The problem: you live in a restrictive state
Roughly 100 million Americans live in states with highly restrictive concealed carry laws — California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, Maryland, Connecticut, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia. Getting a carry permit from your home state may be difficult, expensive, or effectively impossible.
But here's what most people in these states don't realize: you may be able to legally carry in 30–40+ other states using a non-resident carry permit from a different state — without ever changing your address.
Several states issue concealed carry permits to residents of other states. The three most valuable for this purpose are Utah, Arizona, and Florida. Each permit is honored in many other states, and combining two of them typically gives you legal carry coverage in 38–42 states.
The three best non-resident permits
Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP)
Honored in ~35 states · Fee: $49 · Processing: 30–60 daysThe Utah CFP is one of the most widely honored permits in the country. It is issued to non-residents by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and is available to U.S. citizens 21 or older who are legally eligible to possess a firearm.
| Issuing agency | Utah BCI |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Fee | $49 (non-resident initial) |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Training required | Yes — Utah-approved concealed carry course (available online or in-person) |
| Background check | Yes — fingerprint-based through BCI and FBI |
| Processing time | Approximately 30–60 days |
| Apply at | bci.utah.gov — Concealed Firearm ↗ |
Note: Utah does NOT require applicants to be Utah residents. The non-resident process is the same as the resident process.
Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP)
Honored in ~35 states · Fee: $60 · Processing: 60–75 daysArizona issues non-resident permits and has been a permitless carry state since 2010 — making their permitting program established and efficient. The AZ CWP overlaps significantly with the Utah CFP but covers some unique states not covered by Utah.
| Issuing agency | Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS) |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Fee | $60 (initial) / $43 (renewal) |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Training required | Yes — AZ-approved firearms safety course (in-person live-fire required) |
| Background check | Yes — AZ DPS and FBI NICS |
| Apply at | azdps.gov — Weapons Permits ↗ |
Florida Concealed Weapon License — Non-Resident (CWL)
Honored in ~37 states · Fee: $97 · Processing: 50–90 daysThe Florida CWL is honored in more states than almost any other permit. Florida issues non-resident licenses to anyone who is not a Florida resident and is legally eligible to possess a firearm. It is particularly valuable because it covers some Midwest and Northeast states that Utah doesn't reach.
| Issuing agency | Florida FDACS (Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services) |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Fee | $97 (initial) / $45 (renewal) |
| Validity | 7 years |
| Training required | Yes — proof of firearms safety training (NRA course, hunter ed, military service, etc.) |
| Background check | Yes — FDLE and FBI NICS |
| Processing time | 50–90 days (90-day statutory maximum) |
| Apply at | fdacs.gov — Concealed Weapon License ↗ |
The optimal combination strategy
✅ Utah CFP + Florida CWL = ~40 states covered
Combined cost under $150 + training. Combined processing time: 60–90 days. Together these two permits cover most of the country where carry is practically achievable. Additionally, 29 states have their own permitless carry — you can carry in those states without any permit at all if you're 21+ and eligible.
States where you likely still CANNOT carry (even with both permits)
Even with a Utah CFP and Florida CWL, these highly regulated states generally will not honor either permit:
These states either do not recognize out-of-state permits at all, or have such extensive restrictions that practical carry is effectively unavailable to most people. Verify the current status with each state's official source.
Getting your non-resident permits: step by step
Utah CFP (recommended first)
Complete a Utah-approved course. Must cover Utah law, use of force, safe storage, and include a live-fire component or be an approved online course. Many NRA instructors are Utah-approved. Online options are available. Search the BCI instructor list for approved courses near you.
Complete the BCI application online. Visit bci.utah.gov. You'll need a valid government ID, your course completion certificate, and payment of $49.
Submit fingerprints. Utah requires a fingerprint-based background check. You can submit fingerprints at any law enforcement agency or approved fingerprinting location.
Wait for processing. Processing typically takes 30–60 days. You'll receive your Utah CFP by mail.
Florida CWL — Non-Resident
Gather training documentation. Florida accepts many forms: NRA safety course, hunter education certificate, military DD-214, law enforcement service, or completion of a licensed Florida instructor's course. If you've done training for your Utah CFP, that certificate may qualify.
Complete the Florida application. Apply online or by mail through FDACS. Non-residents use the same application form. Fee: $97.
Fingerprinting. Required. Use an approved Livescan provider or mail in fingerprint cards. FDACS provides instructions on their website.
Wait 50–90 days. Florida law requires processing within 90 days. Approval comes by mail. The CWL is valid for 7 years.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Utah or Florida permit if I live in California (or another restrictive state)?
Yes. Neither Utah nor Florida requires applicants to be residents of those states. You can apply as a non-resident from any U.S. state. Your home state's restrictions on carry do not prevent you from obtaining a non-resident permit from another state — they simply mean you cannot carry in your home state with those permits (since your home state doesn't recognize them).
Is this legal? Can I really get a permit from another state?
Yes, it is completely legal. Several states have always issued non-resident carry permits as part of their regular permit programs. Nothing in federal law prevents a resident of one state from obtaining a permit from another state. The practical limitation is that your home state's laws still apply within your home state — so a California resident with a Utah permit still cannot carry concealed in California.
What training is accepted for the Florida non-resident CWL?
Florida accepts: completion of any NRA firearms safety or training course; completion of a hunter education or hunter safety course; experience as a law enforcement officer; honorable military discharge (DD-214); or completion of a course offered by a Florida-licensed firearms instructor. If you've already taken a course for your Utah CFP, that NRA course certificate will likely qualify for Florida as well — you may not need separate training.
Do I need to renew these permits?
Yes. Utah CFP is valid for 5 years; Florida CWL is valid for 7 years. Both can be renewed before expiration through their respective agencies. Renewal fees are lower than initial fees. Set calendar reminders well in advance of expiration — carrying on an expired permit is the same as carrying without a permit in most states.
Can I still carry in Indiana, Vermont, or other permitless states without any non-resident permit?
Yes. States with permitless carry laws generally allow any person 21 or older (sometimes 18+) who is legally eligible to possess a firearm to carry without any permit. You do not need a non-resident permit to carry in those states — your eligibility is what matters, not your permit status. Check the eligibility requirements for each permitless state before relying on this.