Colorado

Secure Storage
Laws in Colorado

Colorado has strong gun laws and has all of the foundational gun laws in place. These include a secure storage law that took effect in July 2021 that requires firearms to be stored securely.

State Requirements

Secure Storage in Colorado

Colorado state law requires gun owners to securely store their firearms — in the home and in vehicles — to prevent unauthorized access. Expand each section below for full requirements and what happens if they aren’t met

The information provided here is not legal advice and should not be understood as such. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about how your state’s laws apply to your specific circumstances.

Gun owners in Colorado are required to store their firearm(s) in their homes securely to keep unsupervised juveniles and other prohibited users from accessing them.

To comply with state law, gun owners must do one of the following when their firearm is not in use or being carried (or close enough to be accessed as if it were being carried) and is being stored upon any premises they own or control:

  • Store the firearm in a locked gun safe or secure container;
  • Properly install a locking device on the firearm; or
  • Activate the safety characteristics of a personalized firearm (“smart gun”).

In addition, if a gun owner leaves a gun in an unattended vehicle, they must do the following:

For handguns:

  • Store the handgun in a locked hard-sided container* that is out of plain view; and
  • Lock the vehicle or place the locked container in the locked trunk of the locked vehicle.

For long guns:

  • Store the long gun in a locked hard-sided container;* or
  • Store the long gun in a locked soft-sided container and install a locking device on the firearm; and
  • Lock the vehicle or place the locked container in the locked trunk of the locked vehicle.

* A locked glove compartment or locked center console is considered a hard-sided container.

Gun owners may be subject to civil or criminal penalties if they fail to follow these requirements.

By the Numbers

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More than 700 children die by gun suicide each year, most often using guns belonging to a family member.

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At least one-third of youth gun suicides and unintentional deaths could be prevented with secure storage.

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More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year, significant portion of those are stolen from cars.

Best Practices

Secure Storage for Homes and Vehicles

Gun safety is always an adult’s responsibility, no matter what your state’s laws require — secure storage protects your kids, family, and community from tragedy.

There are many types of storage devices to meet the needs of different gun owners, but the best solution is one you will use consistently, every time.

Take the time, every time, to secure your gun.

Remember

Just because a gun is out of sight does not mean it is stored securely

Firearms “hidden” in places such as under mattresses, on closet shelves, in nightstand drawers, or under the seat in a vehicle can be found by curious or determined children and teens, who may — intentionally or unintentionally — kill or injure themselves or others. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.

Locked Up

With keys or codes kept private

Unloaded

Ensure there is no ammunition in the gun

Separate from ammunition

Store ammunition in a different place from guns

Download

Colorado Secure Gun Storage Sheet

Download information about secure gun storage in Colorado in English or Spanish.