How to Purchase a Specified Semi-Automatic Firearm in Colorado
Colorado law now requires residents to complete several steps before purchasing certain semi-automatic firearms. The process is straightforward, and DCF Guns is here to help you through the training portion.
Page last updated: August 2026. County rollout status below is subject to change — confirm current status with your local sheriff's office.
Specified Semi-Automatic Training Classes
SB-003 created new barriers for law-abiding Coloradans exercising a constitutional right. DCF Guns fought this legislation before it passed, and we will keep fighting it in the courts and at the Capitol.
In the meantime, the owners of DCF Guns have committed $400,000 to help protect your access to the Second Amendment — funding legal challenges to SB-003, and lowering the cost of the state-mandated training required below.
The fight is just beginning, and DCF Guns will be in it every step of the way.
Which Firearms Are Affected?
The state's guidance document defines the Specified Semi-Automatic Firearm (SSF) list in three categories — semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and gas-operated pistols, all with detachable magazines.
- Rifles: AR-15, AR-10, AR-308, and AK-pattern variants, plus Beowulfs, Grendels, AR-platform .22 LRs, and pistol-caliber carbines
- Shotguns: detachable-magazine models only — Saiga-pattern, MKA 1919, BP-12 series, AR-style, and bullpup shotguns. Traditional tube-fed pumps and semiautos (Mossberg 500, Remington 870, Beretta 1301, Benelli M4) are not included.
- Pistols: only gas-operated models — AR/AK pistols and platforms like the B&T APC. Your Glock, Sig P320, M&P, CZ, and 1911 are not gas-operated and are not affected.
The practical takeaway: if it's an AR or AK pattern — rifle, pistol, or shotgun — assume it's on the list. Bolt-action rifles, lever guns, traditional shotguns, and conventional handguns are not.
A narrow exemption exists under 18-12-116(1)(d)(II) for featureless rifle configurations and a small set of specifically exempt models — check the state's guidance document to confirm a specific build. This law restricts purchase, not possession: if you already own a firearm on this list, nothing about your ownership changes.
Apply Through the Colorado Firearm Safety System (FSS)
Begin by creating an account and submitting an application through the Colorado Firearm Safety System (FSS) website.
During your application:
- Create your FSS account.
- Complete and submit your application.
- If you have a Hunter Education certification, include that information during the application process.
- Once submitted, your application will be sent to your county Sheriff's Office for review.
Visit Your County Sheriff's Office
After submitting your application, visit your county Sheriff's Office to complete the next step.
You'll need to provide:
- A government-issued photo ID
- A name-based background check
- Any additional documentation required by your county
At this time, you'll pay:
- A $52 Colorado Parks & Wildlife administrative fee
- Any additional fee charged by your county Sheriff's Office
Your Sheriff will review your application and determine your eligibility.
Note: You are permitted to visit a Sheriff's Office in a county other than your own, provided that county is willing to serve non-residents.
Need to get your name-based background check? Use one of these providers:
Receive Your Firearms Eligibility Card
If approved, your county Sheriff's Office will issue your Firearms Eligibility Card (EC).
You'll receive an email notifying you of your approval, and your Eligibility Card information will be entered into the Colorado Firearm Safety System.
Your Eligibility Card is valid for five years.
Register for the Required Firearms Safety Course
Once you've received your Eligibility Card, it's time to complete the required training.
DCF Guns offers the Colorado Semi-Automatic Firearms Eligibility Course taught by verified instructors using the standardized curriculum approved by the State of Colorado.
Depending on your qualifications, you'll be assigned one of two courses.
Which Class Should You Take?
Two Day Class ($99 Members / $199 Non-Members): This is the standard course for most applicants working toward their state eligibility card.
One Day Class ($49 Members / $99 Non-Members): This shorter course is only available if your local sheriff's office confirms you qualify for it — typically because you've already completed a hunter safety course. Proof of that hunter safety completion must be submitted along with your eligibility card application.
Not sure which one applies to you? Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which class you likely need, and point you straight to registration.
During the course you'll learn: safe firearm handling, Colorado firearm laws, secure storage & child safety, transportation requirements, range safety, cleaning and maintenance, marksmanship fundamentals, Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), victim awareness, and other state-required safety topics.
To successfully complete the course, you must:
- Pass the written examination with a score of 90% or higher
- Pass the required hands-on practical evaluation
Once you pass, your instructor will submit your results directly to the Colorado Firearm Safety System. Your course certification is valid for five years.
Special Offer: Add Your Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Training
Maximize your training day by adding a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) course as an optional add-on during checkout. These classes take place sequentially, letting you satisfy your new state eligibility requirement and your CHP training back-to-back, one right after the other.
One Day Class: Add the CHP Renewal course for a discounted rate of $50.
Two Day Class: Add Initial CHP Training or the CHP Renewal course for a discounted rate of $75.
Simply select the CHP add-on before completing your checkout to lock in this special pricing and reserve your seat for both!
Important — timing matters: Both the El Paso and Douglas County Sheriff's Offices only accept CHP training completed within a set window before you submit it. Initial CHP Training is good for 1 year, and Refresher (Renewal) Training is good for 6 months. Training completed earlier than that may not be honored, so add the Initial CHP course within a year of your application and the CHP Renewal course within six months of your current permit's expiration date. Check your timing and confirm with your county before adding this option.
Special Offer: Free SSF Eligibility Course
Purchase a qualifying specified semi-automatic firearm from DCF and receive your SSF Eligibility Course free — a $199 value.
Contact us to schedule your class.
Purchase Your Firearm
After completing your training, return to DCF Guns — or any licensed firearm dealer in Colorado — to complete your purchase.
Before the sale can be finalized, the dealer will verify your eligibility through the Colorado Firearm Safety System.
Once verified and all applicable federal and state requirements are met, you can complete your purchase.
Additional Resources
Helpful links to guide you through each step of the process.
Douglas County Sheriff — Eligibility Card Information
Steps applicants through the process.
dcsheriff.net → SB25-003 Eligibility Card InfoBackground Check — TruDiligence
The company used for the required background check. Cost: $30. Turnaround: 1 day.
trudiligence.com → SB25-003 Background CheckAnother background check option
CPW Firearm Safety System (FSS) Application
This is the first step in the application process. You'll need your Hunter's Education Card # and issue date when you apply.
coloradofss.com → Applicant LoginHow do I obtain my Hunter's Education Card # and date of issue?
- Call CPW customer service: 303-297-1192, option 3, OR
- Go to Ilostmycard.com to request a new card
- Or order it directly on the CO Parks & Wildlife site: CPW Shop Login
El Paso and Douglas County application portals go live on 8/1. Arapahoe County is processing requests now.
Douglas County Portal • El Paso County Portal
County status as of August 2026 — check with your county sheriff's office for the latest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is my certification valid?
Both your Firearms Eligibility Card and your Firearms Safety Course certification are valid for five years.
Do I have to repeat this process every time I purchase a specified semi-automatic firearm?
No. Once you've completed the process, your eligibility remains valid for five years. During that time, your dealer will simply verify your eligibility through the Firearm Safety System each time you purchase a specified semi-automatic firearm.
Ready to Complete Your Training?
After receiving your Firearms Eligibility Card, enroll in DCF Guns' Colorado Semi-Automatic Firearms Eligibility Course and complete the final step toward purchasing your specified semi-automatic firearm.