What Happens If Your Concealed Carry Permit Expires in Colorado?
What Happens If Your Concealed Carry Permit Expires in Colorado?
Last Updated: April 2026 – Current Colorado concealed carry renewal and training requirements.
If your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) has expired or is about to expire, you need to act quickly. Many people assume they can simply renew late—but that is not always the case under current Colorado law.
This guide explains what happens if your Concealed Carry Permit Expired Colorado, and what steps you need to take next.
Can You Renew an Expired Concealed Carry Permit in Colorado?
Is There a Grace Period After Your Permit Expires?
Colorado typically allows a limited grace period of up to 180 days after your permit expires, where you may still be able to renew instead of starting over.
However, there are important limitations:
- You may be required to pay a late fee
- You cannot legally carry concealed once your permit has expired
- Delays can still push you outside the renewal window
Waiting until after expiration creates unnecessary risk and inconvenience. The safest move is to complete your renewal before your permit expires.
This means more time, more training, and more expense compared to a standard renewal.
The 120-Day Renewal Window
Colorado allows you to renew your permit up to 120 days before your expiration date. This is your window to complete training and submit your renewal application.
If you wait until after your permit expires, you risk losing the ability to renew under the standard process.
What You May Have to Do If Your Permit Expires
If your permit has already expired, you may need to:
- Complete the full initial concealed carry class (typically 8 hours)
- Meet all current training requirements, including live-fire qualification
- Submit a new application instead of a renewal
This is one of the most common—and avoidable—mistakes permit holders make.
Can You Still Carry After Your Permit Expires?
No. Once your concealed carry permit expires, you are no longer authorized to carry concealed under that permit.
Carrying with an expired permit can expose you to serious legal consequences. If your permit has expired, you should stop carrying concealed until your permit is valid again.
What to Do If Your Permit Is About to Expire
If your permit has not expired yet, the best move is simple: get your renewal done now.
You can complete your training and stay within the legal renewal window by taking a concealed carry renewal class in Pueblo, Colorado.
Classes are offered most days of the week, making it easy to get your renewal handled before it becomes a bigger problem.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Expired Permits
- Waiting until the last minute to schedule training
- Not realizing the certificate is only valid for 6 months
- Assuming the renewal process is automatic
- Underestimating delays from the sheriff’s office
After working with thousands of students, these are the issues we see over and over again.
Colorado Concealed Carry Expiration FAQs
Can I renew my permit after it expires?
In most cases, no. You may be required to complete the initial application process again if your permit has expired.
How early can I renew my permit?
You can renew up to 120 days before expiration.
How long is my training certificate valid?
Your training certificate must be used within 6 months of the class date.
What happens if I let my permit expire?
You may lose the ability to renew and instead be required to complete the full application process again.
Don’t Let It Expire
The easiest way to avoid problems is to complete your renewal early. Waiting too long can turn a simple renewal into a much bigger process.
If you are still within your renewal window, schedule your training now:
View Renewal Class Schedule and Sign Up
