Utah is a shall-issue state. Permits are issued by the Bureau of Criminal Identification.
There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. Although the state has preemption, Salt Lake County has established a policy that background checks for private sales in the counties three event facilities (Salt Palace Convention Center, Mountain America Expo Center and Salt Lake County Equestrian Park).
On March 24, 2022, Gov. Spencer Cox signed SB 115 into law, giving the state greater control over gun laws in Utah. For instance, the state now has the authority to override the policy established in Salt Lake County by Mayor Jenny Wilson in 2019. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2022.
As of May 5, 2021, based on Gov. Cox’s signing of HB 60, both open carry and concealed carry of a loaded firearm are legal for anyone at least 21 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm. Utah Concealed Firearm Permits (CFP) will still be offered for individuals interested in reciprocity to carry in other states. Utah CFPs are issued to residents at least 21 years of age or 18 for a provisional permit. Non-residents at least 21 years of age who have a permit from their home state may also apply. Some areas are off-limits, including courthouses and secured areas of airports. Concealed carry permits require a firearms familiarity course that has been certified by the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). In terms of reciprocity, 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.
Where can I carry with my Utah permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
carry while using alcohol or controlled substances?
Not while consuming or under the influence (defined as blood or breath alcohol concentration of .05 grams or greater) or a controlled substance as defined in Section 58-37-2, outside of the person's residence or the residence of another with the consent of the individual who is lawfully in possession.
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
preemption?
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Utah, however local municipalities may regulate and prevent the discharge of firearms.
[Utah Crim. Code § 76-10-500(2)]
On March 24, 2022, Gov. Spencer Cox signed SB 115 into law, giving the state greater control over gun laws in Utah. For instance, the state now has the authority to override the policy established in Salt Lake County by Mayor Jenny Wilson in 2019. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2022.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No. Utah does not allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Utah.
red-flag law?
Utah does not have a red flag law.
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Utah law.However, it is illegal to draw or exhibit a dangerous weapon in the presence of two or more persons in an angry and threatening manner. The possession of a dangerous weapon, whether visible or concealed, without additional behavior does not constitute threatening.
A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if the person engages in fighting or in violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
Yes/No. “No Weapons” signs under Utah gun laws have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned by the law as being off-limits. The law specifically mentions that if places of worship and private residences have posted a “No Weapons” sign, it is illegal to enter. This prohibition applies equally to concealed weapons permittees. However, a church or organization operating a house of worship may allow exceptions to the prohibition as the church or organization considers advisable. Owners may not restrict a renter or lessee from lawfully possessing a firearm in the residence. A violation of this section is an infraction.
driver's license linked to carry permit?
Yes. Your Utah driver’s license is linked to your Utah concealed firearm permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license.
non-resident permitting?
Yes. Utah issues concealed carry permits to non-residents from states that recognize Utah permits, provided they have a permit from their home state.
Carry Basics
open carry permitted?
Yes. Permitless carry took effect on May 5, 2021, for any individual 21 years old or older, who may lawfully possess a firearm.
[Utah Crim. Code § 76-10-505(1)][Utah Crim.Code § 76-10-523(5)]
permitless carry?
Yes. Permitless carry took effect on May 5, 2021, for any individual 21 years old or older, who may lawfully possess a firearm.
minimum age for concealed carry?
You must be at least 18 years old for a provisional permit in Utah.
magazine limits for handguns?
No. There are no magazine capacity restrictions for handguns in Utah.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
Yes and No. A Utah CFP allows the holder to carry firearms specifically, although other weapons may be legal to carry in the state.
gun permit licensure?
Utah issues permits on a shall-issue basis.
ammunition restrictions?
No. Utah does not have ammunition restrictions.
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Utah imposes no restrictions on size or concentration.
TEAR GAS - Legal for self-defense but subject to general misuse laws.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. No specific state restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are legal to own and carry in Utah. Batons are not classified as "prohibited weapons," so they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.
Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal unless used with criminal intent.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Legal under Utah law. Brass knuckles are not prohibited statewide but are banned in Salt Lake City.
byrna's?
Yes. These are legal for purchase and possession. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under Utah law
Handgun Purchase & Possession
utah permit exempts from background check?
Yes.
waiting period?
No. There is no waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Utah.
handgun registration?
No. You do not need to register your handgun in Utah.
possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?
Yes. A permit is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to carry a handgun in or on a person’s residence, property or a business under the person’s control.
background checks for private gun sales?
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
Although the state has preemption, Salt Lake County has established a policy that background checks for private sales must be conducted in the county's three event facilities (Salt Palace Convention Center, Mountain America Expo Center and Salt Lake County Equestrian Park).
On March 24, 2022, Gov. Spencer Cox signed SB 115 into law, giving the state greater control over gun laws in Utah. For instance, the state now has the authority to override the policy established in Salt Lake County by Mayor Jenny Wilson in 2019. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2022.
minimum age to possess and transport?
You must be at least 18 years old to possess and transport a firearm in Utah.
purchase permits?
No. You do not need a permit to purchase a handgun in Utah.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Utah Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
carry while bow hunting?
Yes. A person with a valid concealed carry permit who has obtained an archery permit for a big game hunt may carry a concealed weapon provided the person is not utilizing the concealed firearm to hunt or take protected wildlife.
carry while gun hunting?
Yes. Nothing prohibits a person with a valid concealed carry permit engaged in the lawful taking of wildlife from carrying a concealed firearm.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. A person is guilty of a class B misdemeanor who intentionally interferes with the right of a person licensed and legally hunting to take wildlife by driving, harassing, or intentionally disturbing any species of wildlife for the purpose of disrupting a legal hunt, trapping, or predator control.
what are the knife laws in utah?
It is legal for anyone who has never been convicted of a crime, adjudged delinquent or mentally ill, dishonorably discharged from the military, or who does not possess or use illegal drugs, to own and open or concealed carry any type of knife in Utah. Dangerous weapons are prohibited from school grounds and from public or private elementary through public or private institutions of higher education.
wear a covid mask & carry?
There is no known statute in Utah making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
Lost/Stolen Permits:
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.
Fees:
New Resident Permit $52.00, Non-resident $87.00
Renewal $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents, although fees are waived for active duty service members and their spouses.
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits:
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, 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.
Residency Changes:
Moving to Utah and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?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.
Moving from Utah and have a Utah resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Utah permit remains valid?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.
Application:
Processing Time:
60 days
Requirements:
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Utah.
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.
Valid For:
5 years
Step 1:
Complete a firearms-familiarity course certified by the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI).
Step 2:
Download and complete the application.
Step 3:
Have fingerprints taken at the BCI or through your local law enforcement agency.
Step 4:
Have a passport-quality photograph taken at the BCI or other provider.
Step 5:
Submit your completed application through the mail or in person to the BCI along with the following:
Bureau of Criminal Identification
4315 South 2700 West
Ste 1300
Taylorsville, UT 84129
Step 6:
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
Yes, without a permit, although not in any state or Federal buildings. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Utah.
carry/possess at a hotel?
An innkeeper may refuse or deny accommodations, facilities, or privileges to any person who is in the reasonable belief of the innkeeper, bringing in property that may be dangerous to other persons, including firearms or explosives. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes, without a permit.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
Yes, unless posted and provided you are not under the influence.
carry in vehicle?
Yes, with a permit or without a permit for any individual 18 years old or older, who may lawfully possess a firearm, provided the vehicle is in the person's lawful possession or the person is carrying the loaded firearm in a vehicle with the consent of the person lawfully in possession of the vehicle.
store in a vehicle 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:
This rule does not apply, however, to school premises, government entities, religious organizations and certain residential units.
tribal land
Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation - NO
Force in Defense of Property
A person is justified in using force, other than deadly force, when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that force is necessary to prevent or terminate another person’s criminal interference with real property or personal property:
Deadly Force in Defense of Persons on Real Property
A person is justified in using deadly force in his defense of persons on real property other than his habitation if:
Self-Defense
Utah is a Castle Doctrine state (called defense of habitation) and has a “stand your ground” law. There is no duty to retreat if a person feels deadly force is justified to prevent a felony from being committed any place where a person has a legal right to be.
Force in Defense of Person
An individual is justified in threatening or using force when and to the extent that the individual reasonably believes that force or a threat of force is necessary to defend the individual or another individual against the imminent use of unlawful force.
An individual is justified in using deadly force only if the individual reasonably believes that force is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury to the individual or another individual as a result of imminent use of unlawful force, or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
Civil and Criminal Immunity
The person using deadly force in defense of personal or real property is presumed for the purpose of both civil and criminal cases to have acted reasonably and to have had a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or serious bodily injury if the trespass or attempted trespass is unlawful and is made or attempted by use of force, or in a violent and tumultuous manner or for the purpose of committing a forcible felony.
[Utah Crim. Code §§ 76-2-402, 76-2-405, 76-2-406 & 76-2-407]
Force in Defense of Habitation
A person is justified in using force against another when and to the extent that he reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other’s unlawful entry into or attack upon his habitation; however, he is justified in the use of deadly force which is intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury only if:
Utah Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-09
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2024-12-17
Added tribal land information to carry location section.
2022-04-01
Added SB 115
2021-05-19
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
2021-05-05
Updated information on permitless carry in the summary and At A Glance sections
2021-02-15
Added information on signing of the permitless carry bill in the summary and At A Glance sections
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