SPECIFIED SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARMS (SSF)
SB 25-003 / C.R.S. § 18-12-116 Resources & Information
Starting August 1, 2026, Colorado requires eligible purchasers and transfers of certain semiautomatic firearms to complete state-certified training before the transaction and be completed. Current lawful owners are not affected. Existing firearms do not require registration. Training certifications remain valid for 5 years.
Your 5-Step Journey
1. APPLY WITH CPW
Create an account with Colorado Parks & Wildlife and complete your Firearms Safety System application. When you submit your application it will be sent to your county Sheriff’s office of choice queue. It will not be processed until the next step. If you have Hunter Education, you will add the information to your application during this step.
You May Qualify for the 4-Hour SSF Course Without a Hunter Education card
Colorado law generally requires proof of an approved Hunter Education course to qualify for the 4-hour SSF course. However, certain individuals may be eligible to test out of the Hunter Education requirement through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Hunters Age 50 or Older & U.S. Military Personnel
Colorado residents and nonresidents who are 50 years of age or older may qualify to take the Hunter Education test instead of attending a Hunter Education class.
Qualifying active-duty, reserve, veteran, and National Guard members may also be eligible to test out of the Hunter Education requirement.
Click here to learn more about the CPW Test Out option
How This Affects Your SSF Course
If you successfully complete the Hunter Education test-out and receive the required Hunter Education certification, you may then be eligible for the 4-hour SSF course rather than the 12-hour course. Individuals who do not have qualifying Hunter Education certification will need to complete the 12-hour SSF course.
2. APPLY TO YOUR SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Provide identification and complete the required background check process. Applicable state and local fees may apply.
LFI offers SSF name-based background checks for Weld County & Larimer County SSF Eligibility Card Applications (FSCEC).
- 7 days a week: Open - 4 PM
- In-person subject to staff availability
- $25 fee
3. RECEIVE YOUR ELIGIBILITY CARD
Once approved, your Sheriff issues a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC).
Valid for 5 years.
4. COMPLETE REQUIRED TRAINING AT LFI WITH MAKHAIRA GROUP
- Firearm Safety
- Colorado & Federal laws
- Safe Operation
- Practical Instruction
- Written & Skills Testing
Which SSF Course Do You Need?
Colorado Senate Bill 25-003 establishes two training pathways based on whether you have completed a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Hunter Education course.
4-Hour SSF Course
- For: Individuals who have completed a CPW-approved Hunter Education course
- Length: 4 hours
- Prerequisite: Valid CPW Hunter Education certificate
- Pricing: $124
12-Hour Extended SSF Course
- For: Individuals who have NOT completed Hunter Education
- Length: 12 hours, delivered over a minimum of 2 days
- Prerequisite: None
- Pricing: $224
5. PURCHASE YOUR FIREARM
Your dealer verifies your training through the state system and completes the standard background check process.
QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP.
Colorado’s SSF requirements and Hunter Education options can feel confusing, especially if you’re unsure which course you need. We’re happy to help.
NEED HUNTER EDUCATION?
Liberty Firearms Institute does not currently offer dedicated Hunter Education courses. To find an approved Colorado Hunter Education class, view upcoming course availability, or learn more about Hunter Education requirements, please visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).