Colorado SB25-003 Requirements
How to Purchase Specified Semiautomatic Firearms: Customer Journey
Step 1: Customer Application
Go to the Firearms Safety System (FSS) web link (linked below) to create an account and complete an application. Once you hit submit, your application will be sent to your county Sheriff's office queue. It will not be processed until the next step. If you have Hunter Education, you will add the information to your application during this step.
Step 2: Sheriff's Office
You must provide: name-based background check and government-issued photo ID to your county Sheriff's office for your application to be processed. Contact your Sheriff's Department for information regarding the name based background check and how to submit the required documents for their review. FEES ARE COLLECTED DURING THIS STEP. CPW = $52.00. Each Sheriff can set their own fee.
Step 3: Sheriff Review and Eligibility Card Issuance
The sheriff reviews the documentation, determines eligibility and issues an eligibility card (EC) that is good for 5 years. Your eligibility card information is entered into the FSS by the Sheriff. Whether approved or denied you will receive an auto generated email. If denied an EC, you will be contacted by your local sheriff's office.
Step 4: Course & Exam
Find an approved instructor and enroll in course. A cost may be associated with this step. You may take the course from any FSP Verified Firearms Instructor. The instructor will verify your eligibility to take the course. During this step, you will need to pass an exam and hands-on practical with a 90% or better.
When the instructor enters pass/fail, you will receive an email immediately. If you pass the course, you have 5 years to purchase specified semi-automatic firearms (SSF).
Step 5: Purchase & FFL Verification
The gun dealer will confirm your eligibility in the FSS and begin the purchase process.
Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Firearms Law – Effective August 1, 2026
Temporary Guidance regarding the implementation of Colorado's Specified Semiautomatic Firearms law effective August 1, 2026.
Complete Firearms
Beginning August 1, 2026, any Colorado resident purchasing a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm must present a valid Colorado Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card before the firearm may be transferred.
- ATF Form 4473
- NICS Background Check
- Colorado 72-hour waiting period
- Any additional Colorado documentation
Stripped Receivers
Based on the current statutory language and the Colorado Department of Revenue's published guidance, stripped lower receivers for Specified Semiautomatic Firearms are to be treated as requiring a valid Colorado Eligibility Card prior to transfer.
If a Colorado resident cannot present a valid Eligibility Card, we will not transfer the receiver.
Lower Parts Kits / Non-Serialized Components
The Colorado Department of Revenue has not provided specific guidance defining what constitutes a "weapons parts kit."
The following individual replacement components are NOT affected by this law and may continue to be sold without an Eligibility Card:
- Triggers and trigger components
- Upper Receivers
- Bolt Carrier Groups (BCGs)
- Barrels
- Handguards
- Stocks
- Buffer tubes and buffer assemblies
- Charging handles
- Muzzle devices
- Grips
- Springs, pins, detents, and other individual replacement parts