First permit
Initial Permit Course — 8 hours
Colorado requires at least eight hours of in-person instruction, including a written competency examination and live-fire exercise. The training certificate generally must be obtained within one year before submitting the initial application.
Existing permit
Renewal / Refresher — 2 hours
The two-hour refresher is intended for permit renewal. It covers applicable law changes and includes the required written examination and live-fire exercise. A refresher certificate is not valid for an initial permit application.
Timing matters
For renewal, Colorado law allows qualifying refresher or initial-course training completed within the six months before the renewal application is submitted. Do not take the refresher too early without checking your renewal window.
Both courses are in person
The required concealed-handgun training cannot be completed entirely online. Students and the verified instructor must be at the same location, and the applicable written and live-fire requirements must be completed.
Which should I choose?
- You are applying for your first permit: choose the Initial Permit Course.
- You are renewing an existing Colorado permit: choose the Permit Renewal / Refresher Course, provided its timing fits your renewal.
- Your permit status or qualifications are unusual: confirm the acceptable documentation with the sheriff who will process your application.
This article provides general educational information, not legal advice. Permit requirements and sheriff procedures can change; confirm the current application and renewal rules with the sheriff who will process your permit.