Understand Reciprocity

ByRick Sindeband

 

understand reciprocity
This map accurate on 05/22/1925

 

 

 

 

People do not understand reciprocity. It comes up all the time in a state like Colorado because we require you to have a Drivers License and Permit that matches. Just like Florida and Pennsylvania. You can not have a Colorado drivers license and a Utah non resident permit its no good here. I always say your permit is for travel not residency. You can travel and your permit is good in all the state except the red ones. As long as your drivers license and permit are issued by the same state.

Reciprocity and Colorado Concealed Handgun Permits (CHPs)

Understand Reciprocity-What Is Reciprocity?
Reciprocity means that other states recognize Colorado’s Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) as valid within their borders—but only under specific conditions. It’s similar to how a driver’s license works: some states honor it, others don’t.

As of now, 34 states recognize Colorado’s CHP through reciprocity agreements. That means you can legally carry concealed in those states—but you must follow their laws while you’re there, not Colorado’s.

Reciprocity and Travel

When you travel with your Colorado CHP:

  • Check state laws first. States that honor your permit may have different:

    • Magazine capacity limits

    • Duty to notify law enforcement

    • “No gun” sign enforcement

    • Locations where carry is prohibited (bars, schools, government buildings, etc.)

  • States can change their reciprocity status at any time, so don’t assume last year’s rules still apply understand reciprocity.

  • Ignorance isn’t an excuse. If you violate another state’s carry law, your CHP won’t protect you from arrest.

Reciprocity and Residency

Reciprocity only applies to non-resident carry if the issuing permit is from your state of residence.

So if you:

  • Live in Colorado and hold a Colorado CHP, you’re good to go in states that recognize it.

  • Move to another state, your Colorado CHP becomes invalid in most reciprocity states. Why? Because they require the permit to be issued by the carrier’s state of residence.

    • Example: If you move to Texas, your Colorado CHP no longer meets reciprocity rules in most states. You’d need to get a Texas license instead.

Summary

  • Reciprocity = mutual recognition of concealed carry permits between states.

  • Traveling: Your CHP is good in 30+ states, but you must follow each state’s rules.

  • Residency: If you move out of Colorado, your CHP won’t hold weight in most places unless you get a permit from your new state.

Always verify state-by-state reciprocity before traveling with a firearm. Websites like handgunlaw.us or state attorney general sites offer updated maps and rules.

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