How to Sell a Gun in Colorado

Identification Requirements

Colorado requires a background check for almost all firearm transfers between private parties which would include proof of identification.

CBI-IC-5 requires that transferors identify transferees with a valid government issued photo identification and shall verify the name, date of birth, and address given by the transferee. Additional documents may be required to establish residency.

Waiting Periods

Colorado has a three-day waiting period for gun sales. The law, HB23-1219, went into effect on October 1, 2023.

The waiting period does not apply to the sale of an antique firearm or a curio or relic; the sale of a firearm by a person serving in the armed forces who will be deployed outside of the United States within the next 30 days to any family member; or a firearm transfer for which a background check is not required pursuant to state or federal law.

Age requirements

According to CRS 18-12-108.5, a person between the age of 18-20 may legally possess a handgun and one could be transferred to them as a bona fide gift from an immediate family member.

As of August 7, 2023, the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Colorado is 21 years old. A new law, Senate Bill 169, also makes it illegal to sell a gun to anyone under 21. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the law, meaning that people 18 and older can still buy all firearms in Colorado.

Background Checks in Private Sales

Colorado requires a background check for almost all firearm transfers between private parties. This includes private sales of firearms, and transfers between unlicensed sellers, who are not federally licensed dealers. More information can be found in HB 13-1229.

Ineligible Persons

Colorado law also prohibits the purchase of firearms by people who are prohibited from possessing them. These include:

• Convicted felons
• People convicted of domestic violence
• People convicted of any crime carrying a prison term of more than 1 year
• Subjects of a protective order that prohibits possession of a firearm
• Fugitives from justice