Is There a Waiting Period to Buy a Firearm in Colorado?

If you’re looking to purchase a firearm in Colorado, one of the most common questions is:

“Is there a waiting period?”

The short answer is: Yes. Colorado has a mandatory waiting period. But the details matter — especially if you’re planning around training, hunting season, or personal protection.

Let’s break it down clearly.

Colorado’s 3-Day Waiting Period

Under Colorado law, there is a 3-day waiting period before you can take possession of a firearm after purchase.

The controlling statute is:

Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-112

What the Law Requires

Once you agree to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer:

You complete ATF Form 4473.
The dealer runs a background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The 3-day clock begins at the time of purchase/transfer initiation.
You cannot take possession of the firearm until three full calendar days have passed.

It does not matter if:

Your background check is approved instantly.
You already have a Colorado CHP (Concealed Handgun Permit).
You have purchased firearms before.

The waiting period still applies.

How Is the 3 Days Calculated?

Colorado law specifies three full days, not “72 business hours.”

That means:

If you purchase on Monday at 2:00 PM
You may pick it up no earlier than Thursday at 2:00 PM

Weekends and holidays are included in the calculation.

Does the Waiting Period Apply to All Firearms?

Yes.

The waiting period applies to:

Handguns
Rifles
Shotguns
Frames and receivers

If the transaction goes through a licensed dealer (which most transfers in Colorado must), the waiting period applies.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are limited exceptions under Colorado law, including:

Certain law enforcement officers
Active-duty military in specific circumstances
Some transfers involving immediate family (depending on structure of transfer)

However, for the average Colorado resident purchasing from a gun store, the 3-day waiting period applies.

What About Private Sales?

Colorado requires most private firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer. Because of that, the waiting period still applies in most private-party transactions.

In practical terms:

Private sale → Dealer processes transfer → 3-day wait still required.

Does a Colorado CHP Eliminate the Waiting Period?

No.

Holding a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) does not exempt you from the waiting period. Even though CHP holders have already undergone fingerprinting and background checks, the statute does not provide an exemption.

What If the Background Check Is Delayed?

Colorado also uses a “default proceed” rule under certain conditions, but the waiting period is separate from that.

Even if:

The background check clears immediately
Or the check is delayed but not denied

You still must wait the full 3 days before taking possession.

Why This Matters for Firearm Training

If you’re planning to:

Take a concealed carry class
Start defensive handgun training
Purchase a firearm before hunting season
Buy a firearm for home protection

You need to factor in the 3-day delay.

As an instructor working with new CHP applicants across Denver and Thornton, this is something I always tell students: Do not wait until the last minute to purchase your firearm.

Especially now that Colorado CHP training certificates are valid for only one year, timing matters.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Is Colorado’s waiting period 72 hours?

Yes, in practical terms. The statute says “three days,” which effectively functions as 72 hours from the time the transfer is initiated.

2. Does the waiting period start when I pay or when the background check is submitted?

It begins when the transfer is initiated through the dealer — typically when you complete the paperwork and the background check is submitted.

3. What if my background check comes back instantly approved?

You still must wait the full three days. Approval does not shorten the statutory waiting period.

4. What happens if my background check is delayed?

The waiting period is separate from the background check result. Even if the background check is delayed or pending, you cannot take possession until the three days have passed and the transfer is not denied.

5. Does this apply if I’m buying a firearm for home protection?

Yes. The law does not distinguish between defensive purchases, hunting, sport shooting, or collection. The waiting period applies to nearly all retail transfers.

6. Does the waiting period apply to frames or serialized receivers?

Yes. Serialized frames and receivers are treated as firearms under federal and Colorado law, and the waiting period applies.

7. Are there any exceptions at all?

There are limited statutory exceptions, including certain law enforcement and military circumstances. However, for the average Colorado resident purchasing from a dealer, the waiting period applies.

8. Does the waiting period apply to antique firearms?

Generally, antique firearms as defined under federal law are treated differently. However, most modern firearms fall squarely under the waiting period requirement.

Bottom Line

Yes — Colorado has a mandatory 3-day waiting period to purchase a firearm.

It applies to:

Nearly all retail sales
Most private-party transfers
All types of firearms

Even if your background check clears instantly.

If you’re planning to purchase and train, build that timing into your schedule.

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.