Utah Gun Laws

Under the 2025 weapons-code recodification, only individuals younger than 21 commit the offense of unlawful concealed carry (and only without a provisional or recognized permit). By exclusion, adults 21+ who may lawfully possess a firearm may carry concealed in public without a permit. Effective May 7, 2025.

"An actor commits unlawful carrying of a concealed firearm by an individual under 21 years old if: (a) the actor is younger than 21 years old; (b) the actor does not have a provisional concealed carry permit issued in accordance with Section 53-5a-304 or a concealed carry permit lawfully issued by or in another state."

Utah Code § 76-11-202 (Unlawful carrying of a concealed firearm by an individual under 21 years old) statute

An individual 21 years old or older who may otherwise lawfully possess firearms may openly carry or carry concealed, without a concealed carry permit, a loaded or unloaded firearm in any place not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law. Effective May 6, 2026.

"an individual 21 years old or older who may otherwise lawfully possess firearms, may open or conceal carry, without a conceal carry permit: (i) an unloaded or loaded firearm: (A) on a public street; or (B) in any other place not prohibited by, or pursuant to, state statute or federal law."

Utah Code § 53-5a-102.2 (Open and concealed carry of a firearm outside of an individual's residence) statute

House Bill 60 of the 2021 General Session — enacted as Laws of Utah Chapter 12 — added the original permitless-carry exemption for adults 21+ to former § 76-10-523(5). Signed by Governor Spencer Cox on February 15, 2021; effective May 5, 2021.

"Subsections 76-10-504(1) and (2), and 76-10-505(1)(b) do not apply to a person 21 years old or older who may otherwise lawfully possess a firearm."

Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 12 (HB 60 — Conceal Carry Firearms Amendments) statute

The Bureau of Criminal Identification (within Utah Department of Public Safety) confirms HB 60 'went into effect on May 5th, 2021' and that a Utah CFP remains available because Utah's permit is recognized in 36 other states.

"Permit-less Carry in Utah - House Bill 60 ... HB60 went into effect on May 5th, 2021"

Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification — Concealed Firearm Permits page ag

Former Title 76, Chapter 10, Section 523 (renumbered May 7, 2025) was the pre-recodification 'Persons exempt from weapons laws' statute. Subsection (5), added by HB 60 of 2021 effective May 5, 2021, was the original codification of permitless carry for adults 21+. The substantive rule has since been moved into § 76-11-202 (concealed-carry offense) and § 53-5a-102.2 (open and concealed carry outside the residence). The former section is preserved on le.utah.gov as the May 5, 2021 historical version.

"Persons exempt from weapons laws."

Utah Code § 76-10-523 (Persons exempt from weapons laws — pre-2025-recodification statute) statute

The Bureau of Criminal Identification shall issue a Concealed Firearm Permit to an applicant 21 or older within 60 days of application unless the applicant is disqualified. The permit is valid throughout the state for five years and authorizes concealed carry without restriction except as set forth in § 53-5a-102.2. Standard disqualifiers include felony or violent-crime conviction, offenses involving alcohol or controlled substances, moral turpitude, domestic violence, mental-incompetence adjudication, and ineligibility under Title 76 Chapter 11 Part 3 or federal law.

"the bureau shall issue a concealed carry permit allowing the carrying of a concealed firearm for lawful self defense to an applicant who is 21 years old or older within 60 days after receiving an application... A concealed firearm permit issued in accordance with this section is valid throughout the state for five years."

Utah Code § 53-5a-303 (Concealed Firearm Permit — Standard) statute

BCI shall issue a provisional concealed carry permit to an applicant 18-20 years old within 60 days of application. The provisional permit is valid until the holder turns 21, subject to the same disqualifiers as the standard permit.

"The bureau shall issue a provisional permit to carry a concealed firearm for lawful self-defense to an applicant who is 18 years old but younger than 21 years old, within 60 days after receiving an application... a provisional concealed carry permit is valid throughout the state until the applicant reaches the age of 21."

Utah Code § 53-5a-304 (Provisional Concealed Firearm Permit) statute

BCI publishes the application requirements: $52 Utah resident fee / $87 non-resident fee, age 21+ for the standard permit (18 for the provisional), proof of good character, a BCI-certified firearms-familiarity course (live fire is not required by Utah law), photo ID, one fingerprint card, and one passport-quality photograph. Non-residents must already hold a CCW in their home state if their state recognizes the Utah permit.

"The fees to apply for a concealed firearm permit are $52 for Utah residents and $87 for non-residents... Applicant must be at least 21 years of age for the standard permit; at least 18 years of age for the provisional permit... Applicants must complete a firearms familiarity course certified by BCI."

Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification — How do I Apply for a Concealed Firearm Permit? ag

The Bureau of Criminal Identification may issue a temporary concealed firearm permit (up to 90 days) to an applicant who demonstrates extenuating circumstances and meets the preliminary background-check requirements. Temporary permits are referenced throughout Title 76 Chapter 11's carry-exception provisions (e.g., § 76-11-205(4)(b), § 76-11-206, § 76-11-220) so a temporary-permit holder receives the same scope-of-carry treatment as a standard or provisional permit holder.

"Temporary permit to carry concealed firearm -- Denial, suspension, or revocation -- Appeal."

Utah Code § 53-5a-305 (Temporary permit to carry concealed firearm — Denial, suspension, or revocation — Appeal) statute

Adults 21+ who may lawfully possess firearms may open or conceal carry, without a permit, a loaded or unloaded firearm on a public street or in any other place not prohibited by state or federal law. 18-20 year olds without a provisional permit may only open-carry an unloaded firearm in public; loaded handguns by 18-20 year olds on a public street are prohibited under § 76-11-220.

"an individual 21 years old or older who may otherwise lawfully possess firearms, may open or conceal carry, without a conceal carry permit: (i) an unloaded or loaded firearm: (A) on a public street; or (B) in any other place not prohibited."

Utah Code § 53-5a-102.2(1)(b) (open or concealed carry by 21+ without a permit) statute

Effective May 7, 2025, an actor 18-20 years old who carries a loaded firearm on a public street commits a class B misdemeanor unless the actor has a provisional concealed carry permit issued under § 53-5a-305. This tightened the prior law for the 18-20 age band; 21+ is unaffected.

"An actor commits carrying a loaded firearm on a public street by an 18 to 20 year old if the actor: (a) is 18 years old or older but younger than 21 years old; and (b) carries a loaded firearm on a public street."

Utah Code § 76-11-220 (Carrying a loaded firearm on a public street by an 18 to 20 year old) statute

An actor 18+ commits unlawful firearm carry in a vehicle only if (a) the actor is in a vehicle in which the actor is not lawfully present while carrying a firearm readily accessible for immediate use, or (b) the actor is carrying a loaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle in any vehicle. This section does not apply to a permit holder, and the owner or lawful possessor of a vehicle may prohibit firearm carry in their vehicle. A loaded handgun in any compartment (glove box, console, anywhere) is lawful for 21+ permitless carriers and permit holders.

"An actor commits unlawfully carrying a firearm in a vehicle if the actor: (a) is 18 years old or older; and (b) (i) (A) is carrying a firearm that is readily accessible by the actor for immediate use; and (B) is in a vehicle in which the actor is not lawfully present; or (ii) is carrying a loaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle in any vehicle."

Utah Code § 76-11-204 (Unlawfully carrying a firearm in a vehicle) statute

Adults 21+ who may lawfully possess firearms may carry an unloaded or loaded handgun, and an unloaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle, in a vehicle in which the individual is lawfully present, without a permit. Loaded long guns in vehicles remain prohibited under § 76-11-204(2)(b)(ii) regardless of permit status.

"an individual 21 years old or older who may otherwise lawfully possess firearms, may open or conceal carry, without a conceal carry permit: ... (ii) an unloaded or loaded handgun in a vehicle in which the individual is lawfully present; and (iii) an unloaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle in a vehicle in which the individual is lawfully present."

Utah Code § 53-5a-102.2(1)(b)(ii)-(iii) (open carry of loaded handgun and unloaded long gun in vehicle) statute

Utah statute recognizes any valid permit to carry a concealed firearm issued by another state or county under § 53-5a-102.2 (formerly § 53-5a-102.2 / U.C.A. 53-5a-102.2). BCI publishes that Utah has reciprocal agreements with 36 other states that recognize the Utah CFP. Utah offers a 'Standard' permit (21+) and a 'Provisional' permit (18-20); some states will only accept the Utah permit if the holder is a Utah resident.

"Utah will honor a permit to carry a concealed firearm issued by any other state or county. ... Utah has reciprocal agreements with 36 other states that recognize Utah's permit in their state."

Utah Code § 53-5a-102.2 / Utah BCI 'States that Honor the Utah Permit(s)' ag

Utah codifies a strong castle doctrine: an actor who uses force or deadly force to defend the actor's habitation, occupied vehicle, or place of business or employment against an unlawful and forcible entry is presumed in both civil and criminal proceedings to have acted reasonably and to have had a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or serious bodily injury, subject to limited disqualifiers (provocation, ongoing criminal activity other than a traffic offense).

"An actor who uses force or deadly force against an individual to defend the actor's 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: (i) unlawful; and (ii) made or attempted: (A) by use of force; (B) in a violent and tumultuous manner; (C) surreptitiously or by stealth; or (D) for the purpose of committing a felony."

Utah Code § 76-2-405 (Force or deadly force in defense of habitation, vehicle, or place of business or employment) statute

Utah is a stand-your-ground state. An individual has no duty to retreat from force or threatened force in any place where the individual has lawfully entered or remained, and the failure to retreat is not a relevant factor in determining whether the individual acted reasonably. The standard exceptions for initial aggressors and combat-by-agreement apply.

"an individual does not have a duty to retreat from the force or threatened force described in Subsection (2) in a place where that individual has lawfully entered or remained; and the failure of an individual to retreat under the provisions of Subsection (4)(a) is not a relevant factor in determining whether the individual who used or threatened force acted reasonably."

Utah Code § 76-2-402 (Force in defense of person — Forcible felony defined) statute

Utah law does not require a person carrying a firearm to proactively disclose that fact to a law enforcement officer. Neither the open/concealed-carry statute (§ 53-5a-102.2) nor the Title 76 Chapter 11 weapons offenses impose a duty to inform.

"an individual 21 years old or older who may otherwise lawfully possess firearms, may open or conceal carry, without a conceal carry permit."

Utah Code Title 53 Chapter 5a / Title 76 Chapter 11 (no statutory duty) statute

Carrying a dangerous weapon in or on the grounds of a public or private elementary or secondary school is a class A misdemeanor if the weapon is a firearm, or class B if not. The offense does not apply to a person 21+ holding a § 53-5a-303 Concealed Firearm Permit (or a § 53-5a-305 temporary permit) who carries the weapon concealed — meaning a Utah CFP holder may carry concealed in a K-12 school in Utah. Several other exceptions apply (school guardian, armed security, lawful response to an active threat, vehicle).

"the actor is 21 years old or older and has a concealed carry permit as described in Section 53-5a-303 and is carrying the actor's dangerous weapon in a concealed manner unless lawfully responding to an active threat."

Utah Code § 76-11-205 (Carrying a dangerous weapon at an elementary school or secondary school) statute

It is a class C misdemeanor to openly carry a dangerous weapon in or on the grounds of a Utah institution of higher education. Concealed carry by a CFP holder on a Utah college or university campus is NOT prohibited by this section, and the section does not apply to a person lawfully concealing the weapon who only accidentally exposes it.

"An actor commits openly carrying a dangerous weapon at an institution of higher education if: (a) the actor intentionally carries a dangerous weapon on or about school premises; (b) the actor intentionally carries the dangerous weapon in a manner that the dangerous weapon is visible."

Utah Code § 76-11-205.5 (Openly carrying a dangerous weapon at an institution of higher education) statute

It is a class A misdemeanor (if a firearm) or class B (other dangerous weapon) to carry a dangerous weapon in the building or rooms where a daycare is operating. CFP and provisional/temporary permit holders are exempt.

"This section does not apply if: ... (b) the actor has a concealed carry permit as described in Section 53-5a-303; (c) the actor has a provisional concealed carry permit as described in Section 53-5a-304."

Utah Code § 76-11-206 (Carrying a dangerous weapon at a daycare) statute

Intentionally or knowingly possessing a dangerous weapon within the secure (post-TSA-checkpoint) area of an airport is a class A misdemeanor — and this applies even to CFP holders. Reckless or negligent possession is an infraction; first offenses for the reckless/negligent flavor must result in a written warning. Notice must be posted at each entrance to the secure area.

"an actor commits possession of a dangerous weapon in an airport secure area if the actor, including an actor with a concealed firearm permit issued under Title 53, Chapter 5a, Part 3, Concealed Firearm Permits: (a) intentionally or knowingly possesses a dangerous weapon within the secure area of an airport."

Utah Code § 76-11-218 (Possession of a dangerous weapon in an airport secure area) statute

Carrying a firearm into a house of worship or private residence after being given notice that firearms are prohibited is an infraction. The notice may be a posted sign, personal communication from the property owner or its representative, an announcement during regular congregational services, publication in a bulletin or newsletter, or publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.

"An actor is guilty of trespass with a firearm in a house of worship or a private residence if the actor: (a) has been given notice as described in Subsection (4) that firearms are prohibited in the house of worship or the private residence; and (b) knowingly and intentionally: (i) transports a firearm into the house of worship or private residence."

Utah Code § 76-11-219 (Trespass with a firearm in a house of worship or a private residence) statute

Courthouses, correctional facilities, law enforcement facilities, and mental health facilities (plus higher-education secure-area hearing rooms and any Judicial Council secure area) may be established as 'secure areas' in which firearms and other dangerous weapons are restricted; signs must be posted at each entrance, and the facility must provide a secure weapons-storage area. Transporting a firearm into such an area is punishable under § 76-8-311.2.

"The State Tax Commission or a correctional, law enforcement, or mental health facility may establish secure areas within the facility and may prohibit or control by rule any firearm or other dangerous weapon, ammunition, or explosive."

Utah Code § 76-8-311.1 (Secure areas — courthouses, jails, mental health facilities) statute

Section 53-22-105 establishes a school guardian program administered through the Department of Public Safety that allows qualified school employees who voluntarily participate to carry concealed firearms on K-12 school premises. Guardians must hold a Concealed Firearm Permit, complete initial and ongoing tactical training, pass a mental health screening, and may act to prevent an active threat but otherwise have no law enforcement authority. This is the statute referenced in § 76-11-205(5)'s school-grounds carry exception.

"School guardian program."

Utah Code § 53-22-105 (School guardian program) statute

Section 76-8-311.2 is the penalty section for the secure-area weapon ban set up by § 76-8-311.1. Knowingly or intentionally transporting a firearm, other dangerous weapon, or ammunition into a designated secure area at a correctional, law enforcement, mental health, or State Tax Commission facility, or a higher-education secure area, is a third-degree felony. Compliance with posted facility rules is an affirmative defense.

"Prohibited dangerous weapon or ammunition in a secure area."

Utah Code § 76-8-311.2 (Prohibited dangerous weapon or ammunition in a secure area) statute

A licensed firearms dealer must run a criminal-history background check through BCI before selling a firearm. BCI is the state's point-of-contact for the NICS check. Private (non-dealer) sales between unlicensed Utah residents are NOT required to go through a background check; § 53-5a-603 only provides an optional, voluntary online check process for buyer-seller verification.

"A criminal history background check is required for the sale of a firearm by a licensed firearm dealer in the state."

Utah Code § 53-5a-602 (Criminal background check before purchase of a firearm) statute

BCI provides a VOLUNTARY online process for an individual selling or buying a firearm in a private sale to verify whether the other party has a valid CFP or whether the firearm's serial number is reported stolen. The statute expressly bars any governmental entity from requiring use of the process and prohibits BCI from retaining the information or sharing it with law enforcement.

"the bureau shall create an online process that allows an individual who is selling or purchasing a firearm to voluntarily determine ... A governmental entity may not require an individual who is selling or purchasing a firearm to use the process."

Utah Code § 53-5a-603 (Information check before private sale of firearm — voluntary) statute

Federal law requires that handguns be purchased from a federally licensed dealer only by buyers 21 or older, and long guns by buyers 18 or older. Utah imposes no state-level purchase-age beyond federal law. Private in-state transfers between unlicensed adults are not bound by these FFL minimums but are constrained by federal age restrictions on handgun possession and Utah's restrictions on possession of dangerous weapons by minors at § 76-11-211.

"A licensee may not sell a handgun to anyone under the age of 21. A licensee may not sell a long gun to anyone under the age of 18."

18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) (federal FFL minimum ages) atf

A minor (under 18) commits an offense by possessing a dangerous weapon, except in narrow circumstances (with parental permission and an accompanying responsible adult under age 14; with parental permission alone for 14-17 year olds; and during organized hunting, target shooting, or competition with appropriate authorization). Possession of a handgun, SBR, SBS, machine gun, or machinegun firearm attachment by a minor is a third-degree felony.

"An actor commits possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor if the actor: (a) is a minor; and (b) possesses a dangerous weapon. ... A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the dangerous weapon is: (i) a handgun."

Utah Code § 76-11-211 (Possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor) statute

Utah does not require firearm registration and the Legislature occupies the entire field of state firearm regulation. Local or state governmental entities may not require a permit or license to purchase, own, possess, transport, or keep a firearm or ammunition, nor may they require any directive that inhibits possession, ownership, purchase, or transfer.

"Except as specifically provided by state law, a local or state governmental entity may not: (a) prohibit an individual from owning, possessing, purchasing, selling, transferring, transporting, or keeping a firearm, ammunition, or a firearm accessory... or (b) require an individual to have a permit or license to purchase, own, possess, transport, or keep a firearm, ammunition, or a firearm accessory."

Utah Code § 53-5a-102 (Uniform firearm laws — preemption) statute

Utah has not enacted an extreme risk protection order (red flag) law. Title 53 Chapter 5a 'Firearm Laws' and Title 76 Chapter 11 'Weapons' contain no ERPO provision. The closest analog is the voluntary firearm safe-harbor process at § 53-5a-501 et seq., under which a cohabitant may voluntarily turn over a firearm to law enforcement for safekeeping for up to 60 days at a time — entirely voluntary and not court-ordered.

"A cohabitant or owner cohabitant may voluntarily commit a firearm to a law enforcement agency or request that a law enforcement officer receive a firearm for safekeeping."

Utah Code (absence of an extreme risk protection order statute) statute

Section 53-5a-502 is the operative provision of Utah's Firearms Safe Harbor (the non-ERPO voluntary analog). A cohabitant who believes someone with access to a household firearm poses an immediate threat may voluntarily commit that firearm to a law enforcement agency, which must hold it for 60 days and return it on request after the retention period unless the owner is a restricted person or subject to domestic-violence jail-release conditions. The process is strictly voluntary and is not an extreme risk protection order.

"Voluntary commitment of a firearm by cohabitant -- Law enforcement to hold firearm."

Utah Code § 53-5a-502 (Voluntary commitment of a firearm by cohabitant — Law enforcement to hold firearm) statute

Utah has no state assault-weapon ban. The preemption statute reserves authority to regulate firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories to the state and bars local governments from enacting any 'directive pertaining to firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories that in any way inhibits or restricts' lawful possession, ownership, purchase, sale, transfer, transport, or use.

"Authority to regulate firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories is reserved to the state except where the Legislature specifically delegates responsibility to local or state governmental entities."

Utah Code § 53-5a-102 (preemption — bars state and local AWBs) statute

Utah does not impose a magazine-capacity limit, and the preemption statute reserves regulation of firearm accessories — which the related definitions section at § 53-5a-401 specifically lists as including a 'magazine' — to the state, barring local capacity limits.

"Authority to regulate firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories is reserved to the state."

Utah Code § 53-5a-102 (preemption); no state magazine-capacity statute statute

Section 53-5a-401 defines 'firearm accessory' for the State-Made Firearms Protections part as items used in conjunction with a firearm — explicitly including sights, magazines, and suppressors. Combined with the preemption statute at § 53-5a-102, this categorization confirms that 'magazine' falls within the firearm-accessory regulatory field the Legislature reserves to itself, foreclosing any local magazine-capacity ordinance in Utah.

"'Firearm accessory' means an item that is used in conjunction with or mounted on a firearm but is not essential to the basic function of a firearm, including a magazine, telescopic or laser sight, suppressor, or other attached accessory."

Utah Code § 53-5a-401 (Definitions — State-Made Firearms Protections — magazine listed as firearm accessory) statute

Suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and machine guns are regulated under the federal National Firearms Act and require ATF registration and approval.

"The National Firearms Act (NFA) imposes a statutory excise tax on the manufacture and transfer of certain firearms and mandates the registration of those firearms."

26 U.S.C. ch. 53 (National Firearms Act) / ATF atf

Utah does not prohibit lawful possession of NFA items. The only state offense involving an SBR or SBS is concealing one that is 'unlawfully possessed' (i.e., possessed in violation of federal NFA registration requirements). A properly ATF-registered suppressor, SBR, SBS, or machine gun is legal to possess in Utah.

"A person who carries concealed an unlawfully possessed short barreled shotgun or a short barreled rifle is guilty of a second degree felony."

Utah Code § 76-11-203 (Concealing an unlawfully possessed short barreled shotgun or short barreled rifle) statute

Utah is a strong-preemption state. The Legislature 'occupies the whole field of state regulation of firearms,' and Title 76 Chapter 11 (Weapons) and Title 53 Chapter 5a Part 1 are 'uniformly applicable throughout the state and in all the political subdivisions of the state.' Local governments may not enact, establish, or enforce a directive pertaining to firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories. A violation is enforceable through the Firearm Preemption Enforcement Act (Title 78B, Chapter 6, Part 23).

"the Legislature finds the need to provide uniform civil and criminal firearm laws throughout the state and declares that the Legislature occupies the whole field of state regulation of firearms."

Utah Code § 53-5a-102 (Uniform firearm laws) statute

The Firearm Preemption Enforcement Act's definitions section ties the cause of action back to the § 53-5a-102 preemption statute, defining 'directive' as any ordinance, regulation, rule, or policy issued by a local or state governmental entity (counties, cities, school districts, higher-education institutions, state agencies, and interlocal entities) and incorporating the firearm definition from § 53-5a-102.1.

"'Legislative firearm preemption' means the preemption provided in Section 53-5a-102."

Utah Code § 78B-6-2301 (Firearm Preemption Enforcement Act — Definitions) statute

The operative cause-of-action section: a local or state governmental entity may not enact or enforce a directive that violates legislative firearm preemption. The statute carves out exceptions for law enforcement agencies regarding officer-issued firearms, correctional and mental health facilities, secure courthouses, State Tax Commission secure areas, and directives developed pursuant to legislative authority.

"A local or state governmental entity may not enact or enforce a directive that violates legislative firearm preemption."

Utah Code § 78B-6-2302 (Violation of legislative preemption — Exceptions) statute

Effective May 5, 2021, Utah enacted permitless carry by adding § 76-10-523(5), allowing any person 21 or older who may otherwise lawfully possess a firearm to carry concealed without a permit. Signed by Gov. Spencer Cox on February 15, 2021.

"Subsections 76-10-504(1) and (2), and 76-10-505(1)(b) do not apply to a person 21 years old or older who may otherwise lawfully possess a firearm."

Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 12 (HB 60 — Permitless Carry) statute

Effective May 7, 2025, the Utah Legislature recodified the firearms-related criminal-code provisions, in part to reorganize Title 76 Chapter 10 Part 5 (Weapons) into Title 76 Chapter 11 (Weapons), with substantive carry-related rules relocated to Title 53 Chapter 5a (Firearm Laws). Carry rules were left substantively intact for adults 21+.

"Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session"

Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 173 (HB 21 S2 — Criminal Code Recodification and Cross References) statute

Effective May 7, 2025, the companion recodification bill enacted § 76-11-220 (criminalizing a loaded firearm on a public street by an 18-20 year old without a provisional permit), enacted § 76-11-206 (daycare), enacted § 76-11-219 (trespass with firearm in house of worship or private residence), and renumbered the carry-rule statutes into Title 53 Chapter 5a Part 1.

"Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 208, 2025 General Session"

Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 208 (HB 128 S2 — Dangerous Weapons Recodification and Cross References) statute

Effective May 1, 2024, Utah amended its school-weapons framework to expand the parameters under which school employees and personnel may lawfully carry on school premises, creating the school guardian program at § 53-22-105 and related secure-storage rules now reflected at § 76-11-205(5).

"School Employee Firearm Possession Amendments"

Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 117 (HB 119 S2 — School Employee Firearm Possession Amendments) statute

Effective May 6, 2026, the permitless-carry rule for adults 21+ now lives in Title 53 Chapter 5a, Part 1, § 53-5a-102.2 ('Open and concealed carry of a firearm outside of an individual's residence'). The section codifies the differential treatment of 18-20 year olds (open carry of unloaded firearms only, plus loaded handguns in a lawfully-present vehicle) and adults 21+ (loaded or unloaded firearms openly or concealed, including in a lawfully-present vehicle), and enumerates the places where even adults must use the permit-only carve-out.

Utah Code § 53-5a-102.2 (effective 5/6/2026)

Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 173 (HB 21 S2) and Chapter 208 (HB 128 S2) renumbered the criminal-code firearms provisions out of former Title 76 Chapter 10 Part 5 into Title 76 Chapter 11 (Weapons), and moved permit and preemption rules into Title 53 Chapter 5a (Firearm Laws). Most carry rules were preserved substantively, but the recodification also enacted § 76-11-220 — a new class B misdemeanor for an 18-20 year old who carries a loaded firearm on a public street without a provisional permit.

Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 173 and 208 (HB 21 S2 and HB 128 S2)

Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 117 (HB 119 S2) expanded the rules under which school employees and personnel may lawfully carry on school premises and underpinned the school guardian program at § 53-22-105 now referenced in § 76-11-205(5).

Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 117 (HB 119 S2)

Utah House Bill 60 of 2021, enacted as Laws of Utah Chapter 12, added what was then § 76-10-523(5), allowing any person 21+ who may otherwise lawfully possess a firearm to carry a handgun concealed without a permit. Signed by Gov. Spencer Cox on February 15, 2021.

Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 12 (HB 60)