Utah Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Everything you need to know about owning a firearm in the state of Utah

Utah Reciprocity Map

Last Updated on October 2, 2024

Utah Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview

3.3M

STATE POPULATION

692K

LICENSES ISSUED

21%

LICENSE PERCENTAGE

STATES HONORED

MINIMUM AGE TO CC

YEARS LICENSE VALID

RECIPROCATING STATES

YES

CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY

CC CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Being fully aware of your gun rights and state laws is the first step every Utahan must take toward responsible firearm ownership.

The next is understanding how Utah gun laws translate across state lines.

Utah is home to 3.3 million people and has issued 692,000 concealed carry (CC) licenses, equaling 21% of the population. Obtaining your CC license and owning a gun is about much more than understanding statistics, however. The training involved in getting the license helps gun owners understand safety practices and how to protect themselves and those around them.

Concealed Coalition offers fully certified instructors providing knowledge, awareness, and confidence to our customers to help make this happen.

Summary of Utah Gun Laws

Your Utah Gun Rights

Reciprocity status and other gun-related regulations can be confusing, and the rules can change at any time. Be sure to visit the website of the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) for the most up-to-date information on concealed carry in Utah. The current Utah concealed carry laws are as follows:

The Utah DPS is responsible for issuing open carry permits at the state level. Utah is a shall-issue state, meaning governing authorities must give permits to residents who meet pre-established eligibility criteria. Individuals who fail to prove good character are prohibited from firearm ownership. A criminal background check is necessary to ascertain this.

Utah does not require background checks, permits, or firearms registration if the gun is purchased from a private individual, with the exceptions of the following county event facilities that require background checks: the Mountain America Expo Center, the Salt Palace Convention Center, and the Salt Lake County Equestrian Park.

Open Carry in Utah

CC is legal in Utah. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation provides detailed firearms familiarity courses required to obtain a CC license with permits made available by the Utah DPS.

Concealed Carry in Utah

Utah concealed carry is legal for any persons 21 or older who may lawfully possess a firearm.

Self Defense Laws in Utah

A CC license is a powerful way to protect yourself and others. It is crucial to know where the line is when it comes to self-defense under the law to avoid excessive action.

Use of Force

Use or threat of force is justified provided the individual believes it necessary to protect themselves, others, or their property from harm by individuals using unlawful force or attempting illegal entry.

Use of Deadly Force

This is permitted when preventing or terminating trespass onto real property owned by the force user that is other than their place of habitation. It is also allowed if the force user believes the trespass was made to perpetrate a forcible felony with intent to kill or seriously injure a person on the property.

Protecting Yourself After Use of Force

The person using deadly force in defense of persons on real property is presumed in both civil and criminal cases to have acted reasonably and had a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or serious bodily injury. This applies if the trespass or attempted trespass is unlawful and is made or attempted using force, or in a violent and tumultuous manner, or to commit a forcible felony. Firearms training is an excellent way to gain the skills necessary to gauge threat levels. Contact the Concealed Coalition team at (800)-805-2238 or email [email protected] for further information.

Utah Guns Laws by Statute

Concealed Coalition is dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding gun ownership and promoting a culture of understanding, responsibility, and confidence. Our certified instructors are qualified across multiple states, and our online or local training classes provide convenient learning environments run by instructors who care.

Contact us today at (385) 200-2522 or email to discuss your concealed carry permit educational needs. In the meantime, check out this page and our Utah CCW reciprocity map above for additional information.

Quick Links

CONCEALED CARRY LOCATIONS IN UTAH

QUESTION

ANSWER

Where can't I carry a concealed firearm in Utah?

CC holders cannot carry a firearm into:

Federal or state restricted areas
Any airport secured area
Federal facilities
Courts
Correctional and mental health facilities
Law enforcement secured areas
A house of worship or private residence where notice prohibiting firearms is given or posted
Any secured area in which firearms are prohibited and notice posted or are otherwise prohibited by state or federal law.

It is always prudent to ask ahead of time if you have any doubts before entering premises where you are not certain of state, federal, or private ownership rules. This proactive approach will help you and those around you avoid unpleasant situations.

Where can I carry a concealed firearm in Utah?

Permitted individuals may CC in any locations that do not meet the criteria listed above, provided they adhere to local, county, and site-specific regulations and rules of conduct governing firearm possession.

Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Utah?

Utahans may store their firearm in their car or another’s vehicle with their permission. If the weapon is left in the vehicle, it must be securely locked in a container attached to the vehicle and not visible to anyone outside the vehicle.

These are some of the more common questions for CC in Utah, but it’s always best to speak to your local authorities for the latest laws. Receiving firearms training from pros familiar with your area’s rules is another excellent way to gain self-assurance and protect yourself while respecting the law.

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Utah?

Yes, even without a permit.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forest and Wildlife Management Areas in Utah?

It is legal to carry a firearm in any state park, state wildlife management area (WMA), state & national wildlife areas and refuges, national forests, and national parks.

• Open carry is allowed in all areas above, without a permit as long as the firearm is unloaded.
• Concealed carry is allowed in all areas above with a valid concealed firearm permit.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Utah?

There is nothing in state statute that prohibits permit holders from having a concealed firearm while in a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol, unless posted by the property owner or while under the influence.

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Utah?

It is legal to carry a firearm in your place of residence, even if that residence is temporary. This includes hotels and motels. Carriers must remember that legality does not guarantee permission and that the property owner’s wishes must be respected.

Does Utah have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

Subject to limited exceptions, Utah law generally prevents individuals from enforcing restrictions on an individual’s ability to transport or store a firearm in a vehicle on any property designated for motor vehicle parking, if:

The individual is legally permitted to transport, possess, purchase, receive, transfer or store the firearm;
The firearm is locked securely in the motor vehicle or in a locked container attached to the motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is not occupied; and
The firearm is not in plain view from the outside of the motor vehicle.

This rule does not apply, however, to school premises, government entities, religious organizations and certain residential units.

[Utah Crim. Code § 34-45-103]

HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION IN UTAH

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Utah?

Utah does not require a permit to possess a rifle, shotgun or handgun, and no permit is required to buy one. A criminal background check is required if a gun is purchased from a licensed dealer.

Are background checks required for private gun sales in Utah?

An individual purchasing a firearm from a dealer shall consent in writing to a criminal background check, on a form provided by the bureau.

The form shall contain the following information:

the dealer identification number;
the name and address of the individual receiving the firearm;
the date of birth, height, weight, eye color, and hair color of the individual receiving the firearm; and
the social security number or any other identification number of the individual receiving the firearm.

Does my current Utah concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase firearm?

Utah concealed handgun license holders are exempt from the federal background check requirement when purchasing a firearm. Utah law also exempts concealed handgun license holders from the state provision requiring a background check.

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Utah?

There is no waiting period to purchase a firearm. However, FFL Dealers are required by Federal law to retain the ATF Form 4473 for a period of 20 years, it is not a registration.

Do handguns need to be registered in Utah?

Utah does not require the registration of firearms.

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Utah?

The minimum age is 21 years old. Residents must have an Utah Concealed Firearm Permits (CFP) to carry in the state.

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license?

Since Utah has permitless carry, any person 21 years of age and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit. This also applies to owning and possessing a firearm in one’s home.

Acquiring and Renewing a Concealed Carry License in Utah

Quick Links

UTAH CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION

Utah Requirements

An applicant must be:

Be at least 21 years of age (or 18 for a provisional permit);
Provide proof of good character;
Complete a firearms-familiarity course certified by BCI;
Not have been convicted of a felony;
Not have been convicted of any crime of violence;
Not have been convicted of any offense involving the use of alcohol;
Not have been convicted of any offense involving the unlawful use of narcotics or other controlled substances;
Not have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude;
Not have been convicted of any offense involving domestic violence;
Not have been adjudicated by a court of a state or of the United States as mentally incompetent, unless the adjudication has been withdrawn or reversed;
Be qualified to purchase and possess a firearm; and
Meet federal law requirements.

Fees:

New Resident Permit $25, Non-resident $35

Renewal $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents, although fees are waived for active duty service members and their spouses, law enforcement officers, and some school employees per Utah’s HB0107.

Valid For:

5 years

Processing Time:

The processing time for new Utah Concealed Handgun Licenses is roughly 60 days from the date they receive your application.

Non-Resident Concealed Carry License:

The application process for non-residents is exactly the same as for residents. You will need to complete a firearms-familiarity course with a certified Utah instructor. There is no need to travel to Utah, as these courses are widely available in other states.

If you reside in a state that recognizes the validity of the Utah CFP or has reciprocity with Utah, you must obtain a CFP or CCW from your home state and submit a copy of it with your application for a Utah permit.

If you are 18-20 years old and live in a state where the minimum age is 21, you can apply for a Utah provisional CFP. There is an extra charge of $10 for the permit fee.

Name & Address Changes:

You will need to complete an application for replacement, have it notarized and provide a copy of your driver’s license. A replacement fee of $10 will be charged.

Lost or Stolen CC License:

You will need to complete an application for replacement, have it notarized and provide a copy of your driver’s license. A replacement fee of $10 will be charged.

Residency Changes:

Utah issues resident and non-resident permits, so you can apply for your permit at any time. If you live in a state that recognizes the validity of the Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) or has reciprocity with Utah, you must obtain a concealed carry permit from your home state and submit a copy of it with your application for a Utah permit.

If a person with a Utah concealed firearm permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires provided he or she submits the above referenced application for a replacement.

UTAH CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

Step One:

Complete a Firearm Training Course if required

Step Two:

Download and complete the application.

Step Three:

Have fingerprints taken at the BCI or through your local law enforcement agency.

Step Four:

Have a passport-quality photograph taken at the BCI or other provider.

Step Five:

Submit your completed application through the mail or in person to the BCI along with the following:

Photocopy of driver’s license;
Passport-quality photograph;
If you reside in a state that recognizes the validity of the Utah CFP or has reciprocity with Utah, you must obtain a CFP or CCW from your home state and submit a copy of it. This does not apply if your state does not recognize the Utah permit;
Fingerprint card; and
Weapon-familiarity certificate.

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

UTAH CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS

Renewal Overview

A Utah license is valid for five years, and holders typically receive a renewal reminder from the BCI approximately three months before their license expires. A CC permit cannot be renewed more than 90 days before expiration or after one year following expiration. If you choose to renew your permit more than 30 days after expiration but in under a year, please be aware that there will be a $7.50 late fee.

Online Renewal

An estimated 10-minute process with the renewed license delivered by mail within two weeks. This costs $20.75 for Utah residents and $25.75 for out-of-state permit holders, with a 75-cent convenience fee for online renewal.

In-Person or Mail Renewal

In Person and by Mail
Applicants can complete the renewal application form and deliver it along with a check, money order, or credit card information to:

Utah Department of Public Safety,
Bureau of Criminal Identification,
3888 West 5400 South
Taylorsville, UT 84129

Mail and in-person renewals cost $20 for residents and $25 for out-of-state residents. Each application type must be accompanied by a recent color photograph of passport quality and (if applicable) a copy of the nonresident proof of permit. The average processing time is two weeks, with the renewed permit sent by mail after a background check is completed for all applications.

Concealed Carry for Law Enforcement Officers and Retired LEOs

Qualified active and honorably retired law enforcement officers (LEOs) may carry a concealed firearm anywhere in the United States or its territories under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). Active officers must meet department and state firearm proficiency levels and the required physical and psychological criteria to carry a gun. They must also be qualified under Section 926B of the U.S. Federal Code.

Retired LEOs seeking a CC confirmation card should submit a copy of their badge or retirement certificate from the agency they once served to the Utah DPS. Firearms proficiency testing takes place annually, the standards of which must be met for retired LEOs to gain permission to CC for another year.

Firearms Training & Competency

Proper firearms training is essential for any individual with the right to carry a gun, especially those who do not receive training as part of their employment.

The certified instructors at Concealed Coalition will teach you the applicable laws for your state and how to carry and fire a firearm safely. Training is available across the U.S. and online, so contact us with any questions or to sign up.

Utahans can also get the following types of training and qualification:

A Firearms Training Course With a State-Certified Instructor

Utahans must take in-person firearms training classes and cannot gain these skills online. This involves completing a course provided by a BCI-approved instructor or receiving a certification of general familiarity from the same.

NRA Training

The National Rifle Association offers several types of training at a wide range of locations. Use its local training locator to find classes near you and specific lessons.

Documents from Participation in an Organized Shooting Competition

Individuals presenting evidence of sufficient experience with a firearm through participation in an organized shooting competition may consider this acceptable training to acquire a CC license.

Hunter Safety Courses

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources offers hunter education courses to provide Utahans with safety skills and practical exercises. Completing the basic course is required for any Utahan born after December 31, 1965, seeking a hunting license.

DD Form 214 or Military Orders for Active or Former Military Members

The military document DD Form 214 is the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. It is issued when a service member performs active duty or has completed at least 90 consecutive days of active-duty training. Service members can get this form from the Department of Workforce Services, which provides details on verifying military experience and training, or by contacting either the Utah Department of Veteran Affairs or the National Archives.

Firearms Safety Courses From Other Providers

It is not uncommon for public and private institutions, colleges, or law enforcement agencies in Utah to provide firearm training and education. The educators in such scenarios will be certified by either the Utah DPS, or the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI).

Get Certified for a Utah Concealed Carry Permit Today

Our network of firearms professionals are holding training classes and in-person certification courses throughout Utah. Use our certification locator to enroll in an upcoming firearms training course near you today, or visit our Utah concealed carry permitting resource for online certification.

Did we miss something?

If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved promptly. Your feedback matters to us, and we greatly appreciate you helping us make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners! The information contained on this website is provided by Concealed Coalition as a service to its members and the public. The information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our goal is to provide thorough, up-to-date information regarding concealed carry laws, reciprocity, and requirements. We make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. At the time of publishing the information contained in this page was correct and up-to-date. However, laws are constantly changing, and as a result, nothing contained on this website should be considered legal advice. Please consult a lawyer should you require legal advice regarding concealed carry and gun laws in your state. Did you know our membership includes a pre-paid legal protection plan? Sign up today and gain access to 24/7 coverage from a team of legal experts.

*Legal protection plans available in select states.