Understanding Colorado SB25-003 Background Check Requirements & Process
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office online portal will launch on August 1, 2026. Until July 31, 2026, customers may continue to legally purchase any firearm included on the Specified Semiautomatic Firearms (SSF) list. Beginning August 1, customers will be able to use the provided portal to create an account and upload the required documents for SB25-003.
Applicants must obtain a third-party, name-based background check. The Sheriff’s Office cannot recommend or endorse a private company or its services.
- To locate a provider, applicants may search online for “SB25-003 name-based background check” or contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for guidance.
- Before paying for a background check, applicants should confirm that the provider’s documentation meets all applicable requirements.
In accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-116, the Sheriff’s Office will review the documents submitted through our online portal starting August 1, 2026.
Applicants whose documents are approved will receive an eligibility card by email as a PDF.
- This card authorizes the applicant to take the required safety class from a verified instructor. The eligibility card expires once the applicant completes the required safety class.
Once the required safety class is successfully completed, the applicant may contact a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) or visit a firearms retailer to purchase a firearm included on the SSF list. The dealer’s existing purchase process will remain in place.
After confirming that the applicant has completed the application process and safety class, the dealer will conduct the required federal background check. The applicant must then complete the applicable three-day waiting period before taking possession of the firearm.
01
Complete CPW Application
Go to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Specified Semiautomatic Firearms (SSF) website to create an account and complete the application process through LOGiKCO.
02
Gather Required Paperwork
Download a PDF copy of your CPW application, a copy of your government-issued photo ID, and a completed name-based background check with attestation from the background check vendor stating they performed the background check.
03
Complete DCSO Application
Complete the application process through the Sheriff’s Office-approved portal and upload the required documents from Step 2.
04
DCSO Review Process
Once the Sheriff’s Office receives your application and required documents, staff will review them for accuracy.
You will be contacted through the email address provided on your application of the status and if any additional information is needed.
05
Complete Required Safety Training
Once you have received your eligibility card from the Sheriff’s Office, you will need to contact an approved instructor to complete the required training before you can purchase the firearm.
How The Process Works
Frequently Asked Questions
Which firearms are on the SSF list?
Where do I access the CPW application?
What type of background check will I need and where do I get it?
According to the statute,
“(B) The results of a completed name-based background check of national and Colorado public criminal history and judicial databases completed by a third-party vendor that conducts those checks as a normal part of the vendor’s business, and an attestation from the vendor that the background check was performed by the vendor.”
A quick Google search for “SB25-03 Name Based Background Check” will provide information for companies that say they can provide what is needed.
- Make sure the company can provide a check of “national and Colorado public criminal history and judicial databases…”
- Make sure the company sends you the required, “attestation the the background check was performed by the vendor” you choose.
Are there fees associated with this process?
Yes.
According to the statute,
“(V) The applicant must submit a firearms safety course eligibility card fee to the sheriff. The firearms safety course eligibility card fee includes the sheriff’s processing fee…” (The Sheriff's Office fee is $25)“…and the firearms training and safety course record fee established pursuant to section 33-9-115” (The CPW fee is $52).
All fees will be collected through our online portal when you upload your documents for approval.
What if I don’t live in Douglas County, Colorado?
We will not be accepting applications and documents from non-residents.
You must be able to establish residency in Douglas County to submit your application and documents.
If you are not a Douglas County resident, you will be referred to the county sheriff’s office where you live.
How long is my Eligibility Card valid?
Once issued, your eligibility card will have a 5-year expiration date from the date of issue.
Once you complete the safety class, you will no longer need the Eligibility Card.
How long is the Safety Class valid?
After completing your safety class, you will be eligible to purchase weapons on the SSF List for a period of 5 years.
At the end of the 5 years, you will be required to complete the application and eligibility process again.