Concealed Firearms Permit

How to Get a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit

By February 6, 2019 No Comments

Concealed Firearms Permit FAQ’s

How do I get a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit?

  • Attend a Weapon Familiarity Course (commonly called a “Concealed Firearm Permit Class”) offered by a BCI certified instructor. This is generally a four hour classroom instruction, no firearms or live firing is required. Concealed Firearm Classes Available HERE
  • Submit completed application to the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) along with fingerprints, current photograph of passport quality, and copy of driver’s license/identification card, and a payment of $53.25 for residents or $63.25 for non-residents to BCI for your Concealed Firearm Permit.
  • Non-resident proof of permit. If you reside in a state that recognizes the validity of the Utah CFP or has reciprocity with Utah, you must obtain a CFP or CCW from your home state and submit a copy of it with your application for a Utah permit. You are considered a resident of whichever state issued your ID. If your state does not recognize the Utah permit this does not apply.

What will it cost to apply?

  • The fees to apply for a concealed firearm permit are $53.25 for Utah residents and $63.25 for non-residents. Please make checks and money orders payable to the “Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification.”

Who is Eligible?

*Minimum requirements for application for a concealed firearms permit in Utah are:

  • Applicant must be at least 21 years of age for a standard permit
  • Provisional permits issued to 18-20 year old applicants;
  • Proof of good character…whereas the applicant;
  • has not been convicted of a felony;
  • has not been convicted of any crime of violence;
  • has not been convicted of any offense involving the use of alcohol;
  • has not been convicted of any offenses involving the unlawful use of narcotics or other controlled substances;
  • has not been convicted of any offenses involving moral turpitude;
  • has not been convicted of any offense involving domestic violence;
  • has not been adjudicated by a court of a state or of the United States as mentally incompetent, unless the adjudication has been withdrawn or reversed
  • is qualified to purchase and possess a firearm pursuant to Section 76-10-503 and federal law
  • *A criminal background check is conducted for all applicants.

If I get stopped by a police officer, do I, as a permit holder, have to tell the officer that I have a gun in my possession?

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.

Is there any way that I can check to see if my criminal history will prevent me from obtaining a concealed firearm permit BEFORE I go through the whole process of applying?

You can come into our 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
Taylorsville, Utah 84129
(801) 965-4445, option “3”

As a permit holder, exactly where can I carry or not carry a handgun?

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 cannot 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.

 

What about private businesses? Can they post signs prohibiting someone from carrying a gun into their business even though the person has a concealed firearms permit?

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.

May I carry my loaded and concealed firearm into a bar or other drinking establishment?

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. (.08 B.A.C.)

If I feel someone MAY be a threat to me, can I show them that I have a gun to scare them off?

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 to carry a concealed firearm 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.

Do I have to be a Utah resident to obtain a concealed firearm permit?

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.

If I have a Utah Concealed Firearms Permit, do I have to go through the standard “Brady Bill Background Check” when I purchase a firearm?

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 contact BCI to confirm the validity of the concealed firearm permit.

 

* https://bci.utah.gov/concealed-firearm/general-information/concealed-firearm-permit-frequently-asked-questions/