TruthFinder gives you instant access to criminal records, court filings, arrest records, address history, and more — pulling from millions of public databases in real time.
Search Public Records on TruthFinderTruthFinder.com — Affiliate link, commission earned if you subscribe.
Utah Public Records (2026 Guide)
Introduction to Utah Public Records
Utah is one of the more transparent states in the nation when it comes to public records access. Whether you need to look up a neighbor’s background, research a potential business partner, find property ownership information, or simply understand your own public footprint, Utah law provides clear pathways to access government-held information. The Beehive State’s commitment to open government means that millions of records — from criminal histories to court filings to vital statistics — are available to ordinary residents with the right knowledge of where and how to look.
This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about accessing public records in Utah. We explain the governing law, break down each category of records, list the real government agencies responsible for maintaining those records, provide direct links to official state websites, and answer the most common questions Utah residents have about the public records process. Whether you’re a first-time requester or an experienced researcher, this guide will save you time and help you find the information you need.
Utah’s public records framework is governed primarily by the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), codified at Utah Code § 63G-2. GRAMA establishes a presumption of openness — meaning records are public unless a specific exemption applies. Understanding GRAMA is the first step to successfully navigating Utah’s public records landscape in 2026.
TruthFinder searches all Utah public records instantly.
What Is Considered a Public Record in Utah?
Under GRAMA (Utah Code § 63G-2), a “record” is broadly defined as any document, book, letter, paper, map, photograph, film, audio or video recording, electronic data, or other item that is prepared, owned, received, or retained by a governmental entity in the conduct of its official activities. The law presumes that all government records are public unless a specific exemption exists.
Categories of Public Records in Utah
Utah public records span an enormous range of document types across dozens of state and local agencies. Common categories include:
- Criminal records and background check reports
- Court records — civil, criminal, family, and probate cases
- Arrest records and booking information
- Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates (vital records)
- Property deeds, liens, and tax assessments
- Sex offender registry information
- Business entity filings
- Government contracts and financial records
- Meeting minutes and agendas from public bodies
- Professional and occupational licenses
- Voter registration records (limited access)
- Police incident reports
Records That Are Restricted or Exempt
Not all government-held information is fully open to the public. Utah law restricts access to certain sensitive categories, including:
- Juvenile court records (largely sealed)
- Medical and mental health records
- Social Security numbers in government documents
- Protected witness or victim information in criminal cases
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Certain law enforcement investigative materials during active cases
- Adoption records (sealed in Utah)
How to File a GRAMA Request
Any person may submit a GRAMA request to a Utah government entity. Requests can typically be submitted in writing, by email, or through an agency’s online portal. Agencies must respond within 10 business days for most records. If access is denied, requesters have the right to appeal to the agency’s chief administrative officer, then to the State Records Committee, and finally to district court. There is no fee requirement to submit a request, though agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records.
The Utah State Archives provides guidance on submitting GRAMA requests and maintains a centralized records portal at archives.utah.gov.
Utah Criminal Records
Criminal history records in Utah are maintained by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), a division of the Utah Department of Public Safety. The BCI is the official state repository for criminal history information and serves as Utah’s central hub for criminal background checks used by employers, licensing agencies, landlords, and individuals.
Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)
The BCI collects and maintains fingerprint-based criminal history records from law enforcement agencies across all 29 Utah counties. Records include arrest data, booking information, charges filed, convictions, sentencing information, and sex offender registry data.
Official Website: bci.utah.gov
Mailing Address: 3888 West 5400 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84118
Phone: (801) 965-4445
How to Request a Criminal History in Utah
Utah offers two primary types of criminal background check requests:
- Name-Based Background Check (Notarized Request): Individuals can request their own Utah criminal history record by submitting a notarized request form to the BCI. This search is based on name and date of birth. The fee is typically $15 per search.
- Fingerprint-Based Background Check: The most comprehensive and accurate method. Applicants are fingerprinted and the prints are run against both the state and national (FBI) databases. This is required for many professional licenses, employment in sensitive industries, and adoptions. Fees vary but typically range from $20–$50.
Utah Sex Offender Registry
The Utah Sex Offender Registry is publicly searchable online and is maintained by the BCI. You can search by name, city, ZIP code, or map view. The registry contains photos, addresses, and offense information for registered sex offenders across the state.
Search the Registry: sor.utah.gov
Expungement of Criminal Records in Utah
Utah law allows eligible individuals to expunge criminal records under Utah Code § 77-40. In 2019, Utah passed significant expungement reform with the Clean Slate Act, which created an automatic expungement process for qualifying misdemeanors and eligible felony charges after a waiting period. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and whether all fines and sentences have been completed. Expunged records are sealed from public view but may still be accessible to certain government agencies.
Search arrests and convictions across all 29 Utah counties.
Utah Court Records
Utah court records are maintained by the Utah State Courts system, which is administered by the Utah Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The Utah court system is organized into the Utah Supreme Court, Utah Court of Appeals, District Courts (in each of Utah’s eight judicial districts), and Justice Courts at the local level.
Utah Courts Online Case Search (XChange)
The Utah courts provide an online case lookup tool called XChange, which allows public users to search for court case information. The public access portal provides basic case information, including case type, parties, and hearing dates.
Utah Courts Website: utcourts.gov
Public Case Search: utcourts.gov/en/home/records/case-search.html
Types of Court Records Available
- Civil Court Records: Lawsuits, small claims cases, civil judgments, and civil harassment restraining orders
- Criminal Court Records: Misdemeanor and felony case filings, plea agreements, sentencing records
- Family Court Records: Divorce decrees, child custody orders, child support orders (some information is restricted)
- Probate Records: Wills, estate inventories, guardianship and conservatorship filings
- Traffic Records: Citations and hearings handled by courts
- Appeals Court Records: Decisions and briefs from the Utah Court of Appeals and Supreme Court
Accessing Physical Court Records
While many case records are available online, full case documents (including filings, exhibits, and transcripts) may require an in-person visit to the clerk of court in the relevant district. Most district court clerks are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee, typically $4 per certification plus copy costs.
Sealed and Restricted Court Records in Utah
Certain Utah court records are sealed or restricted from public access by statute. These include juvenile delinquency records, adoption proceedings, mental health commitment records, and certain protected victim information in domestic violence and sexual assault cases. Expunged criminal records are also removed from public court databases following a successful expungement order.
Access Utah court filings, civil judgments, and case history.
Utah Arrest Records
Arrest records in Utah document instances in which a person was taken into custody by law enforcement. These records include booking information, mugshots, charges, and bail amounts. Arrest records are distinct from criminal conviction records — an arrest does not imply guilt or a conviction, and arrests that do not result in charges or that result in dismissals may still appear in public searches unless expunged.
Where to Find Utah Arrest Records
Arrest records in Utah can be obtained from several sources depending on the arresting agency:
- Local County Jails and Sheriff’s Offices: Most Utah county sheriff’s offices maintain online inmate search tools or booking logs. Salt Lake County, Utah County, Davis County, and Weber County all offer online inmate lookup portals.
- Utah Department of Corrections: For individuals held in state prison, the Utah Department of Corrections maintains an inmate search tool at corrections.utah.gov.
- Utah BCI: Arrest data is also incorporated into state criminal history records held by the Bureau of Criminal Identification.
- Individual Police Departments: Municipal police departments may maintain their own arrest logs, accessible via GRAMA request.
Mugshots and Booking Photos
Booking photographs (mugshots) are generally considered public records in Utah. Some county sheriff websites publish recent booking photos as a matter of routine. However, many third-party mugshot websites that republish these photos have faced scrutiny, and Utah law does not specifically mandate removal of mugshots from these sites unless an expungement order is obtained.
Warrants in Utah
Active arrest warrants in Utah may be searchable through local court systems or law enforcement agencies. Some Utah counties make outstanding warrant information available online through their sheriff’s office websites. The Utah Courts’ XChange system may also reflect warrant information attached to active case filings.