Colorado Firearm Bill of Sale Overview
Colorado enacted universal background checks in 2013, requiring all private firearm sales and transfers to go through a licensed dealer for a background check via the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). In 2024, Colorado also implemented a 3-day waiting period for firearm purchases. The state does not require firearm registration or a permit to purchase.
All private firearm sales in Colorado must be processed through an FFL, who contacts the CBI InstaCheck Unit to conduct the background check. The buyer and seller must both appear at the dealer. There are limited exceptions for transfers between immediate family members, antique firearms, and temporary loans for hunting or target shooting. Colorado does not have a firearm registry.
Colorado bans the sale of magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds (enacted in 2013). The state issues concealed handgun permits (CHP) through county sheriffs on a shall-issue basis to applicants who meet the requirements. Colorado does not have an assault weapons ban but has enacted red flag / extreme risk protection order (ERPO) legislation.
Yes
Private sale BG check
3 days (effective 2024)
Waiting period
No
Registration required
No
Permit to purchase
Colorado Firearm Transfer Requirements
Colorado requires universal background checks for all firearm transfers. Here's what you need to know:
Important: Universal Background Checks Required
Since 2013, Colorado law requires all private firearm sales and transfers to be conducted through a licensed dealer who will run a background check through the CBI InstaCheck system. Selling without a background check is a misdemeanor for the first offense and a felony for subsequent offenses. Limited exceptions exist for immediate family transfers.
Seller Requirements
- FFL Transfer Required: All private sales must go through a licensed dealer for a CBI background check
- Both Parties Present: Both buyer and seller must appear at the FFL
- Background Check: The dealer will contact CBI InstaCheck — results typically come back within minutes
- 3-Day Waiting Period: A 3-day waiting period applies before the buyer can take possession
Buyer Requirements
- Colorado Residency: Must be a Colorado resident with valid Colorado ID
- Background Check: Must pass a CBI InstaCheck background check
- Age: Must be at least 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns
- Waiting Period: Must wait 3 days before taking possession of the firearm
How to Fill Out a Colorado Firearm Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Colorado firearm bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with Colorado and federal requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, current Colorado mailing address, date of birth, and government-issued ID number (driver's license or state ID). This information is critical for establishing a clear chain of custody for the firearm.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, current Colorado address, date of birth, and ID number. Verify the buyer's ID is valid and current. Confirm the buyer is a Colorado resident — selling to an out-of-state resident in a private sale is a federal crime.
Describe the Firearm
Record the firearm's make (manufacturer), model, serial number, caliber or gauge, type (handgun, rifle, shotgun), barrel length, and finish/color. The serial number is the most important identifier — verify it matches the physical firearm exactly.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method. If the firearm is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." If a trade, describe the items exchanged.
Include Eligibility Statement
The buyer should sign a statement affirming they are legally eligible to purchase and possess firearms under both federal and Colorado law, that they are not a prohibited person, and that they are a resident of Colorado.
Sign, Date, and Keep Copies
Both parties must sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies — one for each party. Keep your copy indefinitely as there is no statute of limitations on ATF firearm traces. Remember that the transfer must also be processed through an FFL with a background check.
Colorado Firearm Transfer Process
Colorado requires private firearm transfers to include a background check. Here's the step-by-step process:
Verify Both Parties' Eligibility
Check IDs to confirm both parties are Colorado residents and of legal age. The seller should have no reason to believe the buyer is a prohibited person.
Visit a Licensed Dealer (FFL)
Both parties must appear at an FFL. The dealer will process the background check as required by Colorado law.
Complete Background Check
The FFL will run a background check. There is a 3 days (effective 2024) waiting period before the buyer can take possession.
Complete and Sign the Bill of Sale
Fill in all fields including the serial number, both parties' information, and the sale price. Both parties sign and date.
Exchange Payment and Firearm
Complete the payment and transfer the firearm. Each party keeps their signed copy of the bill of sale.
Store Your Records Securely
Keep your copy of the bill of sale in a safe place indefinitely. This is your proof of legal transfer if the firearm is ever traced.
Colorado Firearm Transfer Fees & Costs
Here are the typical costs associated with a private firearm transfer in Colorado:
| Fee / Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| CBI Background Check (InstaCheck) | $10.50 |
| FFL Transfer Fee | $10-$50 (set by dealer) |
| Firearm Registration | Not required |
| Concealed Handgun Permit | $52.50 (5-year permit) |
| Sales Tax | 2.9% state + local (varies) |
Sample Colorado Firearm Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Colorado-specific firearm bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Colorado and federal law.
STATE OF COLORADO
FIREARM BILL OF SALE
Private Party Firearm Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Colorado Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Colorado Address]
DOB: [Date of Birth] ID#: [DL Number]
FIREARM INFORMATION
Make: [Manufacturer] Model: [Model]
Serial #: [Serial Number]
Caliber: [Cal/Gauge] Type: [Handgun/Rifle/Shotgun]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Colorado Firearm Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Colorado firearm bills of sale, private transfers, and state requirements.
Official Colorado Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify Colorado firearm transfer requirements and access government information.
Colorado Bureau of Investigation — InstaCheck
Background check system for Colorado firearm transfers
ATF — Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Federal firearm regulations and compliance
Colorado General Assembly
Colorado legislation including firearm laws
Colorado State Patrol — Concealed Handgun Permits
Colorado concealed carry information
Other Colorado Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Colorado? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
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