Appeals Information
The Appeals section works with individuals who were denied the ability to purchase a firearm. In accordance with both state and federal privacy laws, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is unable to disclose the reason(s) for your denial over the telephone. However, denied individuals have the right to and are encouraged to appeal this finding with the CBI through our formal appeal process. It should be noted that your intent to appeal MUST be initiated within 30 days of the denial status.
Upon receipt of the denied individual's appeal, CBI will perform a review, conduct any necessary research, and provide back to the appellant a final determination. In many cases, through the research process and/or by working with the appellant, the Appeals section has been able to obtain additional information to correct erroneous or update missing information within the record. Additionally, participation in the appeal process, may result in an overturned denial while also providing assistance to ensure erroneous and or missing information is updated which could otherwise have a negative impact on future inquiries you may conduct related to professional licensing, housing, and employment requirements.
The recommended and most efficient way to submit your appeal is through our online appeal system by clicking on icon labeled “Online Appeal Form”. This system allows an individual who was denied a firearm purchase to electronically set up an account, activate the appeal process, engage in collaborative communication, including status updates throughout the entire process.
The Appeals section will also accept the submission by mail by submitting the form provided to you by the dealer or download, fill out, and mail in the completed form by clicking on the icon labeled " Mail in Appeal form."
To avoid the form being rejected:
- All fields on the form need to be legible and completed in entirety
- Phone Number and Mailing address is Required
- If using the form provided by the dealer be sure these fields are completed
- Correspondences will be mailed to the provided address. Be sure to include the PO Box information if applicable
- Obtain information from the firearm dealer for the following fields
- CBI Transaction Number,
- NICS Transaction Number
- Date of Transaction is available from the firearm dealer
- Read and follow instructions provided on the 2nd page