Utah is known for having fairly unrestrictive gun laws. On March 24, 2022, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed Senate Bill 115, granting the state increased control over Utah's gun laws. The law went into effect on July 1, 2022.
Utah Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ✅ Yes - Utah passed a bill on May 5th, 2021 which enacted permit-less carry (or constitutional carry) for any person at least 21 or older and who is legally allowed to own a firearm. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - Utah recognizes permit-less carry (also known as constitutional carry) as of May 5, 2021. This effectively means that any individual at least 21 or older and who may legally own a firearm, is allowed to open carry without a permit. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - Utah allows for any person at least 18 or older (and who may legally own a firearm) to carry a firearm in their vehicle without a permit. |
Carry In State Park? | ✅ Yes - Utah allows for individuals to carry concealed (or openly) on their state parks without a permit. However, you cannot carry within any public buildings on state park land. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ Yes - Utah allows for individuals to carry within restaurants or bars so long as you're not under the influence of any alcohol. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ✅ ❌ Yes/No - There is a bit of confusion around no weapons signs within Utah. In the Utah code there are specific areas where firearms are not permitted whatsoever. These include churches (places of worship), public buildings, etc. However, it's not specifically written that no weapons signs have any weight behind them. |
Must Notify Officer? | ❌ No - Utah does not have any duty to inform laws within their code requiring you to notify a LEO you're carrying a firearm. |
Utah CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted Reciprocity with Utah
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
How Reciprocity Works In Utah
- The state of Utah will honor all other state permits.
- There are 36 states that honor the standard Utah CCW permit.
- However, 6 of these states will only honor a Utah residential permit.
- And 19 states will not honor the Utah Provisional permit.
Reciprocity Agreements In Utah
There are two types of permits in Utah, a Standard Permit and a Provisional Permit, the later being issued to persons aged between 18 – 21. Some states will not accept both these permits due to the low age requirements on the Provisional Permit. The standard permit is very popular for non-residents as it allows them to travel in 30 states with a handgun. For a full list of what permits a state will accept please look at the official reciprocity list.
Utah: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state – except those listed as Off-Limits
Places Not Allowed
- Any courthouse
- Any secure area in which firearms are prohibited
- Mental health facility
- Correctional facility
- Secure area of airport
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
- Church or house of worship that has given notice firearms are prohibited
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Congregation of Kol Ami
Utah: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, Utah recognizes permit-less carry (also known as constitutional carry) as of May 5, 2021. This effectively means that any individual at least 21 or older and who may legally own a firearm, is allowed to open carry without a permit.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, Utah allows for any person at least 18 or older (and who may legally own a firearm) to carry a firearm in their vehicle without a permit.
Carry In State Parks
Yes, it is legal to carry in the following areas:
- State Parks: YES
- State/National Forests: YES
- State Wildlife Management Areas: YES
- Road Side Rest Areas: YES
Carry In Restaurants
Yes, nothing in Utah law prevents a person from carrying a concealed handgun in a bar or restaurant where alcohol is being served. You should be aware though that it is a crime to be in possession of a firearm if you are intoxicated. Intoxication levels are based on those used for driving a vehicle.
Constitutional Carry
Yes, Utah passed a bill on May 5th, 2021 which enacted permit-less carry (or constitutional carry) for any person at least 21 or older and who is legally allowed to own a firearm.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
No, “No Weapons” signs under Utah gun laws have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned by the law as being off limits. The law specifically mentions “places of worship” and “private residences”. If any of these places has posted a “No Weapons” sign than it is illegal to enter. A place of business is not mentioned in the law so it would be legal to lawfully enter a posted business although we do not recommend that.
Must Notify Officer
No, Utah gun laws do not require you to inform law enforcement you are carrying a firearm. There is also no requirement to carry a permit.
Additional Resources
Utah Concealed Carry Laws
Utah Open Carry Laws
Utah Gun Permit Laws
