CO SB25-003 / SSF Information

 Colorado Senate Bill 25-003 is a state law that creates new eligibility requirements and mandatory firearms safety training for purchasing or transferring certain specified semiautomatic firearms (SSFs) in Colorado, beginning August 1, 2026. It requires buyers of covered firearms to obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card and complete an approved in-person firearms safety course before the purchase or transfer can be completed. 

It becomes effective August 1, 2026.

SSF stands for Specified Semiautomatic Firearm. The law generally covers certain semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines, certain semiautomatic shotguns with detachable magazines, and gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines. Not every semiautomatic firearm is automatically an SSF — the classification can be technical. Always verify with your FFL and/or qualified legal counsel. 

A Specified Semiautomatic Firearm (SSF) is any firearm that meets the definition in Colorado SB25-003. The law generally focuses on semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines, certain semiautomatic shotguns with detachable magazines, and gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines. The Colorado DOR is publishing guidance on which specific models qualify. Verify your specific firearm through official state sources, your FFL, and/or qualified legal counsel. 

 A Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card is an official document issued through the state's Firearms Safety System that authorizes a person to enroll in and complete an SB25-003 approved firearms safety course. It is part of the multi-step process required before purchasing or transferring an SSF in Colorado. 

Based on current CPW guidance, applicants will apply through a state online system and coordinate with their county sheriff's office as part of the process. The state application system is expected to become available around July 20, 2026. Join the Shoot Indoors SB25-003 update list to be notified when confirmed application details are published. 

 A Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card is an official document issued through the state's Firearms Safety System that authorizes a person to enroll in and complete an SB25-003 approved firearms safety course. It is part of the multi-step process required before purchasing or transferring an SSF in Colorado. 

Based on current CPW guidance, applicants will apply through a state online system and coordinate with their county sheriff's office as part of the process. The state application system is expected to become available around July 20, 2026. Join the Shoot Indoors SB25-003 update list to be notified when confirmed application details are published. 

Applications are expected to go through the state's Firearms Safety System, administered through Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Your county sheriff's office will also be involved in the process. Exact application locations will be confirmed by state agencies as the August 1, 2026 effective date approaches. 

 A Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card is an official document issued through the state's Firearms Safety System that authorizes a person to enroll in and complete an SB25-003 approved firearms safety course. It is part of the multi-step process required before purchasing or transferring an SSF in Colorado. 

Based on current CPW guidance, applicants will apply through a state online system and coordinate with their county sheriff's office as part of the process. The state application system is expected to become available around July 20, 2026. Join the Shoot Indoors SB25-003 update list to be notified when confirmed application details are published. 

Applications are expected to go through the state's Firearms Safety System, administered through Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Your county sheriff's office will also be involved in the process. Exact application locations will be confirmed by state agencies as the August 1, 2026 effective date approaches. 

Based on current guidance, the process involves both an online state system and coordination with your county sheriff's office. The exact workflow is still being finalized by state agencies. 

 Yes. The SB25-003 process includes background check steps conducted through the county sheriff's office. This is in addition to the standard background check that occurs at the FFL during any firearm purchase. The SB25-003 background check process is separate from the standard NICS check at the point of sale. 

 The SB25-003 process includes its own background check steps conducted through the county sheriff's office as part of the eligibility process. This is separate from the standard NICS background check your FFL runs at the point of purchase. Buyers should expect to complete both processes. 

 Hunter Education may affect whether you qualify for the Basic (4-hour) course path versus the Extended (12-hour) course path. However, completing Hunter Education alone does not satisfy the SB25-003 firearms safety course requirement. You will still need to complete an SB25-003 approved course taught by a verified instructor. The instructor will confirm which course path applies through the state system. 

Based on current state guidance, concealed carry courses are not reciprocal for the SB25-003 Firearms Safety Program. Even if you have previously taken a concealed carry class, you should expect to complete the SB25-003 process separately. Always verify current requirements with official state sources. 

The Basic Firearms Safety Course is a minimum 4-hour in-person course for individuals who have qualifying Hunter Education or a CPW-recognized training path. The course must be taught by a state-verified firearms safety instructor. Participants must pass a required exam and practical component to receive course completion. 

 The Extended Firearms Safety Course is a minimum 12-hour in-person course for individuals who do not have qualifying Hunter Education or a CPW-recognized training path. The course must take place on at least two different days and must be taught by a state-verified instructor. Participants must pass a required exam and practical component.