Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Utah gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Beehive State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in Utah?
Open carry and concealed carry are legal in Utah for anyone at least 21 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm. Utah honors all state concealed carry permits. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm.
Utah Concealed Carry Permit
The minimum age for a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) is 21 years of age or 18 for a provisional permit. Utah CFPs are issued to residents as well as non-residents who have a permit from their home states. A Utah CFP costs $53.25 for residents and $63.25 for non-residents. This does not include the cost of required training, fingerprinting and photos.
Stand Your Ground
Utah is a Castle Doctrine state 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. The law applies in defense of real property or personal property at a person’s residence or any place where a person has a legal right to be.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
A permit is not required when buying a handgun, and there is no firearms registration in Utah. A background check is not required when buying a handgun from a private individual. The minimum age to possess and transport a firearm is 18 years old. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases. There are no magazine capacity restrictions for handguns or ammunition restrictions in Utah.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
Individuals may also carry pepper spray, a stun gun or a Taser. All are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Where Can One Carry Concealed in Utah?
In terms of locations where a concealed handgun may be carried, anyone who is legally entitled to carry a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle. Carry is also allowed at roadside rest areas. Other areas where concealed carry is allowed include:
- Restaurants that serve alcohol, unless posted and provided the person is not under the influence
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
- Wildlife Management Areas
- Places of worship (unless posted)
Locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:
- Any secure area in correctional, law enforcement, courthouse and mental health facilities
- Churches, houses of worship and private residences that have given notice that firearms are prohibited
- Secure areas of airports
- Anywhere if you are under the influence of alcohol (.05 blood alcohol content) or a controlled substance
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law
Can Carry a Gun in Your Car in Utah?
Yes, with a permit. Without a permit for any individual 21 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.
Ready to Learn More About Utah Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Utah’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the 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.
