Firearms in Denver, CO (2026)
4 verified firearms rules for Denver, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Local Firearms Preemption
Colorado has limited firearm preemption, letting Denver enforce DRMC chapter 38 rules. The Denver assault weapon ban under DRMC 38-130 was upheld in court. Colorado SB23-169 raised the purchase age to 21 statewide for most firearms.
Colorado allows Denver firearm rules including assault weapon ban
Some RestrictionsConcealed Carry
Concealed handgun permits in Denver are issued by the Denver Sheriff Department under C.R.S. 18-12-201. Applicants need training, background checks, and the new HB23-1219 three-day waiting period applies to any firearm purchase.
Concealed carry needs Denver Sheriff permit and waiting period
Heavy RestrictionsOpen Carry
Colorado generally permits open carry of firearms, but Denver bars open and concealed carry in many designated places under DRMC 38-117.5. Posted city buildings, parks, and stadiums prohibit firearms; violators face municipal charges plus state penalties.
Open carry banned in many Denver places under DRMC 38-117.5
Heavy RestrictionsFirearms in Vehicles
Colorado C.R.S. 18-12-105 lets non-permit holders carry a handgun in a private vehicle for lawful protection of person or property. Long guns must be unloaded under hunting rules. Denver bans firearms inside city-owned vehicles and parking structures.
Vehicle firearm transport governed by C.R.S. 18-12-105
Some RestrictionsC.R.S. 18-12-105.6
18-12-105.6. Limitation on local ordinances regarding firearms in private vehicles. (1) The general assembly hereby finds that: (a) A person carrying a weapon in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance for hunting or for lawful protection of such person's or another's person or property, as permitted in sections 18-12-105 (2)(b) and 18-12-105.5 (3)(c), may tend to travel withi...
Looking for Denver County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Denver city rules.
Firearms in Denver County →