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Utah

The role of public records is crucial in an open government. While the Freedom of Information Act grants federal access to documents, each state has its own laws as well.

While access isn’t restricted, finding and requesting records can be a bit challenging. Records are kept by different branches of government and by various state agencies, so it can be challenging to know where to start looking.

Those needing to access records have a right to submit a request through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Every state has different processes, so it’s essential to know the state’s law before requesting any documents.

• Criminal Records
• Court Records
• Inmate Records
• Vital Records

What does the Utah public records law say?

The Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) governs public records in Utah.

As you might expect, the law can be a little confusing. As with many states, documents are often held by different agencies, making locating records difficult. Once found, the process to request records varies.

Each of the states has different policies and laws. In Utah, all government branches are subject to the law, and any public member can view records.

However, there are some exemptions. Records that contain any private information like medical records, addresses of elected officials, or details about government employees are exempted from open record laws.

Usually, a government agency responds to requests in ten days. If a media outlet makes a request, it’s traditionally answered a little faster; within five business days.

If a request is denied, there is an appeals process. A requester can file a complaint with the head of the agency and the State Records Committee. If the case goes further, it ends up in district court.

You can learn more about conducting a public records search at Utah.gov.

How can I access public records in Utah?

For public records access in Utah, you may be able to access some online. Specific agencies hold others. In some cases, you may need to file a request form. It can be filed by mail, email, or by phone to the record-holding department.

Every department is different, so expect some variation to the rules if you’re accessing records from multiple places.

In general, a public records request should include:

• Your name
• Contact information
• The name of the document
• Details about the document
• A time frame that you would like to receive the materials by
• Document delivery method, mail or email

Utah Criminal Records

The summary of a person’s criminal history is known as a criminal record. It’s also referred to as a rap sheet, which consists of convictions and arrests. These records are maintained by local law enforcement agencies.

The majority of criminal records requested in Utah are by employers who need a background check on a potential employee.

Hiring an employee who will not tarnish your business name is good and, in some cases, may keep your other employees safe.

The Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Identification maintains criminal records in the state.

What’s on a Utah criminal record?

A criminal record is the individual’s history that gives complete details related to the person’s interaction with law enforcement.

Various resources are used to pull these records and ensure that the person’s previous arrest records, convictions, and incarcerations are recorded for the future.

Some misdemeanors and traffic violations are not on a criminal record.

The criminal record you receive will provide you with this pertinent information:

• Date of birth
• Driver license number
• Photograph/mugshot
• Fingerprints
• Current and past addresses
• Former arrest records
• Current and past warrants

Where can I find Utah criminal records?

You will visit the Utah Department of Public Safety to access the criminal record.

The state of Utah has specific rules for requesting criminal records.

Only certain businesses can gain access. Businesses that work with children, like a childcare center or any state or local government, can run a background check. Other private companies aren’t allowed to request records.

However, a company can ask that an employee request their record, which a set of fingerprints must accompany.

Utah Inmate Records

Utah inmate records contain information regarding a person’s current and past incarceration status. These documents can also include sentencing information.

The Utah Department of Corrections maintains criminal records in the state.

What’s on a Utah inmate record?

The information on each state’s inmate’s record can vary.

Utah inmate records can provide the following:

• Name and aliases
• Date of Birth
• Height and weight
• DOC ID
• Booking photo
• Assigned location
• Sentence summary

Where can I find Utah inmate records?

You will visit the Utah Department of Corrections website to access the inmate record.

You can access information by visiting the website above and filling out the online form.

You need the inmate’s first and last name or the inmate’s ID number.

You’ll receive an immediate response if there’s a record on the inmate that you searched.

Utah Court Records

The courts themselves record court records about criminal cases, as well as Justice Court cases.

Information provided in court records includes allegation documents, proceedings, and affidavits taken under oath.

What’s on a Utah court record?

A court record usually contains specific information that was presented during a trial. You’ll find copies of evidence, witness testimonies, and expert reports inside court records.

Court records that you can obtain are:

• Court minutes
• Court case information
• Case files
• Dockets
• Court opinions
• Orders of the court
• Judgment documentation
• Jury records and files
• Witness documentation
• Case information

Where can I find Utah court records?

You will visit the Utah Courts website to access the court record.

You can run an appellate docket search, look through appellate court records, or browse district court records. If you’re looking for a case that’s more than 50 years old, you’ll need to look through archived documents.

While many records are available online, you may be directed to a clerk of court or a county clerk if a document is missing or not electronically logged into the Utah state courts system.

To access supreme court records, visit the Utah Supreme Court website.

Utah Vital Records

The Utah Department of Health maintains vital records in the state.

Utah’s vital records include:

• Birth Certificates
• Death Certificates
• Marriage Licenses
• Divorce Decrees

Public record requests for vital records in Utah will vary depending on the document you are requesting.

Office of Vital Records and Statistics – Utah Department of Health
Office of Vital Records and Statistics
Utah Department of Health
288 North 1460 West
P.O. Box 141012
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1012

What information do I need to request a Utah birth certificate?

The Birth Certificate Application will ask for specific information when ordering a birth record.

• Full name on the birth record
• Date of birth
• City and county of birth
• Hospital or place of birth
• Parents’ full names

Where can I find a Utah birth certificate?

You can order a Utah birth certificate online using the Office of Vital Records website.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Utah birth record by completing the Birth Certificate Application and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified birth certificate in Utah is $20, and $10 for every additional copy.

What information do I need for a death certificate in Utah?

The Death Certificate Application will ask for specific information when ordering a death record.

• Full name on the death record
• Date of death
• City of death
• County of death
• Birthdate
• Place of birth
• Spouses’ full name before marriage
• Parents’ full names

Where can I find a Utah death certificate?

You can order a Utah death certificate online using the Office of Vital Records website.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Utah death record by completing the Death Certificate Application and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified death certificate in Utah is $30, and $10 for every additional copy.

What information do I need for a marriage certificate in Utah?

The Marriage Certificate Request Form will ask for specific information on their public records request form:

• Spouses’ full names before marriage
• Date of marriage
• Place of marriage

Where can I find a Utah marriage certificate?

You can order a Utah marriage certificate online using the Office of Vital Records website.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Utah marriage record by completing the Marriage Certificate Request Form and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified marriage certificate in Utah is $18, and $10 for every additional copy.

What information do I need for a divorce certificate in Utah?

The Divorce Certificate Request Form will ask for specific information on their public records request form:

• Spouses’ full names before marriage
• Date of marriage
• Place of marriage
• Date of divorce
• Place the divorce was granted

Where can I find a Utah divorce certificate?

You can order a Utah marriage certificate online using the Office of Vital Records website.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Utah divorce record by completing the Divorce Certificate Request Form and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified divorce certificate in Utah is $18, and $10 for every additional copy.

Utah Property Records

The Utah County Recorder maintains all property records in the state.

The property records you can access include:

• Liens
• Land records
• Titles
• Property deeds
• Real estate information
• Mortgages
• Property tax assessment records
• Zoning information
• Probate

For data, parcel, and land use maps, you will need to contact the Geographic Information System(GIS) to ask about public access.

What information do I need to request property records in Utah?

You will need basic information to access a public property record in Utah.

Forms, fees, and office hours will vary depending on the Recorder’s Office.

Where can I find a Utah property record?

You will need to contact the Utah County Recorder’s Office where the property record is maintained.

Example – Salt Lake County Recorder
Salt Lake County Recorder Data Services

Recorder’s Office
2001 S State St.  N1-600
Salt Lake City, UT 84190

Phone number: 385-468-8145

FAQs

Can a request be submitted by non-residents of Utah?

Utah state law does not have a residency requirement in its constitution.

In other words, you can live anywhere in the United States and request public records.

Is there a records custodian in Utah?

Utah Public Records Laws mandate that a records custodian or an ombudsperson can handle all requests.

What exemptions exist for public records requests in Utah?

Utah’s public records services are reasonably easy.

The only time records are restricted or exempt from the law is if they contain personal information or can impact general security.

How long does Utah have to respond to a public records request?

In Utah, a state agency has ten business days to respond to a public request and five business days to respond to a request from the media.

Is there an appeals process in place for public records requests in Utah?

Utah does have several administrative appeals options.

A requester can file a complaint with the head of the public agency that holds the records or file a complaint with the State Records Committee in Salt Lake City. If these options don’t work, a case can be filed in district court.

Are property records considered public in Utah?

Real estate transactions and unclaimed property are both considered public information. If the records are older, consider visiting the Utah State Archives for more information. Most counties in the state, like Utah County, have an online database that can be searched online.

What fees are associated with requesting public records in Utah?

Utah’s law says a state agency can charge a “reasonable fee to cover the actual cost of obtaining the record.” This language is meant to keep fees low.