State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Utah
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Utah under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) (est. 1991).
Overview of Public Records in Utah
Utah's Government Records Access and Management Act takes a classification-based approach to public records, similar to Minnesota's system. GRAMA classifies all government records into categories: public, private, controlled, and protected. This structured approach provides clear guidelines for what records are accessible and under what circumstances. Utah's State Records Committee serves as an independent appellate body for records disputes. The law applies to all state and local government entities in Utah.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Utah
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 10 business days. They may claim an extension of up to an additional 5 business days with written notice. If no response is given within the deadline, the request is considered denied.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge a reasonable fee to cover actual costs of search and reproduction. Standard copy fees are typically $0.25 per page. Fees for search time may apply for requests requiring more than 15 minutes of staff effort.
How to Submit a Request
Requests should be made in writing to the governmental entity. Many agencies have official request forms available. The requester does not need to explain the purpose of the request.
Appeal Process
Requesters may appeal to the chief administrative officer of the agency. If denied again, they may appeal to the State Records Committee, which holds formal hearings and issues binding orders.
Types of Public Records Available in Utah
Property Records
Property records in Utah include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Utah contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Utah election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Utah court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Utah include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Utah vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Utah document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Utah Public Records
To request records under GRAMA, submit a written request to the relevant governmental entity. Agencies must respond within ten business days. If your request is denied, you can appeal to the chief administrative officer of the governmental entity, and then to the State Records Committee, which provides a free hearing process. Utah counties maintain property records through recorder offices, and the Utah Courts provide online case searches through their Xchange system.
Online Access
Utah courts provide online case access through the XChange system. County recorder and assessor offices maintain online property records. The Division of Corporations provides business entity searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Utah
While the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Utah.
- Records classified as private, controlled, or protected under GRAMA's classification system
- Trade secrets and commercial information submitted to government
- Records that would endanger individual or public safety if disclosed
- Attorney-client privileged records involving government
- Medical records of individuals
- Records of ongoing criminal investigations
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Utah provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA)
Enacted: 1991
Utah's Government Records Access and Management Act is codified in Utah Code Title 63G, Chapter 2. GRAMA classifies all government records into categories rather than presuming openness with exemptions. The State Records Committee, composed of seven members appointed by the governor, hears appeals of records denials and can order disclosure. GRAMA was updated in 2019 to address electronic records and online publication requirements.
Key Features of Utah's Records Law:
- Utah uses a classification system (public, private, controlled, protected) rather than a traditional open records model
- The State Records Committee provides free hearings for records appeals
- GRAMA was designed from the ground up as a comprehensive records management and access framework
Utah Public Records Facts
Utah has 29 counties maintaining local government records
The State Records Committee hears approximately 50-75 appeals per year
The state has approximately 1.8 million registered voters
Utah Division of Corporations maintains records for over 300,000 business entities
Search Utah Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Utah. Enter a name below to search public records in UT.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah Public Records
How is Utah's GRAMA different from other states' records laws?
How do I access Utah court records?
What is the Utah State Records Committee?
How do I search Utah property records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Utah or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.