Questions: Utah Concealed Carry

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

  • No ad networks!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • Mar 13, 2012
    31
    Columbia, MD
    Just a little background behind my inquiry for some knowledge.

    I've been a Marylander since birth and still live in the state to this day. I recently graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC and visit my Alma Mater and family/friends regularly. During my college years, I had my first exposure to firearms thanks to good friends and rental ranges in Charlotte. I got interested in concealed carry after one guy I know told me all about it and what it entails. I understand that Maryland is a May Issue state, but am curious about the guidelines regarding taking a Utah Concealed Carry course and may as well ask the experts on these forums.



    If I do take the course and complete it, I will be in custody of a Utah CC Permit? My family is spread out through VA/NC and if I visit those states, I am able to exercise the rights pertaining to that permit, correct?

    So how would I go about legally transporting my firearm? While I'm in Maryland I would have to keep it safely in its container according to Maryland law, but once I cross over into VA, I'm free to carry concealed all the way up to NC? Just trying to figure out the legal issues and making sure I don't break any laws.

    Any information would help.
     

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    33,435
    Pretty much. Several threads on Utah classes/ CCWs.

    After you take the class, complete the paperwork (which most current classes will assist in) , and drop in the mail , it will arrive in a few weeks.
     

    swinokur

    In a State of Bliss
    Patriot Picket
    Apr 15, 2009
    55,511
    Westminster USA
    www.handgunlaw.us

    Obey MD law until you get to VA. Then be guided by state reciprocity for your trip. Also google FOPA 926A for Federal transport law. I keep copies of all this in my small travel handgun safe in my Jeep. Obey the llaws of the state you are in, not UT

    SC does not recognize non resident permits from any state.

    UT permits can take up to 60 days to get in the mail.
     

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    33,435
    It is tempting to point out a neighboring state of ours that also offers an easily attainable nonres CCW , but the Utah classes ( which have an outline closely monitered by Utah BCI ) are indeed an excellent introduction to the practical aspects of carrying and self defense , that it is a worthwhile class even if you didn't "need" it.
     

    Threeband

    The M1 Does My Talking
    Dec 30, 2006
    25,403
    Carroll County
    You actually might be better off with the Virginia CHP, if you only get one permit, and travel mainly in Virginia and North Carolina. The in-state permit gives you School Zone protections an out-of-state permit doesn't.

    The Virginia permit is very easy to get. The training requirement is easy to meet, with no specific training class required (although you should pursue training, not only in shooting skills, but in law and "theory".) They will mail you an application packet. Fill out the form, send them your fingerprints, two photos, and $100.

    http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/virginia.pdf
     

    swinokur

    In a State of Bliss
    Patriot Picket
    Apr 15, 2009
    55,511
    Westminster USA
    Not exactly. From VSP non resident license page:
    Documentation of Competence with a Handgun
    The applicant shall demonstrate competence with a handgun by one of the following:

    • Completing a hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or a similar agency of another state.
    • Completing any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course.
    • Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, junior college, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or the Department of Criminal Justice Services or a similar agency of another state.
    • Completing any law-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement.
    • Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition approved by the Department of State Police or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services.
    • Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in this Commonwealth or alocality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause.
    • Completing any firearms training or safety course or class, including an electronic, video, or on-line course, conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified firearms instructor.
    • Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties.
    • Completing any other firearms training that the Virginia Department of State Police deems adequate.
    A photocopy of a certificate of completion of any such course or class, an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught such course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant, or a copy of any document which shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms competition shall satisfy the requirement for demonstration of competence with a handgun.​
     

    Threeband

    The M1 Does My Talking
    Dec 30, 2006
    25,403
    Carroll County
    I didn't mean Virginia didn't have training requirements. I meant

    The training requirement is easy to meet, with no specific training class required

    I underlined specific meaning Virginia does not mandate one specific course with one specific curriculum taught by specific instructors having specific accreditations, as does Utah. Rather, Virginia will accept any of a long and varied list of credentials, as you noted.

    Anyway, the Utah course would be accepted by Virginia, and the Virginia permit has real advantages over Utah for the OP. It provides protection under the gun free school zone act (GFSZA) within Virginia, will be most familiar to Virginia LEOs, and is at least as easy, if not easier to get.
     

    Mdeng

    Ultimate Member
    Industry Partner
    Nov 13, 2009
    8,574
    Virginia
    To answer to OP's question. To transport your firearm out of Maryland place the gun in a locked case separate of the ammo. It is preferred that the locked case holding the firearm be in the trunk or otherwise out of reach from the passenger compartment.

    Please understand that State and Federal laws are in play here. By keeping the gun in a locked case you are covered under FOPA (Firearms Owners Protection Act) http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d099:SN00049:@@@D&summ2=m& With that said the Maryland AG has said that FOPA may not protect a Maryland resident while traveling in Maryland.

    The Maryland Law says that you can transport your handgun from your home to: your place of business, gun range, gun shop/gunsmith, informal target practice etc.... and back to your home. So with that said you are always going to the range or on your way home.

    Which permit you get is a matter of opinion, but I strongly recommend that you consider getting more than one. I say this because the laws change on a regular basis.

    I am not a lawyer and this should not be considered legal advice.
     

    swinokur

    In a State of Bliss
    Patriot Picket
    Apr 15, 2009
    55,511
    Westminster USA
    nicely put sir.

    Yet another reason to get MD Designated Collectors status.. MD 4-203 says you can transport all or part of a "bona fide"collection from one place to another for purposes of showing it.

    One more layer of protection. attached
     

    Attachments

    • Collector Application Affidavit.pdf
      37.6 KB · Views: 163
    Mar 13, 2012
    31
    Columbia, MD
    Hmmm...great information from everything. Greatly appreciate it. Here's what I took away from it.

    1. Apply for an MD Designated Collectors status
    2. Think of the Utah CCW (or any other state for that matter) more of a way to learn the practical aspects of carrying and self defense
    3. Getting one in Virginia would allow me to not have to worry about driving through a school zone (Question: Does this still apply if it is a non-resident permit?)
    4. Under FOPA, I must transport my firearms in a locked container, preferably in the trunk, while traveling. In Maryland, I can only transport to-and-from a gun range and place of resident. (Question: Am I allowed to still drive in MD and transport my handgun to places in VA/NC, for example, even with a CCW permit recognized by those states?)

    Once again, all this info is great. Great knowledge all around from various people. Thanks!
     

    gamer_jim

    Podcaster
    Feb 12, 2008
    13,438
    Hanover, PA
    This is something I struggle with in MD law. There is no provision to legally transport for the reason to CCW in a state where you can legally.

    Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk 2
     

    Mdeng

    Ultimate Member
    Industry Partner
    Nov 13, 2009
    8,574
    Virginia
    Hmmm...great information from everything. Greatly appreciate it. Here's what I took away from it.

    1. Apply for an MD Designated Collectors status
    2. Think of the Utah CCW (or any other state for that matter) more of a way to learn the practical aspects of carrying and self defense
    3. Getting one in Virginia would allow me to not have to worry about driving through a school zone (Question: Does this still apply if it is a non-resident permit?)
    4. Under FOPA, I must transport my firearms in a locked container, preferably in the trunk, while traveling. In Maryland, I can only transport to-and-from a gun range and place of resident. (Question: Am I allowed to still drive in MD and transport my handgun to places in VA/NC, for example, even with a CCW permit recognized by those states?)

    Once again, all this info is great. Great knowledge all around from various people. Thanks!

    The transport of the gun in Maryland can be tricky. That's why you are always going to or returning from the range or gun shop. It does not matter that the range or shop is located out of state.

    When I travel I always seem to find a gun shop or range. I also always manage to purchase something, even if its just a bottle of water for the road. That way I have proof of my destination if a problem should arise.

    Here's a youtube video that I strongly suggest you watch. It has been posted on this site many times.
     
    Last edited:

    ProShooter

    Ultimate Member
    Oct 8, 2008
    4,189
    Richmond, Va
    As has been said already, you can use a Utah class to not only apply for Utah's permit, but Virginia's in addition. The big three that most people tend to get are Utah, Virginia and Florida. Neither Utah nor Virginia require live fire as part of applying for the permit, but Florida does if you are using a gun safety class to meet the training requirement.

    Its a bit expensive to have all 3 , but worth it if you can swing it. I would suggest Va and Ut at a minimum though.
     

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    33,435
    Va makes no internal distinction between Res and NonRes for issueing or privledges.

    Redundency with more than one permit is a Good Thing. Tripple redundency might reach diminishing returns.

    While I take a philosophical viewpoint opposing ANY mandatory training, But if you are not already thourghly knowledegabe , the Utah class is excellent starting point.

    Md Law is not clear on transporting to out of state CCW. Again redundency is a good thing. Fully comply with Federal requirements , AND as much as possable with Md . (Hint - OP's first homework asignment to study both transport laws , know the differences , and how to overlap them).
     

    Brychan

    Ultimate Member
    Apr 24, 2009
    8,453
    Baltimore
    Maryland can not stop you from transporting your firearms in or out of state as long as you follow Federal law. You do not need a reason other than you are taking your firearm out of state or returning to your home after a trip.
     

    swinokur

    In a State of Bliss
    Patriot Picket
    Apr 15, 2009
    55,511
    Westminster USA
    Maryland can not stop you from transporting your firearms in or out of state as long as you follow Federal law. You do not need a reason other than you are taking your firearm out of state or returning to your home after a trip.

    The attached AG opinion says you MAY NOT have FOPA protections while traveling in MD on your way to or from another state. Your statement that says MD cannot stop you from transporting is not true. They can most certainly stop and arrest you for doing it. There is no case law on it. This is the reason MDENG and others recommend that to be on the safe side while in MD, comply with MD 4-203 statute for transport and activities.

    FOPA only requires a locked container if the vehicle has no trunk. Another complication is how you would prove to a court that if you were stopped in MD, where you reside, how would you prove your destination or origin was out of state for purposes of FOPA?

    Be safe. While in MD as a MD resident, transport under MD 4-203 (range trip, gun shop, etc.) going into or out of MD, then follow FOPA or the carry laws of that state.

    I have attached the 2 different AG opinions to furthur muddy the waters.
     

    Attachments

    • MD AG opinion on travel 4-203.pdf
      15.4 KB · Views: 60
    • MD AG ruling FOPA.pdf
      30.2 KB · Views: 90
    Last edited:

    Users who are viewing this thread

    Latest posts

    Forum statistics

    Threads
    275,848
    Messages
    7,298,321
    Members
    33,530
    Latest member
    roth405

    Latest threads

    Top Bottom