Gun Laws in Utah
Explore comprehensive details on Utah gun laws, from permits and registration to Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws. Understand open carry, concealed carry, and firearm restrictions in Utah.
| Subject/Law | Long Guns | Hand Guns | Relevant Statutes | Notes |
|---|
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | | |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | | |
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | | |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | | |
| Owner license required? | No | No | | |
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | UT Code § 53-05-704
UT Code § 76-10-504
UT Code § 76-10-523(5) | Utah is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 18 years or older. Regular permits are issued to those 21 or older, and Provisional permits are issued to those 18 to 21.
Permitless carry took effect on May 5, 2021. |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | UT Code § 76-10-502
UT Code § 76-10-505
UT Code § 76-10-523(5) | May carry openly without permit if 21 or older.
For those 18 to 21: Open carry of a loaded firearm (e.g., a live round of ammunition in the firing chamber) is allowed with a permit. Open carry of firearm without a permit is allowed as long as the gun is at least two actions from being fired, e.g. 1) rack the slide to chamber, and 2) pull the trigger; or must carry with no bullet in the next chamber in a revolver, so have to pull the trigger twice to fire. |
| Castle Doctrine law? | Yes | Yes | UT Code § 76-2-405 | Force in defense of habitation. "(1) A person is justified in using force against another when and to the extent that he reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other's unlawful entry into or attack upon his habitation; however, he is justified in the use of force which is intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury only if: (a) the entry is made or attempted in a violent and tumultuous manner, surreptitiously, or by stealth, and he reasonably believes that the entry is attempted or made for the purpose of assaulting or offering personal violence to any person, dwelling, or being in the habitation and he reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent the assault or offer of personal violence; or (b) he reasonably believes that the entry is made or attempted for the purpose of committing a felony in the habitation and that the force is necessary to prevent the commission of the felony. (2) The person using force or deadly force in defense of habitation is presumed for the purpose of both civil and criminal cases to have acted reasonably and had a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or serious bodily injury if the entry or attempted entry is unlawful and is made or attempted by use of force, or in a violent and tumultuous manner, or surreptitiously or by stealth, or for the purpose of committing a felony." |
| Stand Your Ground law? | Yes | Yes | UT Code § 76-2-402 | Force in defense of person – Forcible felony defined. "(1) (a) A person is justified in threatening or using force against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that force or a threat of force is necessary to defend the person or a third person against another person's imminent use of unlawful force. (b) A person is justified in using force intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury only if the person reasonably believes that force is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury to the person or a third person as a result of another person's imminent use of unlawful force, or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony." |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | UT Code § 53-5a-102
UT Code § 76-10-500 | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | | |
| Shall certify? | Yes | Yes | UT Code § 53-5a-104 | Shall certify within 15 days. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | Yes | Yes | UT Code § 76-10-523(4) | |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No | | |
Understanding Gun Laws by State: A Focus on Utah
When it comes to gun laws, they can vary significantly from state to state. In this article, we will be focusing on the gun laws in the state of Utah. We'll cover everything from permits and registration to the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws. Let's dive in.
Permits and Registration
In Utah, there is no state permit required to purchase either long guns or handguns. This means that individuals can purchase these firearms without needing to obtain a specific permit from the state. Additionally, there is no firearm registration required for either long guns or handguns. This means that once you've purchased a firearm, you do not need to register it with the state.
Assault Weapon Laws and Magazine Capacity
Utah does not have any specific assault weapon laws or magazine capacity restrictions. This means that there are no additional restrictions or laws that apply specifically to assault weapons or the capacity of a firearm's magazine.
Owner License and Concealed Carry
There is no owner license required for either long guns or handguns in Utah. However, when it comes to concealed carry, the laws are a bit different. While a permit is not required for concealed carry of handguns, Utah is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 18 years or older. Regular permits are issued to those 21 or older, and Provisional permits are issued to those 18 to 21. Permitless carry took effect on May 5, 2021. For long guns, the concept of concealed carry is not applicable.
Open Carry Laws
Utah does not require a permit for open carry of either long guns or handguns. However, there are some restrictions. Individuals may carry openly without a permit if they are 21 or older. For those 18 to 21, open carry of a loaded firearm is allowed with a permit. Open carry of a firearm without a permit is allowed as long as the gun is at least two actions from being fired.
Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground Laws
Utah has both Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws. The Castle Doctrine law allows a person to use force against another when they reasonably believe that the force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other's unlawful entry into or attack upon their habitation. The Stand Your Ground law justifies a person in threatening or using force against another when they reasonably believe that force or a threat of force is necessary to defend themselves or a third person against another person's imminent use of unlawful force.
State Preemption of Local Restrictions
Utah has state preemption of local restrictions. This means that the state laws regarding firearms override any local laws or restrictions. This ensures that the gun laws are consistent throughout the entire state.
NFA Weapons and Shall Certify
Utah does not have any restrictions on NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons. Additionally, the state has a "shall certify" law, which means that the state must certify the transfer or making of a firearm within 15 days.
Peaceable Journey Laws and Private Sales
Utah has peaceable journey laws, which protect travelers who are passing through the state with a firearm. However, the state does not require background checks for private sales of firearms.
In conclusion, Utah's gun laws are relatively permissive, with no requirements for permits to purchase, firearm registration, or owner licenses. However, there are specific laws regarding concealed and open carry, as well as laws protecting individuals' rights to defend themselves and their homes. As always, it's important to understand the specific laws in your state and to follow them responsibly.
