Is a California Non-Resident Permit Valid in Utah?

Why

• California does not issue carry permits to non-residents (penal code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city or have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path).

'In accordance with U.C.A. 53-5a-102.2, Utah will honor a permit to carry a concealed firearm issued by any other state or county' (BCI) — no holder-residency restriction.

Carry rules in Utah

Whatever your permit status, Utah law governs how you carry inside the state. The rules below matter most on a short trip.

• BCI FAQ: 'there is no legal requirement to identify yourself to a law enforcement officer' as carrying, though BCI recommends immediately identifying yourself as armed for officer safety.
• Utah sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Utah allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• A loaded firearm may be carried in a vehicle the person lawfully possesses or with the possessor's consent (under-18s may not carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle; loaded rifles/shotguns prohibited in vehicles) — U.C.A. 76-10-505 as amended by HB 60.

Off-limits places in Utah

• Secure areas of airports
• Courts and law-enforcement secured areas
• Correctional and mental-health facilities
• Federal facilities
• Houses of worship or private residences where notice is given
• Any posted secure area in which firearms are prohibited

Frequently asked questions

Is a California non-resident permit valid in Utah?

A California non-resident permit isn't something you can hold — the state doesn't issue one (penal Code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city OR have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path). The question for Utah is which resident or non-resident permits from other states it honors.

Do I have to tell police in Utah that I am carrying?

BCI FAQ: 'there is no legal requirement to identify yourself to a law enforcement officer' as carrying, though BCI recommends immediately identifying yourself as armed for officer safety.

Does Utah limit magazine capacity?

Utah sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in Utah without any permit?

Utah allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does California issue non-resident carry permits?

No. California issues carry permits to residents only (penal Code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city OR have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.