FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Constitutional Carry, as it is often referred to, simply allows a person who was previously forced to ‘open carry’ to cover it in an effort to not create fear when others see the firearm.  What the new law DOES NOT do is exempt them from the laws that those with permits enjoy.  For example, a person with a permit may carry in public K-12 schools, public higher education facilities, are exempt from a background check when purchasing a firearm but most importantly, a permit holder have reciprocity privileges with 36 other states.

It does not.  For the purposes of the permit, they use the address you supply on the application.  The address on the actual ID is not relevant.

With the said, Utah considers the ID in your possession to be the state of which you are a resident regardless of how long you have lived in the state of Utah.

The Provisional CFP expires on the holder’s 21st birthday.  The Provisional CFP does not allow the holder to carry in primary and secondary schools (UCA 53-5-710(2).  Please check your state or states you are planning to visit to see applicable local laws. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to know and understand the applicable laws for their home state and any state they plan to visit.

By Utah statute, Utah Bureau of Criminal Investigation has sixty (60) days from the time they start ‘ processing ‘ your application although it rarely takes that long.  They officially start ‘processing’ your application when they process your payment (check your bank account or card statement).

That means they may have your application in their office but not start processing your application from a few days to a month, depending on the amount of applications they are processing.  DO NOT CALL BCI until at least 60 days have passed from the time your payment is processed.

An active duty military member and their family are consider to be Utah residents, even if their ID is not from Utah. You must be currently stationed in  Utah and are able to present a copy of those orders.

It does not.  Utah’s course is structured around Utah’s law’s.  Neither a hunter safety course nor another states firearm course will satisfy the requirements to be signed off on the Utah requirments.

Yes, we will provide you the service of fingerprinting, passport size photo and best of all, hand delivery to BCI for application processing. Everything can be done during our course.  We do not prefer to use other agencies fingerprints cards or photos.  We can do it all for you and it is part of the course.

Most classes will take between 4.5 – 5 hours. We spend time on the laws as that’s what will keep you out of trouble.

The cost of taking the course is outline of the course description.

In accordance with U.C.A. 76-10-523, Utah will honor a permit to carry a concealed firearm issued by another state or county.

Of the states below that have formalized reciprocity or recognition with Utah, there are some states that will only accept the Utah concealed firearm permit so long as the permit holder is a resident of Utah.

It is the responsibility of all Utah concealed firearm permit holders to know and understand the applicable firearm laws of the states within which they plan to visit or venture. For information regarding firearm laws of other states, please contact the respective authority within that state.

Please see an interactive map HERE!

Although there is no legal requirement to identify yourself to a law enforcement officer, it is recommended to do so.

If an officer finds or sees a gun on your person during their contact with you, and you have not identified yourself as a permit holder in legal possession of a firearm, the officer may assume you are carrying the gun illegally and may take defensive action. For the safety of all involved, it is recommended to immediately identify yourself to the officer as a permit holder in possession of a handgun. This action gives the officer some assurance they are most likely dealing with a law abiding citizen.

Yes. You can come into the BCI office or call by phone and ask to speak with one of the investigators. If you explain to the investigator what type of problem you have had, he can give you a good idea whether you qualify for a concealed firearm permit or not.

Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification
3888 West 5400 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84118

The concealed firearm permit allows an individual to carry a firearm fully loaded and concealed.  The permit also allows an individual to carry a firearm into public schools. Permit holders can not carry a firearm into federal or state restricted areas i.e. any airport secured area, federal facilities, courts, correctional & mental health facilities, law enforcement secured areas, a house of worship or private residence where notice given and/or posted, any secured area in which firearms are prohibited and notice posted, or otherwise prohibited by state of federal law.

Naturally, private property owners may apply whatever restrictions they want. Whether or not these restrictions violate one’s constitutional rights is for the civil courts to decide. But the only statutory restrictions on a permit holder are secured areas such as airports and federal buildings.

There is nothing in state statute that prohibits permit holders from being in a bar with a concealed firearm. However, it is illegal to be intoxicated and in possession of a firearm. The level of intoxication that is considered illegal is the same standard as when driving a car. (.05 B.A.C.)

Any action you take with a gun must be in direct self-defense; otherwise, it may be considered threatening with a dangerous weapon and you could be labeled as the aggressor. You may be criminally charged and you will possibly have your permit revoked. Carrying a firearm is very serious business. There is no room for mistakes. If you pull a firearm on someone or even display the weapon, then it must be in self defense or it is not justified.

No. Any U.S. citizen or legal resident (with the intent to reside in the United States) may obtain a Utah concealed firearm permit, providing they meet the minimum qualifications. View the minimum qualifications.

A valid Utah concealed firearm permit may be used to waive the BCI background check and the corresponding fees. However, the dealer is still required to call BCI to confirm the validity of the concealed firearm permit.