Isabella Carter
On February 12, 2021, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed HB60 into law, making Utah the 17th or 18th state to institute constitutional carry or permitless carry. The law, which took effect on May 5, 2021, allows for both open and concealed carry of firearms without a permit for adults over the age of 21. Those between the ages of 18 and 20 can carry concealed with a provisional permit or an out-of-state permit, or openly with an unloaded firearm. Utah joins other states with similar laws, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of passing | May 5, 2021 |
| Governor | Spencer Cox |
| Bill | HB60 |
| Type of carry | Open and concealed |
| Age requirement | 21 and above |
| Provisional permit age requirement | 18-20 |
| Type of firearm | Handgun |
| Number of states recognizing Utah CFP | 37 |
| Number of constitutional carry states | 29 |
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What You'll Learn
Utah's gun laws
The new law permits adults over the age of 21 to carry a loaded handgun openly or concealed without a permit. Those between the ages of 18 and 20 can carry a concealed weapon with a provisional permit or any valid out-of-state permit, or they can open carry if the firearm is unloaded. It is important to note that certain restrictions still apply. For example, it is illegal to carry a firearm on school premises without a valid permit. Additionally, only Utah CFP holders may carry concealed weapons in Utah public schools.
Utah also offers resident and non-resident permits. Non-residents who have a permit from their home state may apply for a Utah CFP. These permits are recognised for concealed carry in 37 other states, providing an advantage for those who plan to carry a concealed weapon outside of Utah. The application process for a Utah CFP requires in-person training that covers the safe loading, unloading, storage, and carrying of firearms, as well as current laws defining the lawful use of firearms by private citizens.
Utah's adoption of constitutional carry is part of a broader trend across the United States. Over the last two decades, more than 50% of states have passed similar laws, with 29 states currently allowing constitutional carry or permitless carry as of 2025.
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Governor Spencer Cox's signing of SB 115
On March 24, 2022, Governor Spencer Cox of Utah signed SB 115 into law, giving the state greater control over gun laws within the state. The law will come into effect on July 1, 2022, and it overrides the policy established in Salt Lake County by Mayor Jenny Wilson in 2019.
The signing of SB 115 by Governor Cox is a significant development in Utah's gun legislation. It demonstrates the state's intention to exert more authority over its gun laws and make changes to existing policies. This move by the state reflects a broader trend in the United States, with Utah becoming the 17th or 18th state to adopt constitutional carry laws, depending on the timing of Montana's new law.
The new law allows for both open carry and concealed carry of loaded firearms by individuals who are at least 21 years old and may lawfully possess a firearm. This means that a person in Utah no longer needs a permit to carry a concealed firearm in public places, including on public streets. However, it is important to note that there are still some restrictions in place. For example, carrying a firearm on school premises without a valid permit remains illegal. Additionally, individuals under the age of 21 who fall into a specific category, such as active military personnel or veterans, may also be permitted to carry firearms without a permit.
The passage of SB 115 has sparked discussions and raised questions about the implications of such laws. Some people have expressed concerns about the potential societal harm that may arise from unlicensed individuals carrying firearms. On the other hand, supporters of constitutional carry laws argue for the protection of constitutional rights and highlight the multivariate nature of crime root causes.
Governor Cox's signing of SB 115 is a reflection of Utah's stance on gun control and its desire to give its residents more freedom to carry firearms. While this development aligns with the state's priorities, it also underscores the ongoing debate surrounding gun legislation in the United States.
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Open carry and concealed carry laws
As of May 5, 2021, Utah passed a law allowing both open carry and concealed carry of a loaded firearm for anyone over the age of 21 who may lawfully possess a firearm. Utah is a "shall-issue" state, meaning that the state will issue a permit to carry a concealed firearm for lawful self-defence to an applicant who is 21 years of age or older within 60 days of receiving an application. The state also offers provisional permits for individuals between the ages of 18 and 20.
Utah's gun laws allow for greater freedom compared to other states. For example, individuals with a permit may carry firearms in some places that are typically prohibited in other states, such as banks, bars, and state parks. With a permit, individuals are also allowed to carry firearms in schools (K-12) and state universities. Utah's Uniform Firearm Laws explicitly prohibit public schools from creating or enforcing any rules pertaining to firearms and mandate that public schools permit lawful firearms possession.
Utah's concealed carry permits, also known as Concealed Firearm Permits (CFPs), are recognised in 34 states across the US. However, some states, such as Colorado, only honour the permit if the holder is a resident of Utah. Obtaining a Utah CFP allows individuals interested in reciprocity to carry firearms in other states. The application process for a CFP requires a firearms familiarity course certified by the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and in-person training that covers topics like safe loading, unloading, storage, and carrying of different types of firearms.
While Utah's gun laws allow for permitless carry, there are still restrictions on where individuals can carry firearms. Federal and state-restricted areas, such as secured areas of airports, federal facilities, courts, correctional and mental health facilities, law enforcement secured areas, and private residences with posted notices, are off-limits for carrying firearms, even with a permit. Additionally, it is illegal to carry a firearm on any school premises without a valid CFP. It is also illegal to have a loaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle in a vehicle without a CFP or the owner's consent.
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Utah's Concealed Firearm Permits
On February 12, 2021, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed HB60 into law, making Utah a "constitutional carry" or "permitless carry" state. This law came into effect on May 5, 2021, and allows individuals over the age of 21 to carry a loaded firearm openly or concealed without a permit. Those between the ages of 18 and 20 can carry a concealed firearm with a provisional permit or any out-of-state permit, or open carry if the firearm is unloaded.
Despite the new law, there are still benefits to obtaining a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP). A CFP is required to carry a concealed firearm in a public, private, religious, charter, or higher education school, and is also necessary to carry in 37 other states. Additionally, a CFP exempts the holder from paying an additional background check fee when purchasing a firearm.
Utah offers both resident and non-resident CFPs. To obtain a CFP, an individual must be at least 21 years old, or 18 for a provisional permit. Non-residents must have a permit from their home state to be eligible for a Utah CFP. The CFP course requires in-person training that covers the safe loading, unloading, storage, and carrying of firearms, as well as current laws defining the lawful use of firearms by private citizens.
While Utah has taken steps to increase access to firearms, it is important to note that certain restrictions still apply. For example, it is illegal to carry a firearm on school premises without a valid CFP, and there are off-limits areas such as courthouses and secured areas of airports. Additionally, individuals without a CFP may not possess a loaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loader in a vehicle.
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The legal age to carry a firearm
Utah is a "shall-issue" state, meaning it will issue a permit to carry a concealed firearm for lawful self-defence to anyone who meets the requirements. The minimum age to obtain a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) is generally 21 years for residents and non-residents, while those aged 18-20 may obtain a provisional permit. However, it is important to note that even with a CFP, federal law prohibits possessing a loaded handgun at a K-12 school, and Utah law prohibits carrying a firearm on any school premises without a valid CFP.
Utah allows for permitless carry, meaning anyone over the age of 21 who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed or open firearm without a license or permit. This applies to both residents and non-residents of Utah.
Additionally, Utah law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from possessing a dangerous weapon, including firearms. However, there are exceptions for minors who are on real property with the necessary permissions and those who are lawfully engaged in hunting.
It is important to note that Utah's gun laws may change over time, and it is the responsibility of individuals to stay informed about the latest regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
The legal age to carry a firearm in Utah is 21 years and older. Those aged 18-20 can carry a firearm with a provisional permit or any out-of-state permit.
A constitutional carry state does not prohibit individuals who can legally possess a firearm from carrying handguns. A permitless carry state allows constitutional carry but individuals must meet certain qualifications to legally carry.
There are 37 states in the US that recognize the Utah CFP. This means that for anyone planning on carrying a concealed firearm outside of Utah, a CFP is required. Additionally, only Utah CFP holders may carry concealed firearms in Utah public schools.
