How to Legally Transfer a Firearm in Colorado

If you are selling, gifting, lending, or permanently transferring a firearm in Colorado, you must comply with Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-112.

Colorado law requires most private firearm transfers to go through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). This applies to handguns, rifles, and shotguns. You cannot legally complete most private sales face-to-face without involving a licensed intermediary unless a specific statutory exception applies.

The process is regulated — but straightforward when handled correctly.

The General Rule in Colorado

Most private firearm transfers must:

Go through an FFL (typically a gun store)
Include a background check
Comply with the 3-day waiting period
Be transferred only to someone legally eligible to possess a firearm

An FFL is usually a local gun store or firearm dealer licensed by the federal government (ATF). In some cases, it may be a private individual who holds a federal firearms license.

During a private transfer, the FFL acts as the legal intermediary.

Importantly, the FFL takes physical possession of the firearm during the process. The dealer logs it into their inventory and holds it while:

Paperwork is completed
The background check is conducted
The 3-day waiting period runs

The firearm remains in the custody of the FFL until it can legally be released.

Age Requirements in Colorado

In Colorado, you must generally be 21 years old to purchase or receive a firearm.

This applies to transfers conducted through an FFL, including private party transfers.

There are limited exceptions under state and federal law (such as certain military or law enforcement circumstances), but for most private citizens, 21 is the minimum legal age to receive a firearm in Colorado.

If the recipient is under 21, the transfer should not proceed unless a specific statutory exception clearly applies.

How the Transfer Process Works

The dealer takes custody of the firearm.
The recipient completes ATF Form 4473.
The dealer submits the background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The 3-day waiting period begins.
If approved and the waiting period has elapsed, the firearm is released.

ATF Form 4473 is the federal firearm transaction record. It collects identifying information and asks legal eligibility questions. The dealer uses that information to run the background check.

In Colorado, background checks are processed through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which checks state and federal databases and returns one of three responses:

Approved
Delayed
Denied

The firearm cannot be released without approval — and even with approval, the waiting period must still be satisfied.

The 3-Day Waiting Period

Colorado requires a 3-day waiting period for most firearm transfers, including private party transfers processed through an FFL.

This means:

The firearm stays with the dealer.
It cannot be physically delivered until three calendar days have passed.
The rule applies even if the background check is approved immediately.
It applies to both handguns and long guns.

The waiting period is separate from the background check. Approval does not eliminate the required hold.

The 3-Day Temporary Lending Rule

Colorado law also allows a limited exception for temporary transfers lasting 3 days or less.

You may lend a firearm to another person for up to 72 hours without going through an FFL, provided:

The person is not prohibited from possessing firearms
The transfer is truly temporary
The firearm is returned within three days

If the transfer exceeds three days, it is no longer considered temporary and must go through an FFL unless another exception applies.

Temporary lending is not the same as a sale or permanent transfer.

Transfer Fees

Most FFLs charge a fee to process a private party transfer.

Under Colorado law, the private transfer fee itself is generally capped at $10, but there is also a CBI background check fee. Some dealers may charge additional administrative fees.

You are paying for:

Legal compliance
Secure storage during the waiting period
Federal recordkeeping requirements
Background check processing

Family Transfers

Colorado law allows certain immediate family transfers without going through an FFL. These generally include transfers between:

Spouses
Parents and children
Grandparents and grandchildren
Siblings

First cousins are not included in this exemption. Transfers to cousins must go through an FFL unless another statutory exception applies.

Even when a transfer qualifies under the family exemption, some individuals still choose to process the transfer through an FFL to create documentation showing the firearm was lawfully transferred.

While not legally required in those specific family situations, documentation can provide clarity and protection if questions ever arise later.

Firearm Tracing & Investigations

Can Police See if a Background Check Was Done on a Firearm?

No.

There is no public registry showing whether a background check was completed for a specific firearm.

When law enforcement runs a serial number through national or state databases, it generally returns one of two results:

Not stolen
Stolen

It does not display whether a background check was conducted or who acquired the firearm through a private transfer.

What Happens if a Firearm You Transferred Is Later Used in a Crime?

If a firearm is recovered at a crime scene, law enforcement can trace it through:

Manufacturer → Distributor → Original retail FFL purchaser.

If you were the last documented lawful purchaser and there is no record of a legal transfer through an FFL, investigators may contact you to determine how the firearm left your possession.

Even if you previously reported the firearm stolen, you may still be contacted while investigators establish the chain of custody.

Using an FFL creates documentation showing the firearm was lawfully transferred. Without that documentation, you may have to explain what happened to it.

Magazine Capacity Compliance

Colorado limits magazines to 15 rounds or fewer under § 18-12-302.

If transferring a handgun that includes magazines exceeding that limit:

They must be permanently modified to 15 rounds or fewer
Or they cannot be included in the transfer

Frequently Asked Questions

Do private firearm sales require a background check in Colorado?

Yes. Most private transfers must go through an FFL and include a CBI background check.

Who holds the firearm during the transfer?

The FFL takes possession and holds the firearm during the paperwork, background check, and waiting period.

Can I lend someone a firearm in Colorado?

Yes, for up to 3 days, provided the person is legally allowed to possess it and the transfer is temporary.

Does the 3-day lending rule eliminate the waiting period?

No. The lending rule applies to temporary possession. The waiting period applies to permanent transfers.

Does a Colorado CCW or CHP eliminate the waiting period?

No. The waiting period still applies.

Can police see if a background check was done on a firearm?

No. There is no public registry that shows whether a background check was completed for a specific firearm.

What happens if I transfer a firearm without using an FFL and it is later used in a crime?

If you were the last documented purchaser and there is no lawful transfer record, investigators may contact you to determine how the firearm left your possession.

Can I transfer a firearm to a first cousin without an FFL?

No. First cousins are not included in the statutory family exemption.

Are all firearms subject to these rules?

Yes. The transfer requirements apply to handguns, rifles, and shotguns.

Bottom Line

In Colorado, permanent firearm transfers require:

An FFL
A background check through CBI
A 3-day waiting period

Short-term lending (3 days or less) is allowed under limited circumstances, but once it becomes permanent or exceeds that timeframe, the law requires an FFL.

If you are not completely certain an exception applies:

Use an FFL.

It protects both parties and ensures the transfer complies with state and federal law.

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.