Colorado § 18-12-118 - Unlawful three-dimensional printing of a firearm or firearm component - penalties - definitions.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-118 — Unlawful three-dimensional printing of a firearm or firearm component - penalties - definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-12-118. Unlawful three-dimensional printing of a firearm or firearm component - penalties - definitions.
(1) (a) A person shall not knowingly manufacture or produce a firearm or firearm component by means of three-dimensional printing using a three-dimensional printer, CNC milling machine, or similar device.
(b) A person who violates this subsection (1) commits unlawful three-dimensional printing of a firearm or firearm component. Unlawful three-dimensional printing of a firearm or firearm component is a class 1 misdemeanor; except that a second or subsequent offense is a class 5 felony.
(c) This subsection (1) does not apply to:
(I) A federally licensed firearm manufacturer;
(II) An instructor or student of an accredited gunsmithing program, or an institution that operates an accredited gunsmithing program, when the manufacture is solely for purposes of educational instruction within the accredited gunsmithing program.
(2) This section only applies to potentially functional firearms and firearm components and does not apply to the three-dimensional printing of any other components or components that could be used to make a non-functioning or prop firearm.
(3) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "CNC milling machine" means a computer numerical control milling machine.
(b) "Firearm component" means an unfinished frame or receiver, large-capacity magazine, or rapid-fire device.
(c) "Gunsmithing program" means a gunsmithing program operated by an institution.
(d) "Institution" means a state-authorized institution of higher education or institution regulated by the Colorado division of private occupational schools.
(e) "Large-capacity magazine" has the same meaning set forth in section 18-12-301.
(f) "Three-dimensional printing" or "3-D printing" means additive manufacturing that builds three-dimensional objects by use of a three-dimensional printer or similar device and subtractive manufacturing that creates objects by removing material from a workpiece by use of a CNC milling machine or similar device.
Source: L. 2026: Entire section added, (HB 26-1144), ch. 94, p. 378, § 1, effective July 1.
Editor's note: (1) Section 3 of chapter 94 (HB 26-1144), Session Laws of Colorado 2026, provides that the act adding this section applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026.
(2) This section was numbered as § 18-12-119 in HB 26-1144 but was renumbered on revision for ease of location.
PART 2
PERMITS TO CARRY CONCEALED HANDGUNS
Law reviews: For article, "In the Crosshairs: Colorado's New Gun Laws", see 33 Colo. Law. 11 (Jan. 2004).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-12-118
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-118 cover?
Section 18-12-118 ("Unlawful three-dimensional printing of a firearm or firearm component - penalties - definitions.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 18-12-118?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-118" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 18-12-118 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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