Deer Hunting Club

There have been important changes to the laws involving the ability of a person to obtain a Utah concealed weapons permit. These changes were necessary to promote the best education and training to people who are seeking this permit. The changes also allow Utah to maintain good relations with other state and federal agencies who agree to provide continued reciprocity for individuals. Here is some basic information an applicant should know about the process before continuing.

An applicant must complete and pass a four-hour training class. The subject material of the class must include the review of state and federal firearm laws and what a Utah CCW allows someone to due in the event of an attack. Basic handgun safety and use will also be covered. This is different because in many states weapon's proficiency will not be required.

Many scenarios will be discussed to develop an understanding of open and concealed situations. An instructor will also provide information for concealment techniques. Discussion will be approached regarding moral, ethical, and legal implications for an individual who uses concealed carry techniques.

Extensive discussion will be held regarding self-defense. The terms and concepts of certain self-defense scenarios along with guidelines for the use of lethal force are all discussed at length. To illustrate these situations, an instructor will typically use recent events as an example.

The Utah concealed weapons permit is given wide reciprocity with other states, currently over 30 states. A person does not need to be a resident in order to apply for these permits. New laws have been implemented forcing non-residents to provide documentation showing a current permit from their state of residence.

To obtain a Utah concealed weapons permit, an individual must be over the age of 21, provide a completed application form, and pay a fee to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, BCI. A person will need to provide passport photos and a set of fingerprints. New laws established state that if the FBI does not accept the fingerprint card and a new set is not provided, the application can be returned, suspended, or revoked.

Any time a person applies for a permit, a background check is performed. A person commits a crime if they apply for a CCW with a conviction. Disqualifying convictions include felonies, violence, domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse, moral offenses, or a court has found the individual mentally incompetent.

The BC must be provided the completed paperwork and documents within one year of finishing the mandatory four-hour training class. The Utah CCW is valid for a period of five years after all of the necessary steps have been completed and has been accepted by the BCI. It is also possible to renew for another five years.

The mandatory training must be provided by an instructor who themselves has a Utah concealed weapons permit. Instructors are also required to have training under the Department of Public Safety, National Rifle Association, or an equivalent. Individuals residing in other states, who rely on the reciprocity that is recognized by the numerous other states, obtain most of the permits.