Is getting the Utah CFP worth it?
I have to admit, this question is probably the question I get more than any other. It is not that people do not understand the basic purpose of a CFP, but rather why even get one when the majority of the time, you probably wouldn't carry anyway. Before we move too much further, let's dispel some myths about concealed carry permits.
If I don't carry a firearm daily, do I even need a permit?
Even if you don't plan on carrying your firearm on your person, there are several benefits to getting the permit. Even if you are planning on occasionally carrying your firearm on your person, you would receive all the benefits of the permit each time you do. Some of those benefits include: less restriction on carrying in places you frequent on a daily basis, being able to travel to other states that have reciprocity with Utah, being able to forego the background check each time you purchase a firearm, and the sure knowledge of the laws that are in place so you can conceal carry confidently.
If I get a permit, aren't they going to put me on some list?
Yes and no. Getting a Utah concealed weapons permit does mean that law enforcement officials will have access to your name, as the names of those with a CFP are accessible to them. Not to panic, information of those that have a CFP is not public, not even through a freedom of information act request can that information be given. Political institutions or private entities cannot get your name or private information. It is only law enforcement officials that have access to this information. Obtaining the Utah Concealed Carry Permit is not more intrusive to your privacy than purchasing a firearm.
Don't Utah concealed carry permits allow people to carry in schools? Isn't that bad?
With Utah now becoming a constitutional carry state, due to the Gun Free School Zones Act the only way you will be able to carry within 1,000 feet of any school zone is if you have a concealed carry permit. The Utah concealed carry permit does allow you to carry at schools in Utah, but this is not a bad thing. If someone was going to commit a crime, they would not obtain a permit first. This simply allows law abiding citizens to carry in more locations.
Isn't getting the Utah CFP hard?
Actually, no. Utah is a shall issue state, which means that if you meet the minimum requirements, Utah will issue you a permit. To obtain a permit you must do the following:
- Attend a course taught by a Utah BCI certified instructor that follows Utah's Minimum training curriculum.
- Fill out required paperwork
- Be fingerprinted
- Have a passport quality photo taken
- Submit the above documentation along with current fees
It is that simple.