Whether you’re new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed carry license may seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing the laws. Applying for a CCW varies by state. Read about the process for getting a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) below.
Similar to license requirements, states vary greatly in their processes for how an applicant obtains a concealed carry license, what their permits/licenses are called, whether licenses include photographs, whether fingerprinting is required, license duration, license costs and turnaround times. Some states allow an applicant to complete an application online, while others require an in-person visit to the office of the respective issuing authority. There are even states that require the applicant to provide a list of non-related character references.
Concealed Carry License Basics
Utah is a shall-issue state with Concealed Firearm Permits issued at the state level by the Department of Public Safety. Licensing authorities in Utah are compelled to issue a license as long as an applicant meets the basic requirements set out by state law.
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. Concealed carry permits require a firearms familiarity course that has been certified by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). A CFP is valid for five years.
Federally Prohibited Persons
The Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 make it illegal for a person who fits into any of the prohibited categories to ship, transport, receive or possess firearms or ammunition. These laws prevent a state from issuing a concealed carry license/license as it would be illegal for people who fit in these categories, by federal law, to own or possess a gun.
What Are the Permit Requirements in Utah?
An applicant must:
- 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
- Meet the federal law requirements mentioned above
Do I Need Firearms Training in Utah?
Utah requires that concealed carry training classes are attended in-person and not through electronic means. General familiarity with the types of firearms to be concealed includes training in:
- The safe loading, unloading, storage and carrying of the types of firearms to be concealed
- Current laws defining lawful use of a firearm by a private citizen, including lawful self-defense, use of force by a private citizen, use of deadly force, transportation and concealment
An applicant may satisfy the general familiarity requirement by one of the following:
- Completion of a course of instruction conducted by a firearms training organization approved by the BCI
- Certification of general familiarity by a person who has been certified by the bureau
- Equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in an organized shooting competition, law enforcement or military service (However, per information from the BCI on January 21, 2020, they have yet to see anyone with this “equivalent experience.”)
A Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals Class from the USCCA meets permitting requirements in Utah. Find a class near you!
How Do I Get a Concealed Carry License in Utah?
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:
- 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 concealed carry permit 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
- Weapon familiarity certificate
Step 6: You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.
For more information, visit the USCCA Utah gun laws page now…
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
