Utah is a shall-issue state. Permits are issued by the Bureau of Criminal Identification.

There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. Although the state has preemption, Salt Lake County has established a policy that background checks for private sales in the counties three event facilities (Salt Palace Convention Center, Mountain America Expo Center and Salt Lake County Equestrian Park).

On March 24, 2022, Gov. Spencer Cox signed SB 115 into law, giving the state greater control over gun laws in Utah. For instance, the state now has the authority to override the policy established in Salt Lake County by Mayor Jenny Wilson in 2019. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2022.

As of May 5, 2021, based on the Governor’s signing of HB 60, both open carry and  concealed carry of a loaded firearm are legal for anyone at least 21 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm.  Utah Concealed Firearm Permits (CFP) will still be offered for individuals interested in reciprocity to carry in other states. Utah CFPs are issued to residents at least 21 years of age or 18 for a provisional permit.