Utah Gun Laws

Utah Gun Laws Summary

Utah is a shall-issue state with permits issued at state level by the Department of Public Safety. The purchase of a handgun from a private individual does not require a permit, background check or firearms registration.

Nonetheless, as mentioned above, the signing of the HB 60 means that anyone 21 years old and above who may lawfully possess a firearm does not need a concealed firearm permit for both open carry and concealed carry of a loaded firearm.

Utah Concealed Firearm Permits (CFP) will still be issued to individuals requiring it for reciprocity to carry in other states or for other reasons. The Utah concealed firearm permit can be issued to residents that are 21 years old and above.

A provisional permit may also be issued to residents 18 years old and above. The CFP is not only available for residents as non-residents above 21 years old with a permit from their home state may also apply for the CFP.

Despite acquiring a valid concealed firearm permit, there are still areas that are off-limits to firearms and dangerous weapons, including courthouses and secured areas of the airports.

Those applying for a concealed firearm permit will need to be able to demonstrate familiarity with a handgun by undergoing a firearm course taught by a Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) certified instructor.

Self-Defense

Utah is a Castle Doctrine state with a stand your ground law that does not require its residents to retreat. The person is lawfully permitted to meet force with force to prevent a felony from being committed at any place the person has a legal right to be.

Defense of Property

The use of force is justified if the person reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent or stop another’s unlawful entry into or attack in their private property/habitation. The use of deadly force is only justified if:

• The entry is made in a violent and tumultuous manner, or by stealth, and he reasonably believes that the entry is attempted for assaulting or causing personal violence to any person.
• The person reasonably believes that the entry is attempted for the purpose of committing a felony on the property and that such force is necessary to prevent its commission.

Defense of Person

Force is justified when the person reasonably believes that such force is necessary to defend the person or another against the imminent use of unlawful force. Deadly force is only justified if the person reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury to the person or another as a result of unlawful force or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.

Civil and Criminal Immunity

The person who used deadly force for personal or real property defense purposes is presumed to have acted reasonably and have had a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or serious bodily injury if the trespasser is unlawful and has made or attempted to use force in a violent or tumultous manner to commit a forcible felony.

Utah Firearm Laws to Know

Utah is a constitutional carry state and has made it legal to open carry without a permit if:

• The person is at least 18 years old
• The person is not prohibited as defined in 76-10-503 and 18 U.S.C. 922.
• A firearm is statutorily “unloaded” unless you have a valid concealed firearm permit.
• Utah law also states that it is legal for residents to carry a fully loaded firearm, openly or concealed, without a valid concealed firearm permit if:
• The person is at least 21 years old and above (both residents and non-residents).
• The person is not prohibited as defined in 76-10-503 or 18 U.S.C. 922(g).
• In an area that permits the carrying of firearms.

Basic Carry Information

Does Utah allow firearms to be carried without a permit?

Yes, Utah allows permitless carry for any individuals that are 21 years old and above, who may lawfully possess a firearm.

Does Utah allow open carry without a permit?

Yes, Utah allows permitless open carry for individuals that are 21 years old and above, who may lawfully possess a firearm.

Does Utah allow dangerous weapons other than handguns with a concealed carry permit?

No, Utah CFP allows the folder to carry specific firearms. However, other weapons may be legal to carry in the state without a Utah permit.

Does Utah have restrictions on handgun magazine capacity?

No, Utah does not have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns.

Are there any ammunition restrictions in Utah?

No, Utah firearm laws do not state any ammunition restrictions.

Can a concealed handgun be carried in a vehicle in Utah?

Yes, any individual that is 18 years old and above, who may lawfully possess a loaded firearm, with or without a permit, can carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle with the consent of the person lawfully in possession of the vehicle.

Does Utah allow concealed firearms at roadside rest areas?

Yes, Utah allows concealed firearms at roadside west areas without a permit.

Can a concealed firearm be carried in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Utah?

Yes, a concealed firearm can be carried in the state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas without a permit. However, firearms are not allowed in any state or federal buildings.

Does Utah allow concealed firearms in bars and restaurants?

Yes, Utah state law allows the carrying of a loaded firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol provided that the individual is not under influence and there are no posting that prohibits firearms.

Key State Laws

Is there a duty to inform a police officer of a concealed firearm in Utah?

Utah does not require residents to inform a law enforcement officer that they’re carrying a concealed firearm.

Is the carry permit linked to a Utah driver’s license?

Yes, the driver’s license is linked to the concealed carry permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will immediately know that you are a carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license.

Does Utah enforce “No Weapons Allowed” signs?

Yes. Utah gun laws have no force of law when it comes to “No Weapons” signs unless they are posted in areas that are off-limits as defined in state and federal law.

However, Utah allows a church or organization operating a house of worship to prohibit the carrying of a dangerous weapon as the church or organization considers advisable.

Does Utah have preemption laws related to a dangerous weapon?

Yes, Utah does have preemption of firearm laws in Utah. However, local municipalities may regulate and prevent the discharge of firearms as they see fit.

Does Utah have a red flag law?

No, Utah does not have a red flag law.

Purchase and Possession of a Handgun

Does Utah require a permit for the purchase of a handgun?

No. Private firearm transfers do not require permits or background checks, although federal and state prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply.

Does my current Utah CFP exempt me from a background check when I purchase a firearm?

Yes. You’re not required to undergo a background check when purchasing a firearm with a CFP.

Does Utah require a waiting period when purchasing a handgun?

No. Utah does not require a waiting period after purchasing a handgun.

Do handguns need to be registered?

No. Utah does not require purchased handguns to be registered.

Location Restrictions

Areas in Utah that allow individuals to bear arms:

• Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, provided that you are not under influence.
• Private vehicle.
• Roadside rest areas.
• State/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs
• Public schools with a permit.
• Places of worship provided that there are no signs that prohibit firearms.

Off-limit Areas in Utah that do not allow individuals to bear arms:

• Any secure area in correctional, law enforcement, courthouses, and mental health facilities.
• Churches, houses of worship and private residences with signs prohibiting firearms.
• Secure areas of the airport.
• Anywhere if you’re under influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
• Any place prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.

Basic Information on Utah Concealed Carry Permits

The applicant for the permit must:

• Be at least 21 years old (or 18 years old for a provisional permit).
• Be able to provide proof of good character.
• Have completed a firearms familiarity course taught by a BCI certified instructor.
• Not have been convicted of a felony or any crime of violence.
• Not have been convicted of any offence involving the use of alcohol, narcotics, or other controlled substances.
• Not have been convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude.
• Not have been convicted of any offense involving domestic violence.
• Not have been adjudicated by a court as mentally incompetent unless the adjudication was withdrawn or reversed.
• Be qualified to purchase and possess a firearm according to state and federal laws.
• Meet federal law requirements.

Fees: $53.25 (Resident); $63.25 (Non-resident)

Validity: 5 years

Processing time: 60 days

Application: https://bci.utah.gov/forms/concealed-firearm-permit-applications/

CFP Application Process:

Step 1: Complete the firearms familiarity instructional course that’s certified by the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI).

Step 2: Complete the application form.

Step 3: Head to BCI or to your local law enforcement agency to take your fingerprints.

Step 4: Prepare passport-quality photographs or have it taken at the BCI.

Step 5: Submit the completed application form through mail or in-person to the BCI with the following documents:

• Photocopy of driver’s license
• Passport-quality photos.
• CFP or CCW from the home state and submit a copy of it (for states that Utah has reciprocity with).
• Fingerprint card.
• Weapon-familiarity certificate.

The application can be mailed to:

Bureau of Criminal Identification
3888 West 5400 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84129

Step 6: Wait for notification on application status.

Utah Firearms Training Requirements

As part of the CFP application, Utah requires that the person attends firearms familiarity training. The training includes the following:

• Safe loading, unloading, storage, and carrying of different types of firearms to be concealed; and
• Current laws define the lawful use of a firearm or dangerous weapon by a private citizen including lawful self-defense, use of force, use of deadly force, transportation, and concealment.
• The CFP applicant must be able to prove firearms familiarity by one of the following:
• Completion of an instruction course conducted by a firearms training organization approved by the BCI.
• Obtaining a certificate of general familiarity by a person who has been certified by the bureau.
• Prove equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competitions, law enforcement, or military service.

CFP Renewal Process

Step 1: The BCI will send you a renewal application approximately one month prior to the expiration of your existing CFP.

Step 2: You may opt to renew the permit online or in person, or through the mail with the completed renewal application form.

Reciprocity

Utah has two types of permits: a Standard Permit and a Provisional Permit. A provisional permit is issued to persons aged between 18 to 21 years old. Some states may not accept a provisional permit due to the low age requirement.

Hence, the standard permit is the most popular choice for non-residents as it allows individuals to travel across 30 states with a handgun.

Utah Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States

• Alabama (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• California (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Colorado (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Delaware (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Georgia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Idaho (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Illinois (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Indiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Maryland (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Michigan (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Missouri (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Montana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Nevada (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• New York (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• New York City (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Oregon (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Washington (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)

Other States’ Reciprocity With Utah

• Alabama
• Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Indiana
• Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Nevada
• New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• North Carolina
• South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Utah
• Below are the states that only honors Utah resident permits and not those issued to non-residents:
• Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
• Florida (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
• Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Louisiana (at least 21 years old)
• Maine (resident permits recognized; see Maine Reciprocity section for details)
• Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
• Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
• Nebraska (at least 21 years old)
• North Dakota (resident permits only)
• Ohio (at least 21 years old)
• Oklahoma (at least 21 years old)
• Pennsylvania (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
• Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Virginia (at least 21 years old)
• Washington (regular [not provisional] permits only)
• West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Wisconsin (at least 21 years old)
• Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)