A Colorado Firearm Bill of Sale is a document proving the sale of a gun between two parties in the state.
It records transaction details like the firearm serial number and the names of the seller and buyer.
Colorado firearm laws are lenient in some areas, but the state also has some strict rules regarding selling guns.
If you wish to sell, you must understand how the process works and ensure you get the proper documents in place.
Firearm laws: C.R.S. Section 29-11.7-102, C.R.S. Section 18-12-112, C.R.S. Section 18-12-108, C.R.S. Section 18-12-105
Restrictions: Yes
State permit to purchase: No
Registration of firearm: No
License to own: No
Assault weapon law: No
Magazine capacity restriction: Yes
Permit for concealed carry: Yes
Permit for open carry: No
How to Sell a Firearm Privately
Colorado law is stringent about background checks for almost all firearm sales. The state only offers leniency in one particular situation.
The state does not impose a waiting period for purchases.
However, the background check process can delay the purchase because the sale cannot go through until completion.
Requirements
You can privately sell firearms in the state, but if you are not selling to an immediate family member, you must go through a licensed firearm dealer to conduct a background check (C.R.S. Section 18-12-112).
The state defines immediate family members as parents, siblings, children, spouses, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and first cousins.
Relationships by marriage do not qualify as an immediate family except for a spouse. Even if you sell to a family member, you must ensure that the person is legally eligible to own a firearm in the state.
Other exceptions from the licensed dealer and background check requirement include selling certain types of guns.
Antique firearms or those 50 years old or older do not require the check regardless of the recipient.
Restrictions
To buy any firearm within the state, a person must be at least 18 years old. Colorado law prohibits anyone with a felony conviction (C.R.S. Section 18-12-108).
Federal laws also apply, preventing individuals who are fugitives, have a substance addiction, have a court-recognized mental illness, are in the US illegally, have a restraining order against them, face current criminal charges, or have been dishonorably discharged from the military from buying firearms.
Firearm Inheritance Laws
As mentioned, sales or transfers to immediate family are allowed through private transactions. You are allowed to leave firearms to heirs when you die.
To ensure there are no issues, you should be certain you have noted the transfer in your will or conducted it through a gun trust.
Registration
Colorado law prohibits the collection of information about firearm owners and the creation of any type of registry (C.R.S. Section 29-11.7-102).
Concealed Carry Permit
If you wish to carry a firearm concealed on your body, you must secure a permit. You have the right to carry in your home, vehicle, and place of business without a permit (C.R.S. Section 18-12-105).
But to carry a concealed firearm in public, you do need to secure a permit from your county sheriff (C.R.S. Section 18-12-203).
You must be at least 21 years old and complete the application process, which includes paying all related fees.
How to Apply
Follow the steps below to apply for a concealed carry permit.
Step 1 – Fill Out Application
Complete the Concealed Handgun Permit Application.
Step 2 – Submit Proof of Training and ID
Attach proof of firearms training and Colorado state identification.
Step 3 – Turn in Application
Submit an application with the filing fee to your local county sheriff’s office. Filing fees vary depending on the county.
Gun Reciprocity
Colorado does recognize permits issued in other states under certain circumstances (C.R.S. Section 18-12-213).
The state honors permits from the states listed below, provided that the permit holder:
- Is a resident of that state
- Is at least 21 years old
- Has valid identification showing up-to-date information
States with which Colorado has established reciprocity include:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Colorado Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of what a Colorado firearm bill of sale looks like.
