As of July 1, 2025, new requirements have gone into effect for all Colorado residents applying for a new Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) or renewing a Concealed Handgun Permit. Please review the updated requirements for receiving a new or renewed Concealed Handgun Permit below.

Requirements for All Concealed Handgun Permit Classes (New and Renewal)

• Classes must be taught in person by the Verified Instructor. 
• No portion of the class may be held online.
• Concealed Handgun training classes and refresher classes are subject to the requirements of the federal "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.”

Requirements for New Concealed Handgun Permits

• All applications submitted after JULY 1, 2025 must have completed a course taught by a VERIFIED INSTRUCTOR within one (1) year of application submission.
  • The list of Verified Instructors in Mesa County can be found on the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office website.
• New Concealed Handgun Course certificates are only good for ONE (1) YEAR.

Elements Required for New Concealed Handgun Training Class

• Required Duration: Minimum of 8 hours. This does not need to be consecutive.
• Required instructor led education covering topics defined in Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-202.5.
• Students are required to complete a live-fire exercise on a range, discharging at least 50 rounds with a minimum accuracy score of 70%. This does not need to be conducted in a single day. 
• Students are required to complete a written Concealed Handgun Competency exam, which tests the student’s knowledge of the subjects described in C.R.S 18-12-205.5 (3)(a) to (3)(f), with a minimum score of 80%. This exam must be an open-book exam.

Requirements for Renewal of Concealed Handgun Permit

• All applications submitted after JULY 1, 2025 must have completed a course taught by a VERIFIED INSTRUCTOR within six (6) months of application submission.
  • The list of Verified Instructors in Mesa County can be found on the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office website.
• Renewal (aka refresher class) Concealed Handgun Course certificates are only good for SIX (6) MONTHS.
  • Refresher class certificates are not valid to use to apply for a new Concealed Handgun Permit.

Elements Required for Refresher Class for Concealed Handgun Permit Renewal

• Required Duration: Minimum of 2 hours.
• Require students to complete a live-fire exercise on a range, discharging at least 50 rounds with a minimum accuracy score of 70%.
• Instruction on changes to federal and state laws related to firearms enacted within five (5) years prior to the refresher class.
• Require students to complete a written Concealed Handgun Competency exam, which tests a student’s knowledge of the subjects described in C.R.S 18-12- 205.5 (3)(a) to (3)(f), with a minimum score of 80%. This exam must be an open-book exam.

For more information on Concealed Handgun Permits, to find a list of Verified Instructors for Mesa County, or to apply for your Concealed Handgun Permit, please visit our Concealed Handgun Permit page.