The Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification announced that fees for Utah concealed firearm permits will increase effective October 1, 2026, due to rising FBI fingerprint processing costs. The agency also provided updated guidance regarding permit-less carry laws and the requirements for carrying firearms on school campuses.
Upcoming Fee Adjustments
The Bureau of Criminal Identification, which regulates concealed firearms permits in the state, stated that the new fee structure will impact both residents and non-residents. Starting October 1, 2026, the initial application fee for a Utah resident will rise to $55.00. Non-residents will face a higher initial application fee of $90.00.
Rising Processing Costs
The Bureau attributed the upcoming price increases to an increase in the FBI fingerprint processing fee. According to the agency, all fees previously paid to obtain or renew a concealed firearm permit remain non-refundable.
Permit-less Carry Regulations
The agency also clarified the legal landscape regarding House Bill 60, which went into effect on May 5, 2021. Under current law, individuals may still obtain or renew a Utah concealed firearm permit despite the permit-less carry provisions established by the bill.
Reciprocity and Travel
Utah maintains reciprocal agreements with 36 other states that recognize the Utah permit. The Bureau cautioned that if an individual chooses not to obtain a permit in Utah and travels to a state that requires a permit to carry open or concealed, they will be subject to the specific laws of that state.
Firearm Purchase Benefits
A permit holder may still use a Utah concealed firearm permit to waive the $7.50 background check fee when purchasing a firearm. This is because the ATF recognizes the Utah permit as an "alternate permit," allowing federally licensed firearm dealers to verify the permit in lieu of the standard background check fee.
School Safety and Access
The Bureau outlined specific restrictions regarding educational environments. While permit-less carry is allowed under state law, it does not permit an individual to carry a firearm into a public school. To carry a firearm into a public school, an individual must obtain a Utah concealed firearm permit. Private schools, however, retain the authority to make their own determinations regarding weapons on their campuses.
Training and Certification Requirements
The minimum curriculum for a Utah concealed firearm permit includes instruction on firearm safety and handling, as well as suicide prevention. These topics are covered in at least some detail within the course. Notably, Utah law does not currently require live-fire training for permit certification.
