Colorado FFL Transfer Guide: Laws, Fees & Finding a Local FFL

Colorado sits in an interesting middle ground on firearm regulation — more restrictive than neighboring Wyoming and Utah, but significantly less complex than California or Illinois. The key things Colorado buyers need to know: the state runs its own background check through the CBI, has a 3-day waiting period, and enforces a magazine capacity limit. Here’s the full picture for online gun buyers.

How Colorado FFL Transfers Work

All firearms purchased from out-of-state sellers must transfer through a Colorado licensed FFL dealer. The process:

1. Find a Colorado FFL dealer and obtain their license information
2. Provide the FFL details to your online seller
3. Seller ships the firearm directly to the FFL (not your home)
4. FFL contacts you when the firearm arrives
5. Visit the dealer, complete ATF Form 4473, and pass the CBI/NICS background check
6. Wait out the 3-day waiting period if applicable
7. Take possession of your firearm

Colorado’s Waiting Period

Colorado enacted a 3-day (72-hour) waiting period for all firearm purchases that took effect in 2023. This applies to all guns — handguns, rifles, and shotguns — purchased through licensed dealers. The waiting period begins when the background check is initiated, not when it clears.

In practice: if you show up at the FFL on a Monday and your background check clears immediately, you still cannot take possession until Thursday at the earliest.

Colorado Background Check: CBI Instant Check

Colorado uses its own background check system — the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Instant Check System — in addition to NICS. The CBI check accesses Colorado-specific records not always captured in the federal system, including:

• Colorado civil protection orders
• State mental health adjudications
• Colorado criminal history records

Dealers submit to both CBI and NICS simultaneously. Most checks clear within minutes, but delays can extend the waiting period further.

FFL Transfer Fees in Colorado

Colorado FFL dealers typically charge $25–$60 per transfer, with the Denver metro area running toward the higher end. Rural and mountain community dealers often have more competitive pricing. Standard questions to ask:

• What is your transfer fee for handguns vs. long guns?
• How do you handle the 3-day wait — storage fees?
• Is the background check fee included or separate?
• Do you accept transfers from all major online retailers?

Colorado Magazine Capacity Limits

Colorado limits magazine capacity to 15 rounds — one of the stricter limits among non-coastal states. This means:

• Magazines with capacity exceeding 15 rounds cannot be sold or transferred in Colorado
• Magazines owned before the 2013 law went into effect are grandfathered — existing owners may keep them but cannot sell or transfer them within the state
• If you’re purchasing magazines online, ensure they hold 15 rounds or fewer before ordering for delivery through a Colorado FFL

Note: magazines themselves are not firearms and do not require FFL transfer — they can ship directly to you. The capacity restriction applies to what’s legal to possess and sell in the state.

Colorado-Specific Restrictions

• No assault weapons ban: Colorado does not have a statewide assault weapons ban (as of 2026); AR-15s and similar firearms are legal to purchase
• Universal background checks: All private sales must go through an FFL with a background check — Colorado has no private sale exemption
• Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO): Colorado has a red flag law allowing courts to order temporary firearm removal
• Open carry: Legal statewide without a permit, but Denver prohibits open carry
• Concealed carry: Shall-issue permit required; issued through county sheriff
• Suppressors: Legal with proper NFA federal approval and tax stamp

Denver and Local Ordinances

Denver has its own layer of firearm regulations that go beyond state law. Denver prohibits open carry and has additional restrictions on certain firearm types. If you live in Denver or the surrounding metro area, your FFL dealer should be well-versed in both state and city requirements — make sure they are before shipping your firearm to them.

Finding an FFL Dealer in Colorado

Colorado has a robust network of dealers from the Front Range to mountain communities. The Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins areas have numerous shops that actively accept third-party transfers. Many dealers post their transfer fees on their websites — check online before calling to save time.

Find an FFL Dealer Near You →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an FFL transfer take in Colorado?

Minimum 3 days (72 hours) from when the background check is initiated, regardless of how fast it clears. Factor in transit time from the seller plus dealer notification time.

Does Colorado allow private gun sales without a background check?

No. Colorado requires all private firearms transfers to go through an FFL with a background check. There is no private sale exemption in the state.

Are 30-round magazines legal in Colorado?

No. Colorado limits magazine capacity to 15 rounds. Magazines over 15 rounds cannot be sold or transferred in the state.

Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Colorado?

No permit is required to purchase a firearm. You need to pass the CBI/NICS background check and be legally eligible to own a firearm.

Is there a waiting period for all guns in Colorado or just handguns?

The 3-day waiting period applies to all firearms — handguns, rifles, and shotguns — purchased from licensed dealers.

Can I open carry in Colorado?

Open carry is legal statewide without a permit, with a notable exception: Denver prohibits open carry within city limits. Many other Colorado municipalities may have similar local restrictions.

Colorado’s FFL transfer process is manageable once you account for the 3-day wait and CBI check. The magazine capacity limit is the biggest practical concern for buyers ordering firearms with standard-capacity magazines — verify your magazine configuration before buying. Other than that, Colorado buyers generally have access to a wide selection of firearms with a straightforward transfer process.