Beginning August 1, 2026, Colorado Senate Bill 25-003 prohibits the purchase or transfer of specified semiautomatic firearms (SSFs) in the state of Colorado. You must first apply through the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife and then enroll and complete the appropriate firearms safety course. To be able to attend a safety course, you must obtain an “Eligibility Card” from the Sheriff.

For more information about this bill or to start your application, go to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.

Which firearms are covered?

For a list of weapons that now require a permit to purchase or transfer, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) webpage https://sbg.colorado.gov/firearms-dealer-division .

It is essential to note that the Sheriff's role in SB25-003 is limited to providing a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card, which is an approval to take a course, and not a guarantee of approval for the purchase or transfer of an SSF.

How to apply for an SSF Eligibility Card in Fremont County: 

STEP 1: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Application

The process begins by completing the application on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website. Once you submit your application, it will be sent to your county Sheriff’s office queue and will not be processed until the next step. The account remains accessible for updates throughout the process. 

STEP 2: Sheriff's Office Appointment

We will accept applications in-person Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, 100 Justice Center Road, Canon City. 

You MUST bring all required paperwork: 

• Completed Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Application
• Valid US government-issued photographic identification (e.g., state-issued DL/ID, passport, military ID). If the address on the front of the applicant's driver’s license doesn't match the current address, you must bring proof of residency.
• Proof of residency/address verification accepted: (e.g., current utility bill, lease/rental agreement, car registration)
• We will not be accepting applications and documents from non-residents. You must be a resident of Fremont County to submit your application and documents. If you are not a Fremont County resident, you will be referred to the county sheriff’s office where you live.
• The results of a completed name-based background of National and Colorado public criminal history and Judicial databases completed by a third-party vendor (Note: this background check is not done by the Sheriff's Office or CBI)
• Attestation completed by the third-party vendor that conducted the checks that the background was performed by the vendor and is a normal part of the vendor’s business

Who is a third-party vendor who performs name-based background checks?

• To locate a provider, applicants may search online for “SB25-003 name-based background check” by opening Google (or another search engine).
• Before paying for a background check, applicants should confirm that the provider’s documentation meets all applicable requirements.
• Make sure the company can provide a check of “National and Colorado public criminal history and Judicial databases…”
• Make sure the company sends you the required “attestation that the background check was performed by the vendor” and that it is a normal part of the vendor’s business

STEP 3: Sheriff's Office Review & Application Decision

The Sheriff's Office reviews the submitted documentation, determines eligibility, and issues the eligibility card (if approved). The information is entered into the Firearm Safety System (FSS), and the applicant will receive notification of the decision. 

Eligibility Card:

• $0.00 PDF electronic eligibility card - Approved applicants can receive an electronically issued eligibility card via email at no additional cost
• $5.00 Optional physical plastic eligibility card printed (available if desired and must be picked up in person at the Sheriff's Office)

STEP 4: Course Enrollment & Exam

Once approved, the applicant enrolls in and completes a firearms safety course with a Verified Firearms Instructor in Colorado. (Instructors who teach in Fremont County MUST be certified in Fremont County). The instructor verifies eligibility and determines the appropriate course level (Basic or Extended). The instructor will enter pass/fail results into the Firearm Safety System (FSS).  The system will generate a certificate of completion. The certificate is valid for five years for the purchase of specified semiautomatic firearms (SSF).

STEP 5: Firearm Purchase & FFL Verification

The customer selects a firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer, who verifies eligibility through the Firearm Safety System and initiates the purchase process. The FFL confirms required information, including successful completion of the firearms safety course and exam, and submits the information through the InstaCheck system for final review.

Fees

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) fee $52.00 (Collected by the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and remitted to CPW.   Fremont County Sheriff’s Office processing fee $50.00