Utah Carry Laws

Carrying A Firearm

Utah permits individuals who are not prohibited from possessing firearms to carry firearms openly or concealed, with different requirements for individuals 21 and older and those ages 18–20. Whether a firearm may be loaded, where it may be carried, and when a permit is required depend on Utah and federal law.

Carrying A Firearm

Under Utah Code § 53-5a-101.5, a concealed firearm is one covered, hidden, or secreted so the public would not be aware of its presence, and that is readily accessible for immediate use. A concealed firearm may be loaded. An unloaded firearm that is securely encased is not considered a concealed firearm under this definition.

Constitutional Carry

Utah Constitutional Carry

Age 21 & Older

If you are at least 21 years old and are not a prohibited person under Utah Code Title 76, Chapter 11, Part 3 or 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), you may carry a lawfully possessed firearm loaded, openly or concealed, without a concealed firearm permit.

Open & Concealed Carry

Individuals at least 21 years old may carry a loaded firearm openly or concealed without a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit.

Prohibited Areas

State & Federal Prohibited Areas: Firearms are prohibited in designated secure areas of correctional facilities, law enforcement facilities, courthouses, airport secure areas, and other locations where state or federal law prohibits firearms.

Elementary & Secondary Schools (K–12) and Daycares: Individuals 21 or older without a valid Utah Concealed Firearm Permit cannot carry a firearm on school or daycare premises. Individuals 21 or older with a valid Utah Concealed Firearm Permit may carry a loaded, concealed firearm on these premises. Open carry is prohibited.

Colleges & Universities: Individuals 21 or older may carry a loaded, concealed firearm without a permit at Utah institutions of higher education. Individuals ages 18–20 must have a valid Utah Provisional Concealed Firearm Permit to carry a loaded, concealed firearm. Open carry is prohibited.

School Zones: The Federal "Gun-Free School Zone Act" restricts firearm possession within 1,000 feet of K–12 school grounds. There are exceptions such as a Utah concealed firearm permit or provisional permit, firearms in vehicles and more. See school firearms laws for important information.

Utah Prohibited Areas Federal Prohibited Areas School Firearm Laws Constitutional Carry States

Loaded Firearms In Vehicles

Handguns: Individuals who are not prohibited from possessing firearms may carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle they lawfully possess or a vehicle with the owner's consent. Rifles, Shotguns & Muzzle-Loading Rifles: Must be unloaded unless you have a valid concealed firearm permit and it is your vehicle or you have the owner's consent.

Firearms In Vehicles

Open Carry — Ages 18–20

Utah Open Carry

If you are 18–20 years old, are not prohibited from possessing firearms under Utah or federal law, and do not have a valid provisional concealed firearm permit, you may openly carry a lawfully possessed unloaded firearm in public. The firearm must remain visible at all times.

Loaded & Concealed Carry Exceptions

Utah law allows individuals ages 18–20 who are not prohibited from possessing firearms to carry a loaded firearm concealed without a provisional concealed firearm permit in the following circumstances:

  • Home & Property: In your home, including a temporary residence such as a hotel or motel, a camp including a tent, or on your real property.
  • Vehicles: In your vehicle or a vehicle with the owner's consent. This exception applies to handguns only.
  • Business: In your business or a business under your control. Control means having the direct or indirect authority to direct management and policies through ownership, voting rights, contract, or another arrangement. This can include an employee or organization member with significant authority over business decisions.
  • Hunting: While lawfully hunting, provided you are outside the limits of a municipality (city) and not on a highway or road.

Provisional Concealed Firearm Permit

Individuals ages 18–20 may obtain a Utah Provisional Concealed Firearm Permit to carry a loaded, concealed firearm in public, including at Utah colleges and universities. A provisional permit does not authorize carrying a firearm on K–12 school premises.

Utah Concealed Firearm Permits

Armed Security Officers

Individuals who hold a valid Utah armed private security officer license may carry a loaded firearm, openly or concealed, while on duty performing authorized armed security duties. The officer must meet the licensing requirements established under Utah law.

Loaded & Unloaded Firearms

Loaded Firearm

Under Utah Code § 76-11-102, a firearm is loaded when an unexpended cartridge, shell, or projectile is in the firing position.

A handgun is also loaded when operating a mechanism once would cause a cartridge to fire. A muzzle-loading firearm is loaded when capped or primed and containing a powder charge and ball or shot.

Unloaded Firearm

Semi-Automatic: A loaded magazine may remain inserted if the chamber is empty and two mechanical actions are required to fire: chambering a round and pulling the trigger.

Double-Action Revolver: The chamber aligned with the barrel and the next chamber to rotate into firing position must be empty. Two trigger pulls must be required to fire. Know the cylinder's rotation direction.

Important: A thumb, grip, trigger, or other safety does not count as a mechanical action.

Applicable Utah & Federal Laws