Can I store my gun at a police station in Utah?
Yes. Under Utah's Safe Harbor law, someone who lives in the home can ask a participating police department or sheriff's office to hold a firearm for a while. It's voluntary and temporary, and the owner can ask for it back.
Who can use Safe Harbor?
Anyone who lives in the home, whether they own the firearm or not, can bring it in or ask an officer to receive it. The law is meant for times when you believe someone in the home who can get to the firearm may be a danger to themselves or someone else.
Safe Harbor is not meant for routine storage while you travel. For that, see storage while you're away.
What happens when you drop it off?
- The agency writes down the owner's name, address, and phone number, the make, model, and serial number of each firearm, and the date.
- The person dropping it off signs a form saying they live in the home.
- They can't ask who is at risk. The law says the agency may not ask for the name or any information about the person they're worried about, or anyone else in the home.
Call ahead first. Hours and drop-off steps vary by agency.
How long will they hold it?
60 days. When that ends, you can ask them to hold it for another 60 days.
How do I get it back?
- The owner can pick it up with ID after 60 days, or ask for it back sooner in person at the agency.
- The agency can't return it to someone who is legally barred from having firearms, or to someone under certain domestic violence release conditions.
Is it private?
Yes. The records are private under Utah's records law, and the agency must destroy them within 5 days after the firearm is returned.
Does every police department take firearms?
No. Each agency decides whether to take part. Our map lists the agencies that do, based on the state's list of participating agencies.
Find Safe Harbor agencies near meIf Safe Harbor isn't the right fit
- A friend or family member who can legally have firearms can hold them for you.
- A SafeReach Locker lets you lock a firearm away yourself, and only you have access.
- A gun shop can store it for longer periods. Pickup works like a purchase, with a background check.
- A free safe or cable lock adds a locked barrier at home.