Where do I start?

For most beginners, we recommend starting with the Utah Concealed Carry Course. If you are not interested in a Concealed Firearm Permit we recommend our basic pistol course. Either of these courses will provide a beginner with a basic knowledge of armed self defense, firearm safety, and other basic firearm skills. Even if you are not interested in getting a Concealed Firearm Permit we suggest that maybe you take the course for the training you will receive and then decided later if you wish to proceed to get your permit.

​

What are Utah's CCW Requirements?

To obtain your concealed carry permit you must meet all of the following:

• Be at least 18 Years of age (18-20 year olds will receive the provisional permit)

• Complete the Secret Squirrel Concealed Firearm course, just $45.00

• Demonstrate pistol familiarity

• Pay required fees to the BCI and FBI (currently $53.25 for Utah residents and $63.25 for non-residents) for required background checks

• Must be able to pass an FBI background check with no felonies or violent crimes

What is the total cost of Utah Concealed Carry Permit?

The current total cost for the Utah Concealed Firearm Permit is $98.25. This cost consists of our class fee of $45.00, and $53.25 for FBI and State of Utah background checks. The background check fee is $63.25 for non-Utah residents making the total for a nonresident $108.25.  The $15.00 fee is an optional service we provide that includes delivery of your application to the Utah BCI. If you don't use that service the cost will be $98.25. 

How long are the Utah Concealed Firearm Permit classes?

All Utah Concealed Firearm Permit Classes are 4 hours long. 

Does the Utah Concealed Firearm Permit course include range time or a shooting qualification?

No, Utah does not require any range time or shooting qualification to get a Utah Concealed Weapons Permit.  While the Utah Concealed Firearms Permit course does not include range time we highly recommend all students obtain additional live fire training from us or another qualified instructor.

Can I get a Utah Permit without being a Utah resident?

Yes, you can but it may require an additional step.  If your home state honors the Utah Concealed Firearm Permit then you must first obtain a permit from your home state.  If your home state does not honor the Utah permit then all you need to do is take a class just like Utah residents.  The place to check for the most updated info on this is https://bci.utah.gov/concealed-firearm/reciprocity-with-other-states/.  Many of our students are from other states and just haven't gotten a Utah drivers license yet.  In that case, you can get your temporary Utah Driver's license before or after taking your class and submit that with your application as long as the temporary ID has your photo. 

Can I get a permit before I turn 21?

Yes, the legislature recently passed HB 198 which allows for persons age 18-20 to receive a provisional permit.  The provisional permit will work the same way as the standard Utah Concealed Firearm Permit with one restriction, persons holding the provisional permit are restricted from carrying a firearm on or near private/public elementary schools or secondary school premises (K-12).  HB 198 was signed by the Governor, it became law May 9th, 2017.  All of our classes meet the requirements for the provisional and standard permits,18-20 year-olds may register for any of our upcoming classes.   If you wish to get you permit as soon as possible we recommend that you take one of our classes and have us submit your application for you.  Doing this will ensure you get your permit as quickly as possible.

What is the Utah Provisional Concealed Firearm Permit?

In 2017 Utah passed HB 198 allowing for 18-20 year olds to obtain a Provisional Utah Concealed Carry Permit.  This permit does the same things as the standard permit with two exceptions.  A provisional permit holder may not possess a firearm on or about public/private elementary schools or secondary school premises (k-12).  Also, the provisional permit expires on the holder's 21st birthday.

On or after the permit holder's 21st birthday they can apply for the Standard Utah permit.  To apply they will follow all the normal steps of getting the Standard Utah permit.  This includes submitting a complete application, fingerprint card, a new photo, copy of their driver's license, and a copy of their provisional permit.  The copy of the provisional permit, as long as it isn't more than a year expired, will take the place of the normal class and they will not need to retake the class.

To help make upgrading to the standard permit easier we offer a service for just $20.00 that takes care of it all.  All you need to do show up at the beginning of any of our classes close to your 21st birthday or up to 9 months after.  There we will; fingerprint you, take your photo, walk you through the application, copy your driver's license and provisional permit, and take care of delivering your application to the BCI for processing.  You won't have to take the class, you shouldn't be there for more than 15-20 minutes, and you will leave with nothing left to do to get your standard Utah Concealed Carry Permit.  If you want a refresher on concealed carry and Utah law as part of the service you are welcome to sit in on the entire class, though it is not required to upgrade your permit.

Can I take a concealed carry class before I turn 18?

No, a concealed carry class is not considered valid unless taken on or after your 18th birthday.

​

Is a provisional permit required before I can obtain the standard Utah concealed carry permit?

No, the provisional permit is not like a learner’s driving permit.  You are not required to get a provisional permit prior to obtaining a standard concealed carry permit.  If you are 21 or turning 21 within a year you can take a concealed carry class and apply directly for the standard permit on or after your 21st birthday. The provisional permit is for those who want to receive a concealed carry permit before they turn 21 years old.

Can I purchase a Handgun in Utah before I turn 21 years old?

Per 18 USC § 922(b)(1) a Federal Firearms Dealer may not sell a handgun to someone younger than 21 years of age.  This includes gun stores, pawn shops, sporting goods stores, pretty much any retail location legally selling firearms.  This does not mean as someone under 21 you cannot legally purchase a handgun in Utah.  An 18 year old or older who is otherwise legally allowed to own a firearm can purchase handguns through a legal private sale.  All of the above age restrictions also apply to ammunition typically used in handguns until you turn 21.

​

How long until I receive my Utah Concealed Carry Permit after submitting the application?

After submitting your application to the BCI they will charge your credit card $53.25 ($63.25 for non-residents) or cash your check. They will usually charge your card about 3-6 weeks after receiving your application. Once you see your card charged or check cashed you should receive your Utah Concealed Firearm Permit 45-60 days later. If you are concerned that you have not received your permit please call the BCI. However, the BCI is very busy processing permits, please do not call until more than 60 days after your card has been charged. Utah BCI Phone Number: (801) 965-4445

Can I carry a gun while wearing a mask in Utah?

Yes, you can carry a gun while wearing a mask in Utah. Utah has no law that prohibits wearing a mask while openly carrying or conceal carrying a firearm.

​

What do I need to bring?

For all classes, you must bring a government-issued picture ID. Each class will have different requirements, please see your course's description for more information or contact us if you have specific questions.  For the Utah Concealed Weapons Permit class just bring our drivers license.

​

What should I expect from my class at Secret Squirrel?

Expect to be treated with respect in a safe learning environment. Expect all of the teachers to be helpful and courteous. The instructors here at Secret Squirrel work hard to create a great learning environment. Expect to have your questions answered and come away knowing the thing you didn’t know that you didn’t know.

How is safety on the range handled?

In the classroom, no live ammunition will be allowed. Dummy ammunition will be provided as needed in the classroom. Even with the firearms unloaded or using dummy ammunition the firearms will be treated as if they were loaded and all safe firearm handling rules will be followed by students and instructors. On the range, loaded firearms will be allowed under instructor supervision and limited based on the students’ experience. Limited numbers of students will be allowed to shoot at the same time based upon how many instructors are present to supervise.

Why train with Secret Squirrel?

The reason you should train with Secret Squirrel is because firearms training is more than just marksmanship. Firearms training is about knowing what to do before, during, and after you use your firearm in self defense. Often time firearms training is about getting out of a situation without having to use your firearm. What it really comes down to is that when you are in a life or death situation you will not rise to the occasion you will fall to your highest level of training.

​

Can my spouse attend if they already have, or do not want the Utah Concealed Carry Permit?

In this case, your spouse is more than welcome to attend. If they have their permit already they can come simply to be with you and learn more about concealed carry. If they do not have their permit they can still attend without paying for the course. If later they decided they wish to obtain a permit they can simply; pay the course fee, fill out the paperwork, fingerprint card, and submit their completed application to receive their permit. Seating for a spouse or any non-paying guest is based on availability, to guarantee your spouse a seat you have register and pay for thier seat.

What clothing should I wear?

Each class is a little different and has its own requirements, so be sure to check the course description for the class you are taking. In general, for all classes that have live fire require long pants and closed toed shoes. Always keep in mind the weather as some of our courses are taught outdoors. The Concealed Firearm Permit Classes are taught indoors, so wear what you are most comfortable in.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​