What Happens If Your Colorado Concealed Carry Permit Expires?

Many Colorado concealed handgun permit holders are surprised to learn that an expired permit does not automatically mean they must start over as a new applicant. However, once your permit expires, it is no longer valid, you may no longer legally carry a concealed handgun under that permit, and waiting too long can result in additional fees and eventually require you to complete the entire process over again.

If your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is approaching its expiration date—or has already expired—here is what you need to know.

Important Information For Colorado Permit Holders

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permits are generally valid for 5 years.

Most Colorado sheriff’s offices allow permit holders to begin the renewal process up to 120 days before expiration.

Once your permit expires, it is no longer valid and you may no longer legally carry a concealed handgun under that permit.

Colorado law generally allows permit holders up to 6 months after expiration to renew their permit, but a $15 late fee will be added to the renewal fee.

If your permit has been expired for 6 months or longer, it is considered permanently expired and you must apply as a new applicant.

Need a renewal class? We are a Colorado Verified Firearms Instructor, and all of our concealed carry classes meet Colorado’s current training requirements for both new applicants and renewals.

How Long Is a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Valid?

A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit is generally valid for five years from the date it is issued.

This is often confused with the training certificate used to obtain a permit.

Your concealed carry training certificate is generally valid for one year, while the actual permit issued by the sheriff’s office remains valid for five years.

When Can You Renew Your Permit?

Most Colorado sheriff’s offices allow permit holders to begin the renewal process up to 120 days before the permit expires.

Renewing early is strongly recommended because it gives you time to:

Complete the required renewal training
Schedule any appointments required by your sheriff’s office
Submit paperwork before your permit expires
Avoid late fees
Prevent unnecessary delays

Many permit holders simply mark their calendar four months before expiration and begin the process as soon as the renewal window opens.

What Happens When Your Permit Expires?

This is where many permit holders get confused.

Once your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit expires, your permit is no longer valid.

You may no longer legally carry a concealed handgun under that permit.

Many people mistakenly believe that because Colorado allows permit holders up to six months after expiration to renew, they can continue carrying during that period. This is incorrect.

The six-month period is simply a renewal window that allows eligible permit holders to renew without having to start over as a new applicant. It does not extend the validity of your permit.

If your permit expires, you should stop carrying concealed until your renewal has been approved and your permit is valid again.

How Long After Expiration Can You Renew?

Colorado law generally allows permit holders to renew their permit for up to six months after the expiration date.

This gives permit holders who missed the deadline an opportunity to renew without having to start over as a new applicant.

However, you should begin the renewal process as soon as possible. Waiting until the end of the six-month period can create unnecessary complications and delays.

Is There a Late Fee?

Yes.

If you renew your permit after it expires, Colorado law requires a $15 late fee in addition to the normal renewal fee.

While the late fee is relatively small, it is another reason to begin the renewal process before your permit expires.

What Happens If Your Permit Has Been Expired for More Than 6 Months?

If your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit has been expired for six months or longer, it is considered permanently expired.

At that point, you are no longer eligible for the renewal process.

Instead, you must apply as a new applicant and complete all current requirements.

This generally includes:

Completing a new applicant concealed carry class
Meeting all current training requirements
Submitting a new application
Complying with all requirements established by your issuing sheriff

In other words, the process is essentially the same as if you had never held a permit before.

Colorado’s Current Training Requirements

Colorado law changed significantly in 2025.

New applicants are now required to complete training that includes:

In-person classroom instruction
Written examination
Live-fire qualification
Firearm safety instruction
Colorado self-defense law education

In addition, Colorado law now requires most applicants to complete their training through a Colorado Verified Firearms Instructor.

If your permit has permanently expired and you must apply as a new applicant, you will generally be required to complete a new applicant class taught by a Colorado Verified Firearms Instructor before applying for a new permit.

Because of these changes, allowing your permit to lapse beyond the six-month renewal window could result in additional training requirements, additional costs, and additional time.

Why You Should Renew Early

There are several advantages to renewing before your permit expires:

Avoid the $15 late fee
Avoid missing important deadlines
Reduce stress and paperwork issues
Complete training on your schedule
Stay current on Colorado firearm laws
Avoid having to start over as a new applicant

For most permit holders, renewing as soon as they become eligible is the easiest and least expensive option.

Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal Training

Our Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal Classes are taught by a Colorado Verified Firearms Instructor and meet Colorado’s current training requirements.

We also offer Colorado Concealed Carry Classes for new applicants who need to obtain a permit for the first time or who have allowed their permit to expire beyond the six-month renewal window.

All of our Colorado concealed carry courses are designed to comply with current Colorado law and include the required classroom instruction, written examination, and live-fire qualification.

As a Colorado Verified Firearms Instructor, we are authorized to provide the training required for Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit applications and renewals.

Whether you need a renewal class or must start over as a new applicant, we can help you complete the training required by Colorado law.

Final Thoughts

A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit is generally valid for five years.

Most permit holders can begin the renewal process up to 120 days before expiration. If your permit expires, it is no longer valid and you may no longer legally carry concealed under that permit.

Colorado law allows permit holders up to six months after expiration to renew, but a $15 late fee will apply.

If your permit has been expired for six months or longer, you must apply as a new applicant and complete all current training and application requirements.

The easiest solution is simple: renew early, avoid late fees, and keep your permit in good standing.

Need To Renew Your Colorado Concealed Carry Permit?

Our Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal Classes are taught by a Colorado Verified Firearms Instructor and meet Colorado’s current training requirements.

We also offer new applicant classes for those obtaining a permit for the first time or whose permit has permanently expired.

Class Schedule & Availability

We run classes every weekend, with additional weekday and specialty training options throughout the year.

Saturday & Sunday:
- New Applicant: 9:00–9:30 AM to ~6:00 PM
- Renewal: 10:00 AM start
Weekday Option (1x/month): Two-night class (Wed & Thu evenings)

CHP Pricing: New Applicant $169.99 • Renewal $119.99 (+ range fee)

Our full class calendar is updated regularly with all upcoming dates and locations. Most weekend classes fill several days in advance, especially for new applicant courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry concealed after my Colorado concealed carry permit expires?

No. Once your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit expires, it is no longer valid. You may no longer legally carry a concealed handgun under that permit until you have successfully renewed it and received a valid permit.

How long is a Colorado concealed carry permit valid?

A Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit is generally valid for 5 years from the date it is issued.

How long is my concealed carry training certificate valid?

A concealed carry training certificate is generally valid for 1 year. This is separate from your concealed handgun permit, which is valid for 5 years.

How early can I renew my Colorado concealed carry permit?

Most Colorado sheriff’s offices allow permit holders to begin the renewal process up to 120 days before expiration.

What happens if I forget to renew my permit before it expires?

You may still be eligible to renew your permit for up to 6 months after the expiration date. However, your permit is no longer valid, and you may not legally carry concealed during that time.

Is there a late fee if my permit expires?

Yes. Colorado law requires a $15 late fee in addition to the normal renewal fee if you renew after your permit expires.

What happens if my permit has been expired for more than 6 months?

If your permit has been expired for 6 months or longer, it is considered permanently expired. You must apply as a new applicant and complete all current training and application requirements.

Do I need to take a class to renew my Colorado concealed carry permit?

Yes. Colorado law requires renewal applicants to complete training that includes classroom instruction, a written examination, and a live-fire qualification.

Do I need to take a class if my permit expired more than 6 months ago?

Yes. If your permit has permanently expired, you must complete a new applicant concealed carry class and start the application process over as a new applicant.

Does Colorado require a Verified Firearms Instructor?

Yes. Colorado law now requires most applicants to complete qualifying training through a Colorado Verified Firearms Instructor.

Are your classes taught by a Colorado Verified Firearms Instructor?

Yes. All of our Colorado concealed carry classes are taught by a Colorado Verified Firearms Instructor and meet Colorado’s current training requirements for both new applicants and renewals.

What is included in your concealed carry classes?

Our classes include:

Required classroom instruction
Written examination
Live-fire qualification
Firearm safety training
Colorado self-defense law instruction
Colorado concealed carry law updates

Should I renew early?

Absolutely. Renewing before your permit expires helps you avoid late fees, reduces stress, and prevents interruptions in your ability to legally carry a concealed handgun.

Where can I sign up for a Colorado concealed carry class?

We offer both new applicant and renewal concealed carry classes that meet Colorado’s current legal requirements. View our upcoming classes and reserve your seat online today.

Firearms Safety Course Classes

Colorado’s new SB25-003 law will require additional firearm safety training and eligibility requirements for many firearm purchases beginning August 1, 2026. US Firearms Training Academy will be offering Colorado firearm safety courses designed to help residents understand the new law, firearm safety fundamentals, and upcoming state requirements.

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 informational 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.