”

Penalties

Unlawful concealed carry is a:

Class 1 misdemeanor
Up to 364 days in jail
Up to a $1,000 fine
Firearm seized as evidence

This statute applies even if:

You legally own the firearm
You would otherwise qualify for a CCW or CHP
You normally carry legally

Once the permit is not valid, you are no longer a licensed concealed handgun carrier under Colorado law.

Expired, Suspended, or Revoked CCW / CHP

Colorado does not provide a grace period for concealed carry.

If your CCW or CHP is:

Expired
Suspended
Revoked
Issued by a state Colorado does not recognize

You are legally carrying without a permit, even if the expiration was recent.

Vehicle Carry of a Handgun Under Colorado Law

Colorado law allows a handgun to be carried in a private vehicle without a CCW or CHP when carried for lawful protection while traveling. This vehicle-carry exception applies regardless of whether the handgun is visible or concealed inside the vehicle.

Legal issues arise once the handgun is carried outside the vehicle, carried concealed in public without a valid permit, or carried in circumstances that fall outside the vehicle-carry exception, such as prohibited locations.

Carrying Without a Permit Often Signals Bigger Legal Problems

In real cases, unlawful concealed carry is rarely the only issue.

Lack of Understanding of Lawful Self-Defense

People carrying without a permit often lack training on:

When deadly force is legally justified
The difference between lawful self-defense and unlawful force
How reasonableness is judged by police, prosecutors, and juries
Why “I feared for my life” alone is not a legal defense

Colorado self-defense law is fact-specific and unforgiving.

Ignorance of Prohibited Carry Locations

Unlicensed carriers are also more likely to be unaware of prohibited places, including:

Courthouses and government buildings
Schools and restricted facilities
Posted private property
Certain municipal buildings

Carrying a concealed weapon illegally in a prohibited location can result in additional charges.

Out-of-State Permits & Reciprocity Confusion

A very common reason people get arrested is misunderstanding reciprocity.

Colorado does not honor every state’s concealed carry permit, and not all non-resident permits qualify.

If you are carrying concealed in Colorado on:

A permit Colorado does not recognize
A non-resident permit that does not qualify

You are legally treated as carrying without any CCW or CHP at all under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-105.

Assumptions about reciprocity get otherwise lawful gun owners arrested.

Real-World Scenario: How This Actually Goes Wrong

A person is inside a grocery store carrying a concealed handgun without a valid CCW or CHP.

Their shirt lifts and briefly exposes the handgun
Another shopper notices and calls 911
Law enforcement responds and makes contact
No valid permit is produced
The handgun is seized and charges are filed

What was believed to be a minor, accidental exposure becomes a criminal and civil issue because concealed carry in public requires a valid permit.

Permit Holder vs. Unlicensed Carry (Reality Check)

Issue	Licensed CCW / CHP Holder	Carrying Without a Permit
Authority to carry concealed	Lawful	Criminal offense
Training	Completed	Often none
Knowledge of carry restrictions	Usually informed	Often unaware
Police encounters	Lower risk	Arrest & seizure likely
Civil liability exposure	Reduced	Significantly increased
Future permit eligibility	Preserved	At risk

Carrying Without a Permit Increases Civil Liability

Civil court uses a lower burden of proof than criminal court.

If you were carrying illegally, a plaintiff’s attorney will argue:

You were already violating the law
You acted recklessly or negligently
Your judgment with a weapon was unreasonable

Many self-defense insurance policies exclude coverage for illegal acts, including unlawful concealed carry of a handgun.

Illegal carry poisons everything downstream.

Q & A: CCW, CHP, and Concealed Carry in Colorado

Is carrying without a permit a felony?
No. It is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor, but it still carries jail time, fines, and firearm seizure.

What if my CCW or CHP just expired?
There is no grace period. Expired means you are no longer licensed to carry concealed.

Can I still claim self-defense if I was carrying illegally?
You can try, but unlawful concealed carry severely undermines credibility in both criminal and civil court.

Will my handgun be taken?
Almost always. Firearms are typically seized as evidence.

Does open carry avoid this issue?
Only where open carry is lawful. The moment the handgun is concealed, a permit is required.

Can this affect my ability to get a permit later?
Yes. Prior violations can be used by a sheriff to deny a future CCW or CHP.

The Smarter (and Cheaper) Option: Get a Licensed Colorado CCW / CHP

Carrying illegally can cost:

Arrest and criminal charges
Thousands in legal fees
Civil judgments
Firearm loss
Loss of future carry rights

By comparison, getting a Colorado CCW or CHP typically costs about $400 total, all-in.
That usually includes:

State-compliant concealed carry class
Live-fire range qualification
Range fees
Ammunition
Application fee paid to your local Sheriff’s Office
Once Approved, your permit is good for 5 years

One attorney consultation often costs more than that.

At US Firearms Training Academy / Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, our CCW courses are:

Fully Colorado-compliant
Instructor-led and in person
Focused on real-world carry and liability avoidance

Illegal carry saves nothing.
Legal, licensed concealed carry protects everything.

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Class

If you live in Colorado and are applying for 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.