The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is providing information to citizens regarding Colorado’s new Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card requirement, established under Senate Bill 25-003.
Beginning August 1, 2026, individuals seeking to purchase certain specified semiautomatic firearms in Colorado must first complete the requirements outlined in state law.
Before enrolling in the required firearms safety course, applicants must obtain a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card from a Colorado sheriff’s office. The eligibility card is valid for five years once issued.
The application process includes:
- Completing the required application.
- Providing a valid government-issued photo identification.
- Providing a completed third-party name-based background check of national and Colorado public criminal history.
- Meeting all eligibility requirements established under Colorado law.
- Paying $52.00 required fee to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
In addition to the required $52.00 fee from the State of Colorado, Senate Bill 25-003 allows individual sheriffs to determine if they will charge an additional fee to their residents. To ensure the process remains as convenient and accessible as possible, Sheriff Roybal will not assess a separate fee for El Paso County residents.
Once an applicant receives their eligibility card, they may enroll in the appropriate firearms safety course through a Firearms Safety Program instructor. A list of FSP instructors is available on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. After successfully completing the required training and meeting all statutory requirements, individuals may proceed with the purchase of qualifying firearms as permitted by law.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to carefully review the requirements before beginning the application process. Additional guidance regarding required documentation, eligibility standards, fees, and frequently asked questions is available on the Sheriff’s Office website.
Residents seeking additional information or wishing to begin the application process may visit the Sheriff’s Office Firearms Safety Card webpage:
Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card Information
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to providing timely, accurate information while delivering exceptional public service to the citizens of El Paso County.