I am a huge proponent of and believer in knowledge, training, and safety and I do not believe that this pay to permit scheme should be allowed. However...I can refuse to participate, to teach classes, to pay for my eligibility card, because guess what? I have to go through the same entire process.If I refuse to participate, if I refuse to teach than it isn't the state who suffers, it isn't CPW or Polis or anyone in power who voted for these regulations, it's you, the buyer and constituent. So as long as the law requires the FSS class I will teach it.
*This is not a politically based statement in any way, shape or form.*
Starting 08/01/2026 buying a specified semiautomatic firearm (SSF) in Colorado requires a firearms safety course eligibility card and a qualifying safety course. Im going to tell you that there are NO EXEMPTIONS for Law Enforcement, Instructors or holders of any other sort of permit...There is some sort of weird LE loophole but it requires a letter from command stating you are required to purchase SSF's, so UNLESS you are an LEO who goes through their department there are NO exemptions! And in that case you will need to speak to your command.
Please see FAQ for military or +50 options.
The basic premise of this pay to permit purchase scheme is to place additional requirements on citizens who are interested on purchasing a rifle and while it's true this bill is mostly aimed at "scary black rifles" it also includes some "standard hunting rifles" and some pistols specifically the Magnum Research Desert Eagle MARK XIX series so if you wanted to be Deadpool you're SOL I'm afraid.
Please see FAQ for the current list of prohibited firearms.
This summarizes what the law says, this is a reference, not legal advice.
The entire bill may be found here.
What does SB-003 do?
What does NOT change?
Once you hit submit, your application will be sent to your county Sheriff’s office queue.I suggest you check the Sheriff's Dept requirements ahead of time (STEP 3 link) to avoid surprises . 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. Please see FAQ for more information on Out of State Hunter Safety courses.
Select: “First time user? Create an Account”
You must provide: name-based background check and government –issued photo ID to your county Sheriff’s office for your application to be processed. There are other companies who are approved to provide this background check. TruDiligence will be $30
Select: Start your SB25-003 Background Check
Contact your Sheriff's Department, or check the link below, 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.
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
Your course MUST be taught by an Instructor who is verified by a Colorado Sheriff's Department AND is eligible to teach the FSS course. The Instructor does not need to be verified in YOUR county.
This is a 12 hour course however there is a 4 hour course for applicants with a CPW-verified hunter-education credential.
You must pass the required exam and hands-on practical assessment with a score of at least 90%. Your verified instructor will record your completion in the Firearms Safety System.
Once you have completed the course and your Instructor has listed your approval, in the FSS you will then have five years to purchase or receive a regulated firearm. At the time of sale, the dealer then checks your eligibility in the FSS before completing the sale or transfer.