Colorado’s New AR-15 Purchase Requirements

Beginning August 1, 2026, Colorado’s new Firearms Safety Law will require many individuals purchasing specified semiautomatic firearms to complete state-required training before they can buy certain firearms. Here’s what every Colorado gun owner should know before the law takes effect.

Published: July 3, 2026

Colorado firearm owners have less than 30 days to prepare for one of the state’s most significant firearm law changes in recent years.

Beginning August 1, 2026, Senate Bill 25-003 (SB25-003) officially takes effect, creating new requirements for many individuals purchasing specified semiautomatic firearms in Colorado. Under the new law, qualifying purchasers must first obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card and complete state-required firearms safety training before they can purchase affected firearms.

If you’re planning to purchase a qualifying firearm after August 1, now is the time to understand the new process.

A Major Change for Colorado Firearm Purchasers

Unlike previous firearm purchasing requirements, SB25-003 establishes an entirely new Firearms Safety Program administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in partnership with county Sheriff’s Offices throughout Colorado.

Beginning August 1, many purchasers will no longer be able to simply pass a background check and purchase certain semiautomatic firearms. Instead, they’ll need to complete several additional steps before becoming eligible to purchase an affected firearm.

The law applies to future purchases beginning August 1, 2026. Firearms that were lawfully owned before that date are not affected by the new requirements.

For Colorado firearm owners considering purchasing a qualifying rifle, pistol, or shotgun this year, understanding these changes now can save significant time and frustration later.

What Firearms Are Affected?

One of the most common questions Colorado gun owners are asking is:

“Will my firearm require the new Firearms Safety Course?”

The answer depends on whether the firearm meets Colorado’s legal definition of a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm.

Generally, the law applies to many popular semiautomatic firearms that accept detachable magazines, including numerous:

• AR-15 style rifles
• AR-10 style rifles
• AK-47 and AK-style rifles
• Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs)
• Tactical semiautomatic rifles
• AR-style pistols
• Many gas-operated semiautomatic pistols with detachable magazines
• Semiautomatic shotguns with detachable magazines

Examples of commonly owned firearm brands that may be subject to the new requirements include many models manufactured by:

• Smith & Wesson M&P15 series
• Ruger AR-556
• Springfield Armory SAINT series
• Daniel Defense
• Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM)
• Aero Precision
• Colt
• SIG Sauer MCX series
• IWI Zion-15
• Palmetto State Armory (PSA) PA-15 series
• AK-pattern rifles manufactured by companies such as Zastava, Century Arms, PSAK, and others

These examples are not a complete list. Numerous additional makes and models may also fall under Colorado’s definition of a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm.

If you’re planning to purchase an AR-15, AK-style rifle, AR pistol, or another modern semiautomatic firearm after August 1, 2026, you should determine whether the new Firearms Safety Course requirement applies before beginning the purchase process.

How to Apply for a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the new law is that you simply sign up for a class.

That is not how the process works.

Before you can enroll in a Firearms Safety Course, you must first apply for and receive a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card through the Sheriff’s Office in the county where you reside.

Here’s how the process generally works.

Step 1: Apply Through Your County Sheriff’s Office

The first step is submitting an application to your county Sheriff’s Office for a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.

As part of the application process, the Sheriff’s Office will generally:

• Verify your identity.
• Conduct the required eligibility review and background checks.
• Determine whether you are legally eligible to possess firearms under Colorado and federal law.
• Collect the applicable state and county fees.

If your application is approved, the Sheriff will issue your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.

If the application is denied, the Sheriff will notify you in accordance with Colorado law.

Step 2: Receive Your Eligibility Card

Once your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card has been issued, you’re eligible to register for the required training.

This card is your authorization to attend a Colorado Firearms Safety Course.

Without it, you cannot enroll in either the 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course or the 12-hour Extended Firearms Safety Course.

Because processing times may vary between counties, prospective purchasers should begin the application process well before they intend to purchase a qualifying firearm.

Step 3: Register for a Sheriff-Verified Firearms Safety Course

After receiving your Eligibility Card, you can register with a Sheriff-Verified Firearms Safety Instructor.

During registration, your instructor will determine which course you qualify for based on your training history.

Colorado currently offers two versions of the required course:

• 4-Hour Basic Firearms Safety Course (available for individuals who have completed a qualifying Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education course)
• 12-Hour Extended Firearms Safety Course (required for most other applicants)

Regardless of which course you take, every Firearms Safety Course follows the curriculum established by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Step 4: Successfully Complete the Course

All required Firearms Safety Courses must be completed in person with a Sheriff-Verified Firearms Safety Instructor.

Students will receive instruction covering firearm safety, Colorado law, safe storage, transportation, responsible firearm ownership, conflict avoidance, and other topics required by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

At the conclusion of the course, students must successfully pass the required written examination with a minimum score of 90 percent.

After successful completion, your instructor will submit your course completion to Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Firearms Safety System.

Step 5: Purchase Your Firearm

Once your course completion has been recorded, you may proceed with purchasing or transferring a qualifying firearm through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL).

Purchasers must still comply with all other applicable Colorado and federal firearm laws, including required background checks and waiting periods.

Important to Remember

The order of the process is important.

You cannot simply sign up for a Firearms Safety Course.

Instead, you must:

1. Apply through your county Sheriff’s Office.
2. Receive your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card.
3. Register for the appropriate course.
4. Successfully complete the required training.
5. Purchase your qualifying firearm.

Understanding these steps ahead of time can help avoid delays once the law takes effect on August 1, 2026.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

we Name text

Email *

Phone (optional – we can text you class info if preferred)

See Class Schedule

Which Firearms Safety Course Do You Need?

Colorado has established two versions of the required Firearms Safety Course. The course you take depends on whether you’ve previously completed an approved Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education course.

12-Hour Extended Firearms Safety Course

Most Colorado residents will be required to complete the 12-hour Extended Firearms Safety Course.

This comprehensive course covers:

• Firearm safety fundamentals
• Safe firearm handling
• Colorado firearm laws
• Secure storage requirements
• Safe transportation of firearms
• Conflict avoidance and responsible firearm ownership
• Mental health awareness
• Suicide prevention resources
• Written examination

The Extended Course must be completed in person and is generally taught over at least two separate days.

4-Hour Basic Firearms Safety Course

Individuals who have successfully completed a recognized Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education course may qualify for the shorter 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course.

Your Sheriff-Verified Firearms Safety Instructor will verify your eligibility before enrollment.

Although shorter in length, students must still successfully complete the required written examination.

Does My Colorado Concealed Carry Class Count?

No.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Colorado’s new Firearms Safety Law.

Even if you’ve completed a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) class, that training does not satisfy the requirements established under SB25-003.

Likewise, completing the Firearms Safety Course does not qualify you for a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit.

These are two entirely separate training programs created for different purposes and administered under different laws.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

With the August 1 implementation date quickly approaching, many Colorado gun owners are expected to begin applying for Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Cards and registering for classes.

Waiting until the last minute could result in:

• Delays obtaining your Eligibility Card from your county Sheriff’s Office.
• Limited availability in Firearms Safety Courses.
• Delays purchasing a qualifying firearm after August 1.

If you’re considering purchasing an AR-15, AK-style rifle, AR-style pistol, or another qualifying semiautomatic firearm later this year, starting the process now can help you avoid unnecessary delays.

We Offer Colorado Firearms Safety Courses

Our Sheriff-Verified Firearms Safety Instructors are now enrolling students for Colorado’s new Firearms Safety Courses required under SB25-003.

Our courses include:

• Colorado Parks and Wildlife compliant curriculum
• Sheriff-Verified Firearms Safety Instructors
• Required written examination
• Small class sizes
• Course completion certificate upon successful completion
• Professional instruction in a welcoming learning environment

Whether you need the 12-hour Extended Firearms Safety Course or qualify for the 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course, we’ll guide you through every step of the process and help ensure you’re ready before the new law takes effect.

Reserve Your Seat Today

Demand for Firearms Safety Courses is expected to increase as August 1 approaches.

If you’re planning to purchase a qualifying semiautomatic firearm after the law takes effect, don’t wait until classes begin filling.

Reserve your seat today and complete your Firearms Safety Course with experienced Sheriff-Verified instructors.

Final Thoughts

Colorado’s new Firearms Safety Law represents one of the most significant changes to firearm purchasing requirements in recent years. While the new process adds several steps for qualifying firearm purchases, understanding those requirements before August 1 can help make the process much smoother.

If you’re planning to purchase an AR-15, AK-style rifle, AR-style pistol, or another qualifying semiautomatic firearm, now is the time to begin preparing. Applying for your Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card early and completing your required training before demand increases can help you avoid unnecessary delays and ensure you’re ready when it’s time to make your purchase.

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

Other Related Articles:

• Can You Shoot Someone for Breaking Into Your Car?
• What Happens If Your Colorado Concealed Carry Permit Expires?
• Can You Carry a Firearm at a Protest or Political Rally in Colorado?
• Colorado’s SB25-003 “Firearm Ban List” Explained: What Gun Owners Need To Know Before August 1, 2026
• Can You Carry a Firearm Into a Bank in Colorado?
• Can You Legally Carry a Firearm in a Hospital in Colorado?
• How To Become a Firearms Instructor in Colorado
• Top 3 Recommended Self-Defense Cartridges (Duty-Proven & Trusted)
• What Type of Ammo Should You Carry Every Day for Self-Defense?
• CPW Outlines New Firearms Safety Course Requirements in April 2 Public Meeting
• What Happens to Your Firearm After a Self-Defense Shooting?
• Do I Need Self Defense Insurance?
• How To Get Your Colorado CCW
• Colorado Safety Courses & Classes

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.