Effective August 7, 2024, firearms instructors are required to undergo a verification process through their local county sheriff’s office if they wish to offer classes for concealed handgun permit applicants.

New state of Colorado legislation, HB24-1174, enacts requirements for both firearms instructors as well as residents applying for a concealed handgun permit (CHP). Legislation requiring applicants to take a firearms course from a verified instructor does not go into effect until July 1, 2025, whereas the relevant requirement for firearms instructors went into effect August 7th, 2024.

Firearms instructors are now required to become Verified Firearms Instructors in order to offer the firearms classes required for a CHP. The firearm instructor's principal place to conduct firearms training must be in Larimer County. If you are interested in the process to become a verified instructor, you can learn more on our website: https://www.larimer.gov/sheriff/support-services/concealed-handgun-permits/verified-firearms-instructors

The Larimer County Sheriff's Office Concealed Handgun Unit is responsible for maintaining a public list for citizens to find a Verified Firearms Instructor. This list and some frequently asked questions can be found on our website listed above.  Sheriff's Office staff cannot recommend one instructor over another.