Utah Constitutional Carry. Is Utah a Constitutional Carry State?

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Is Utah a Constitutional Carry State? Utah Constitutional Carry: State of Utah Capitol Building
State of Utah Capitol Building

Utah Constitutional Carry. Utah Concealed & Open Carry Laws

Is Utah a Constitutional Carry State? This article will provide an overview of the state of Utah Constitutional Carry law. Open Carry and Concealed Carry laws in Utah will also be discussed. Utah is a gun-friendly state.

Disclaimer: This article is NOT LEGAL ADVICE and is for Informational Purposes Only. Gun Laws can be tricky and unclear at times and changes are made often. We take no responsibility for the use or misuse of any information contained in this article. You are responsible for knowing the gun laws if you are going to carry a gun. Consult a Lawyer with any questions. See Footnote*

Utah Constitutional Carry: Utah Is a Constitutional (Permitless) Carry State

Constitutional Carry is legal in Utah. You do not need to have a Concealed Weapons Permit to carry a handgun in Utah. You must be at least 21 years of age and be lawfully allowed to possess a handgun.

Carrying a handgun legally without a permit is referred to as “Constitutional Carry” or “Permitless Carry”. Many states (25 in August, 2022) have adopted a version of law to allow Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights. See: Which States Have Constitutional or Permitless Carry?

Open Carry Laws in Utah

As a Constitutional Carry state, Open Carry is allowed in Utah without a permit. You must be at least 21 years old and legally allowed to possess a handgun.

Concealed Carry Laws in Utah

Under the Utah Constitutional Carry Law, a Concealed Weapons License or permit is NOT required to carry a concealed handgun in Utah.

Utah concealed Carry Permit

A Utah Concealed Weapons License is called a Concealed Firearms Permit (CFP) and can be issued for reciprocity purposes. The Utah CFP may allow the holder to carry concealed in certain other states. See Utah Concealed Carry Reciprocity.

Having a Utah CFP also exempts you from a background check when purchasing a handgun.

A concealed Carry Permit in Utah may be referred to as a CFP, CCW, Permit, Concealed Carry Permit or Weapons Permit for the purposes of this article.

Utah is a shall-issue state. This means that as long as a CFP applicant meets the requirements, he/she will be issued a permit, regardless of whether the issuing agent believes applicant “deserves” or has a specific reason to have such a license.

Constitutional Carry Laws in Utah: concealed carry gun

Utah Constitutional Carry: How to get a Concealed Firearms Permit (CFP) in Utah

The Utah Gun Permit is called an CFP, which stands for Concealed Firearms Permit. Although not needed to carry concealed in the state of Utah and other Constitutional Carry States, a permit may be needed to carry in other states.

Those 21 and older can apply for a Utah Concealed Firearms Permit, and those 18-20 can apply for a Utah Provisional Concealed Firearms Permit.

Utah Concealed Carry Permits are issued by the Utah Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Identification also know as BCI.

Utah CFP requires the BCI certified course in Firearms Safety and Handling as well as Suicide Prevention.

Utah CFP does NOT require a live fire course.

Utah Concealed Firearms Permit Fee:

  • Utah Resident Fee $53.25
  • Non-Resident Fee $63.25

Here is a link to the Application for a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit or Provisional Permit.

Here is the link to Utah BCI Concealed Firearms Information.

Utah Concealed Carry Permit Non-Resident

Utah issues Concealed Firearms Permits to any US citizen or legal resident. You do not need to live in Utah.

To apply, applicant can contact the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) by phone: 801-965-4445 or in person at the following address:

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

Applications will be accepted through the mail or in person, from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm at the above location.

A criminal Background check will be perform for each and every Applicant.

Utah Constitutional Carry: Utah Concealed Firearms Permit Minimum Requirements

You must meet the minimum requirements to apply for a Utah CFP (Concealed Firearms Permit). The requirements are listed below:

  • The Applicant must be at 21 years of age or older to apply for the standard permit. To apply for the provisional permit, applicant must be between 18 and 20 years of age.
  • The Applicant must be of good moral standing (character), meaning the following must be true:
    • The applicant has never been convicted of a felony.
    • The applicant has never been convicted of any violent crime.
    • The applicant has never been convicted of any alcohol-related criminal offense.
    • The applicant has not been convicted of any offenses related to illegal and unlawful use of any controlled substance or narcotic substance.
    • The applicant has not been convicted of any offenses involving moral turpitude.
    • The applicant has not been convicted of any offense involving domestic violence.
    • The applicant has not been adjudicated by a court of any state or of the United States as mentally incompetent, unless the adjudication has been withdrawn or reversed.
    • The applicant is qualified to purchase and possess a firearm under Utah Law, any applicable state law and federal law.

See: How to apply for a Utah Concealed Firearms Permit.

Minimum age to get a Concealed Firearms Permit (CFP) in Utah

You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a Concealed Firearms Permit (CFP) or 18-20 for a Provisional CFP in the State of Utah.

Utah Constitutional Carry: Utah Provisional Concealed Firearms Permit

The Provisional CFP is for those 18-20 years of age and although it has the same requirements (other than age) as a standard CFP, it has additional restrictions.

These restrictions include:

  • Cannot carry in Primary or Secondary Schools
  • May not be allowed to carry in some reciprocal states
  • Cannot use the permit to purchase a handgun

Once a Provisional Permit holder reaches the age of 21, the permit expires and they must get the standard CFP.

  • There have been 727,000 Million permits issued in Utah.
  • Utah state population is 3.3 million.
  • Percentage of the population of Utah with a permit is about 21%.
  • States that currently honor the Utah carry permit: 36.
  • Utah currently honors 48 other states permits.
  • Concealed carry permits in Utah are good for 5 years.
  • Utah is a “shall issue” state. (Shall- issue means that if you apply for a permit they will issue you one unless there is a legal reason not to. Such as if you are a convicted felon.)

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Utah Constitutional Carry: Utah Concealed Carry Reciprocity with other States

Utah is a Constitutional Carry State, meaning anyone from any state can carry a handgun open or concealed. However, you must be 21 years of age or older and be legally allowed to possess a handgun.

A Utah CFP (Concealed Firearms Permit) is honored (recognized) in many other states, but not all states. For information on which stated honor a Utah CFP, see

Utah Concealed Carry Reciprocity

Utah Constitutional Carry: Restrictions FAQs

Are there places I cannot carry a firearm, even if I have a Concealed Carry Permit (CFP) in Utah?

Under Utah law, concealed handguns are prohibited in these locations (This is not a complete list):

  • Churches or other places of Worship that give notice that firearms are prohibited. See the BCI List of Churches that Prohibit firearms.
  • Private residences where notice has been given that firearms are prohibited.
  • Secure areas of Sheriff, Highway Patrol or Police Stations
  • Secure areas of Detention facilities and Correctional institutions (jails, prisons, etc)
  • Secure Areas of Airport terminals
  • Secure areas of Facilities that care for those with mental illness.
  • Secure areas of Any Courthouse
  • Any area the Federal or State government prohibits firearms.


You should be attentive for signs warning of restricted areas especially when carrying firearms into public places.

constitutional Carry in Utah: Restaurant Bar
Utah allows concealed carry in bars and restaurants but you must not be under the influence

Can I carry in Restaurants or Bars in Utah?

Yes. You can carry in restaurants and bars unless posted otherwise. You CANNOT be under the influence of alcohol while carrying a weapon.

Can I carry concealed in a vehicle in Utah?

Yes, you can carry a handgun in a vehicle in Utah with or without a permit.

Can I Carry in State Parks, National Parks, Forests and Wildlife Management Areas of Utah?

Yes, you can carry in State & National Parks in Utah with or without a permit.

Utah Constitutional Carry: Laws Regarding the Sale or Transfer of Firearms

Here are some common questions dealing with the purchase of a gun in Utah.

Is a permit required to purchase firearms in Utah?

No permit is needed to purchase a handgun in Utah. CFP holders do not need a background check. Provisional CFP holders cannot purchase a handgun at all because they are not 21 years of age.

Does Utah have a waiting period when buying a handgun?

There is no waiting period after buying a handgun before taking possession in Utah.

Do Private-party sales and transfers require a background check in Utah?

No. Private party Firearms sales in Utah do not require a background check.

Although the state of Utah can override this, be aware that Salt Lake City has a policy in place that does require a background check if a private firearms sale or transfer occurs at:

  • Salt Palace Convention Center
  • Mountain America Expo Center
  • Salt Lake County Equestrian Park

Do I need to Register my handguns in Utah?

No. There is no requirement for handguns to be registered in Utah.

Does Utah have magazine limits for handguns?

No, Utah does not have any restrictions on magazine capacity.

Are there restrictions on the purchase of ammunition in Utah?

No. Utah does not have any restrictions on ammunition.

Utah Constitutional Carry: FAQ About Firearms Laws in Utah

Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding gun laws in Utah. Please read these if you are going to be legally carrying a gun in the state of Utah and want to do it right!

Does Utah allow Concealed Carry of Weapons other than Handguns with a Utah CFP?

No. A CFP is a permit to concealed carry handguns only. It may be legal to carry other weapons, but the CFP is a permit for handguns specifically.

Is There a Duty to Retreat in Utah?

No. Utah is a “Stand Your Ground” State and also a “Castle Doctrine” State. You do not need to retreat from a deadly threat before you resort to using deadly force to defend yourself or your family. This is assuming deadly force is justified.

Is there a ‘Red Flag” law in Utah?

No, Utah does not have a Red Flag Law.

Are “No Guns” signs enforced by law in Utah?

Yes and No. Utah Law does not allow for the enforcement of “No Guns” or “No Weapons” signs, except places specifically mentioned in the law, such as private residences, churches and houses of worship.

To be clear, it is illegal to carry in a posted private residence or church (house of worship).

Other establishments can, however, ask you to leave. Posted or not, if an establishment asks you to leave, you must leave or you can be legally charged.

Is there a Duty to inform law enforcement that I am carrying a gun in Utah?

No. In Utah, you are not required inform a law enforcement officer that you are carrying a firearm. However, for the safety of all involved, it is recommended to inform the officer upon initial contact. If you do not, and the officer sees the weapon, he may assume you are carrying illegally.

If and when you do inform law enforcement, simply tell the officer you are legally carrying a concealed handgun. Never touch or reach for the gun, just hand the officer your permit (if applicable) along with your drivers license or ID and wait for his or her instructions. Always keep your hands in plain sight and make no sudden or furtive movements.

law enforcement traffic stop

Utah Constitutional Carry: A Word of Advice and Additional questions Regarding Constitutional & Concealed Carry

I will just leave you with a word of advice. Always use common sense when carrying a handgun in Utah or any other location, concealed or otherwise. You need to hold yourself to a high level of responsibility, morality and lawfulness.

You must avoid confrontation at all times and never allow yourself to get into an argument of any kind with anybody. If you are carrying, you are essentially bringing a deadly weapon into every interaction you have in your daily life.

  • If someone cuts you off in traffic, LET IT GO.
  • If someone cuts in line in front of you, LET IT GO.
  • If someone starts trouble, LEAVE or CALL 911.

You must never instigate a problem or escalate an issue. If you get into an argument on the street and it ends with you drawing your weapon, you had better be the picture of innocence if you want to claim self defense.

If you have other questions, please leave them in the comments below and I will do my best to answer them.

*Footnote

Please keep in mind that these Utah gun laws can change at any time and it is your responsibility as the gun owner to know the laws in the states, counties, buildings and properties where you will be carrying your firearm.

Do not base your decision to carry your firearm in Utah or any other location solely on this article. I make no guarantee that this information is accurate at the time you read it, although I will endeavor to keep it up to date and accurate. I am not a lawyer. I am simply providing this information that I have gathered from various trustworthy sources in one place for your convenience.

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