Colorado Private Gun Sale Compliance
Generating your official Colorado gun bill of sale takes less than 5 minutes using our interactive builder above. Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-112, recording the precise serial number, weapon specifications, and verifying the buyer's CO Driver License / State ID # is your primary line of legal defense should the firearm ever be traced back to you.
Need a field-by-field breakdown on how to legally execute this transfer? Read our comprehensive, nationwide Step-by-Step Firearm Bill of Sale Guide.
Last Updated: May 27, 2026
Colorado is one of the strictest states in the country for private gun sales — and 2026 brought major new changes. Unlike most states, every private transfer here requires a background check through a licensed FFL dealer and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). There is also a mandatory 3-day waiting period, a 15-round magazine capacity limit, and as of August 2026, a new permit requirement for purchasing semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines. This Bill of Sale documents the agreed price and firearm details before you visit the dealer — protecting you if the buyer backs out or fails the background check.
📄 Colorado Firearm Form Draft:
💡 Colorado Legal Selling Guidelines
Colorado's private transfer process under C.R.S. § 18-12-112 means you cannot hand a firearm directly to a buyer — both parties must visit a licensed FFL dealer who runs the background check through CBI. The dealer can charge up to $10 for this service. Once approved, the CBI approval is valid for 30 days to complete the transfer. The minimum age for all firearms in Colorado is 21 — including rifles and shotguns, which is stricter than federal law. As of August 1, 2026, purchasing a semi-automatic firearm with a detachable magazine requires a new state permit, which involves a background check and a safety training course. One important exemption: transfers between immediate family members (spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, first cousins, aunts and uncles) do not require a background check — but in-laws are not included in this exemption.
🚫 Sellers Liability Risks in Colorado
- Attempting a direct hand-to-hand transfer — every private sale in Colorado must go through an FFL dealer for a CBI background check. Skipping this is a criminal offense.
- Not knowing the family exemption boundaries — transfers to spouses, children, and siblings are exempt from the background check requirement, but in-laws are specifically excluded under C.R.S. § 18-12-112.
- Ignoring the 3-day waiting period — even after the CBI approves the background check, the buyer cannot take possession for 3 days.
- Getting the minimum age wrong — Colorado requires buyers to be at least 21 for all firearms including rifles and shotguns, which is stricter than the federal 18-year baseline.
- Selling a semi-automatic firearm after August 2026 without verifying the buyer has the new state permit — purchasing qualifying semi-automatic firearms now requires a state-issued eligibility card after safety training.
- Selling magazines over 15 rounds — Colorado has prohibited magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds since 2013. Private transfers of high-capacity magazines are illegal.
- Not keeping the Bill of Sale — under C.R.S. § 18-12-112, if the firearm is later used to cause civil damages, the seller can be held jointly and severally liable. The Bill of Sale is your primary defense.
Colorado Firearm Transfer FAQ
Are background checks required for private sales in Colorado?
Yes — Colorado has required background checks for all private transfers since 2013. Both parties must visit a licensed FFL dealer who runs the check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The dealer can charge up to $10 for the CBI fee plus a processing fee. Once approved, the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
Why do I need a Bill of Sale if the FFL handles the paperwork?
The dealer's records protect the state — not you. This Bill of Sale is your private contract that documents the agreed price and condition. Under C.R.S. § 18-12-112, a seller can be held liable for civil damages if the buyer later misuses the firearm; the Bill of Sale is your primary evidence of due diligence.
What is the new semi-automatic firearm permit requirement in 2026?
As of August 1, 2026, Colorado requires buyers to obtain a state-issued eligibility card before purchasing any semi-automatic firearm that accepts a detachable magazine. This requires a state-approved safety course. Verify this card before visiting the dealer. Details are available via the CBI Firearms Unit.
Does Colorado have a waiting period?
Yes. Colorado has a mandatory 3-day waiting period between the CBI background check approval and the physical transfer of the firearm. This is mandated by HB23-1219 and applies to all private transfers. Possession cannot be taken until the 72-hour window has elapsed.
What is the minimum age for private gun sales in Colorado?
The minimum age for purchasing any firearm in Colorado is 21. This includes rifles and shotguns, a requirement upheld by SB23-169. Additionally, as of July 1, 2026, buyers must also be at least 21 to purchase ammunition in the state.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Colorado?
Colorado prohibits the sale or transfer of magazines holding more than 15 rounds. While magazines owned before July 1, 2013, are grandfathered for possession, their private transfer is strictly illegal under C.R.S. § 18-12-302.
Can I sell to a family member without a background check?
Yes, but only to immediate family (spouses, parents, children, siblings, etc.). Critically, in-laws are excluded from this exemption. A transfer to a brother-in-law requires a full CBI check. See the specific list of exemptions in C.R.S. § 18-12-112 (2)(b).
Can I sell my gun at a Colorado gun show without a background check?
No. Universal background checks apply at gun shows. Furthermore, as of January 1, 2026, new security and insurance mandates for show promoters make 'parking lot' private sales a high-risk legal violation. Always process the sale through an on-site FFL.
Who is prohibited from buying a firearm in Colorado?
Prohibited persons include felons and those subject to domestic violence orders. Colorado also utilizes Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO), or 'Red Flag' laws, which can be reviewed at the Colorado Judicial Branch website.
Is there a state gun registry in Colorado?
No. C.R.S. § 29-11.7-102 prohibits local governments from maintaining registries. CBI records are transaction logs, not a registry. Your Bill of Sale remains your only private proof of the 'clean break' in ownership.