Open Carry in Utah
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Utah permits open carry without a permit for most people, though permits are available.
How Utah treats Open Carry
Utah allows open carry of firearms without a permit for individuals legally allowed to possess them. The state also offers an optional concealed carry permit that provides reciprocity benefits in other states. Federal law and private property restrictions still apply, and certain locations like schools and courthouses prohibit firearms. Utah's approach treats open carry as a default right rather than a licensed privilege.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Utah.