How to become eligible under Colorado SB25-003
Colorado now requires several steps before certain semi-automatic firearms can be purchased. The process is straightforward, and DCF Safety is here for the training portion — with a checklist that walks you through the rest.
Page last updated September 2026. County rollout status is subject to change — confirm with your local sheriff's office.
Which firearms are affected?
The state's guidance defines the Specified Semi-Automatic Firearm (SSF) list in three categories — all with detachable magazines.
Rifles
AR-15, AR-10, AR-308 and AK-pattern variants, plus Beowulfs, Grendels, AR-platform .22 LRs and pistol-caliber carbines.
Shotguns
Detachable-magazine models only — Saiga-pattern, MKA 1919, BP-12 series, AR-style and bullpup shotguns. Traditional tube-fed pumps and semi-autos (Mossberg 500, Remington 870, Beretta 1301, Benelli M4) are not included.
Pistols
Only gas-operated models — AR/AK pistols and platforms like the B&T APC. Glock, Sig P320, M&P, CZ and 1911 pistols are not gas-operated and are not affected.
The five steps
Each one appears on your personal checklist — with the right links for your county — the moment you finish the two-minute journey.
Apply through the Colorado Firearm Safety System (FSS)
Create your FSS account, complete and submit your application. If you have a Hunter Education certification, include it — that is what qualifies you for the One Day class. Once submitted, your application goes to your county Sheriff's Office for review.
Visit your county Sheriff's Office
Bring a government-issued photo ID, a name-based background check and any documentation your county requires. Pay the $52 Colorado Parks & Wildlife administrative fee plus any county fee. You may use a Sheriff's Office in another county if it serves non-residents.
Receive your Firearms Eligibility Card
If approved, your county issues your Eligibility Card (EC), emails you, and enters it into the Firearm Safety System. Your card is valid for five years.
Complete the required training with DCF
Verified instructors, the standardized state curriculum. Two Day ($199 non-member / $99 member) is the standard course. One Day ($99 / $49) is available only when your sheriff confirms you qualify — typically Hunter Education. Pass the written exam (90%+) and the practical, and your instructor submits your results directly to the FSS. Your certificate is valid for five years.
You are eligible
Your eligibility is on file in the Colorado Firearm Safety System for five years. Any licensed Colorado dealer verifies it there before a transfer — you do not repeat the process for each one.
Add your Concealed Handgun Permit training to the same visit
Select the CHP add-on at checkout and train back-to-back. One Day class: add the CHP Renewal for $50. Two Day class: add Initial CHP or the Renewal for $75. Timing matters: El Paso and Douglas County honor Initial CHP training for 1 year and Renewal training for 6 months — add the Initial class within a year of applying, and the Renewal within six months of your permit expiring.
About the CHP class
DCF Safety assistant