With its stunning natural landscapes and a culture of hunting and outdoor recreation, Utah is a state where firearms hold a significant place in the lives of many residents. Luckily for them, Utah is one of the least restrictive states in the country when it comes to gun laws. And your second amendment rights are very well protected in the Beehive State.
So, let’s take a closer look at all the information you need to become a law-abiding gun owner in Utah. I’ll be looking at the details of Utah gun laws, including the types of firearms that are legal to own, the open and concealed carry laws, and the self-defense rules in the state.
Whether you’re a gun owner or simply interested in learning more about the gun laws in Utah, I’ve got you covered. So let’s find out what it’s like to be a gun owner in Utah!
In Utah, as long as you are over the age of 18 and are not legally restricted from buying a firearm, you are not required to have a permit, undergo a background check or register firearms when purchasing a firearm from a private individual. You will, however, have to submit to a background check if you are buying from a licensed gun dealer unless you already have a Utah concealed firearms permit.
Once you have purchased your firearm, there is no waiting period between the sale and the collection of the gun, and you are not required to register it. This applies to both handguns and long guns.
However, due to the lack of registration, it is important to keep your receipt for proof of ownership in case it is needed in the future.
When it comes to handguns, Utah has no restrictions on magazine capacity or the type of ammunition you can buy. However for…
Machine Guns
It is illegal to own a machine gun (automatic fire) or a similar type of firearm unless you are federally licensed to do so. It’s a felony to break this law.
Since May 5, 2021, when the Governor signed HB 60 into law, individuals who are at least 21 years old and are legally allowed to possess a firearm, are permitted to carry a loaded firearm either openly or concealed.
Utah Concealed Firearm Permits (CFP) will continue to be issued to individuals who require them for reasons such as reciprocity to carry in other states. You will have to be a resident and a minimum of 21 years old. If you are between 18 to 20 years of age, you can apply for a provisional permit.
Furthermore, the Utah CFP is not just available to residents. Non-residents who possess a concealed carry permit from their state and are at least 21 years old are also eligible to apply for the CFP.
However, not everyone is eligible to apply for a Utah CFP. To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
Application Process for Utah Concealed Firearms Permit
Here are the steps to apply for a Utah CFP:
Utah CFP Fees
Utah residents will have to pay $53.25 for a Utah concealed carry permit, whilst for non-residents it’s $63.25.
The permit is good for five years and can be renewed by residents for $20 and non-residents for $25. One month before your permit expires, the BCI will have a renewal application sent to you via the post.
As mentioned, you may have to attend a firearms safety training course certified by the Bureau of Criminal Identification before you apply for a Utah CFP. Individuals with law enforcement or military experience who can prove their gun handling experience by obtaining a certificate from a BCI certified individual can skip the safety course.
For everyone else, the training involves the following:
You can conceal carry in Utah in any area that hasn’t specifically posted signs or where it’s illegal to do so by state or federal law. That includes the following places:
There are a number of places you can’t carry a firearm in Utah:
In terms of the Utah self-defense laws, the state follows the Castle Doctrine, which means that individuals are not required to retreat if they feel threatened. Utah also has a stand your ground law, which allows individuals to use force to prevent a felony from occurring at any location where they are legally permitted to be. This means that individuals are lawfully allowed to use force to defend themselves against any potential harm without the obligation to retreat.
Property Defense
If an individual reasonably believes that the use of force is necessary to stop another person’s unlawful entry or attack on their property or residence, the use of force is considered justified. However, the use of deadly force is only permitted in two situations:
That does seem to cover almost all home invasions, so you’re well covered here.
One situation that the castle doctrine law does not protect is home owners who have acted aggressively towards others. If you are the one who instigates a confrontation, you have a responsibility to remove yourself from the situation instead of using violence.
The castle doctrine law is designed to protect individuals who are defending themselves or others from harm in their homes, not those who are using excessive force or acting unlawfully. As a responsibly armed American, you need to understand the limitations of the law and to always put safety and de-escalation first in any situation.
Personal Defense
You are entitled to use deadly force if you can reasonably prove that it was required to protect yourself or anyone else from serious harm or death. There has to be an imminent threat. You are also allowed to employ deadly force to stop someone in the act of committing a felony.
Immunity from Civil or Criminal Prosecution
If a trespasser has used violence against you or your property to commit a felony and you have used deadly force in defense of your person or property, it will be presumed that you acted in self-defense out of fear for your safety. However, if evidence can be produced that suggests otherwise, you may still be prosecuted.
Next, let’s take a look at some more important gun laws that you should be aware of as a gun owner in Utah.
In some states, you are required by the law to inform an approaching police officer that you are conceal carrying a firearm. There is no such legal requirement in the state of Utah.
Utah does have preemption laws in place. This basically means that state law can override any local laws when it comes to handgun possession.
For example, the mayor of Salt Lake City introduced background checks for private firearm purchases in the city in 2019. Preemption laws signed by the Governor in 2022 override this local policy.
Red Flag laws grants judges or magistrates the power to issue a temporary emergency order if there is reason to suspect that an individual with a firearm poses a significant risk of harm to themselves or others. The order usually lasts for 14 days and can be extended after a review.
Utah has no red-flag law on its statute books.
It is illegal in Utah to be carrying a firearm whilst drinking alcohol or under the influence of alcohol. This is defined as being in possession of a firearm with a blood/breath alcohol reading of 0.05 grams or more. There are also laws regarding other controlled substances too.
Irrespective of the laws in your state, no responsible gun owner should carry a firearm while drinking or ingesting any drugs that could affect their judgment, slow down their reaction times, or affect their ability to make sound decisions. Remember that any decision made while armed could have significant and permanent consequences.
Whilst there is no law that specifically mentions the word brandishing in Utah, it is illegal to draw or display a gun in an aggressive or threatening manner in the company of two or more people. However, the mere possession of a gun, whether it is openly carried or concealed, without any threatening behavior is perfectly legal.
Find out with our in-depth guides to the New Hampshire Gun Laws, North Dakota Gun Laws, Arkansas Gun Laws, Ohio Gun Laws, Alabama Gun Laws, or Arizona Gun Laws. For any other state, put its name in our search box, and find out everything you need to know about the local gun laws.
And for more advice on keeping your firearms secure, take a look at our reviews of the Best In Wall Gun Safes, the Best Gun Safes, the Best Liberty Gun Safe, the Best Stack On Gun Safe, the Best Gun Safe under 500 Dollars, or the Best Winchester Gun Safe currently on the market.
You might also enjoy our reviews of the Best Kodiac Safe, the Best Cannon Gun Safe, the Best Gun Safes under 1000 Dollars, the Best Biometric Gun Safe, as well as the Best Car Gun Safes that you can buy in 2024.
There aren’t many better places to be a gun owner in the United States than Utah. To legally own and carry a gun in the Beehive State is an incredibly stress-free experience thanks to the lack of red tape and regulations involved.
In some states, you are required to get a permit just to buy a gun. You will then have to convert that into a full gun license after you have bought your firearm. That will come after an enforced waiting period before you can collect your gun, and then you will have to register it with the authorities. There will likely be limitations on the number of handguns you can own, and on the magazine size and type of ammunition, you can purchase.
You don’t have to concern yourself with any of that nonsense in Utah. What’s more, as long as you are legally entitled to own a gun and are over the age of 21, you can open and concealed carry without the annoyance of having to get a permit.
In an age of increasing gun restrictions, Utah offers a beacon of hope for those who value their second amendment rights.
As always, safe and happy shooting.
