Utah County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Utah County?

Public records in Utah County are defined under the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), Utah Code § 63G-2, as information prepared, owned, received, or retained by a governmental entity that is reproducible. These records document the business of the public and are generally accessible to citizens.

Utah County maintains a comprehensive collection of public records including:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Utah State Courts system with facilities in Utah County
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments maintained by the Utah County Recorder's Office
Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees (maintained by the Utah County Health Department and Utah County Clerk)
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax liens maintained by the Utah County Treasurer and Assessor
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports maintained by the Utah County Clerk/Auditor
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of Utah County Commission meetings, board proceedings, and public hearings
Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports, and jail records maintained by the Utah County Sheriff's Office
Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and building permits maintained by Utah County Community Development

The Utah County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many county records, while specialized departments maintain records specific to their functions. Citizens seeking public records may submit requests through the Utah County public records request portal.

Is Utah County an Open Records County?

Utah County adheres to the state's open records laws as established in the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), Utah Code § 63G-2. This comprehensive statute governs public access to government records throughout Utah, including Utah County.

Under Utah Code § 63G-2-201(1), the law explicitly states: "Every person has the right to inspect a public record free of charge, and the right to take a copy of a public record during normal working hours, subject to Sections 63G-2-203 and 63G-2-204."

Utah County has implemented policies to ensure compliance with GRAMA requirements. The county maintains transparency through adherence to Utah's Open and Public Meetings Act (Utah Code § 52-4), which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public with proper notice.

The Utah County Attorney's Office oversees GRAMA compliance for county departments and provides guidance on records requests. Each county department has designated records officers responsible for processing requests in accordance with state law.

Utah County's commitment to open government is further demonstrated through its participation in the Utah Open Records Portal, a centralized system for submitting and tracking public records requests to governmental entities throughout the state.

How to Find Public Records in Utah County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records from Utah County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they require:

Submit a GRAMA Request Online: The most efficient method for requesting records is through the Utah County GRAMA request portal. This system allows requestors to:
- Specify the records sought
- Track request status
- Communicate with records officers
- Pay applicable fees electronically
Visit the Appropriate Department: Citizens may inspect many public records in person during normal business hours at the relevant county office:
- For property records: Visit the Utah County Recorder's Office
- For court records: Visit the appropriate courthouse
- For vital records: Visit the Utah County Health Department
- For tax records: Visit the Utah County Treasurer's Office
Access Online Databases: Utah County provides several self-service online portals:
- Utah County Land Records for property information
- Utah Courts XChange for court records
- Utah County Sheriff's Inmate Search for jail records
Submit a Written Request: Citizens may submit written GRAMA requests to the specific department holding the records. Requests must include:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Clear description of records sought
- Statement of whether the requestor is entitled to expedited response
- Preferred format of records (electronic or paper)
Utilize the State Open Records Portal: For broader searches or when uncertain which agency holds specific records, the Utah Open Records Portal provides a centralized request system for all Utah government entities.

Records officers must respond to requests within 10 business days (5 days for expedited requests) as required by Utah Code § 63G-2-204.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Utah County?

Utah County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Utah Code § 63G-2-203, which permits governmental entities to charge reasonable fees covering the actual cost of providing records. Current fee structures include:

Standard Fees:

Paper copies: $0.25 per page (8.5" x 11")
Large format copies (maps, plats): $5.00-$25.00 depending on size
Electronic records: $10.00 per CD/DVD or no charge if delivered electronically
Staff research time: $20.00 per hour after the first 15 minutes (which are free)
Certification of records: $2.00 per document

Department-Specific Fees:

Recorder's Office: $10.00 per document for recorded documents
Vital Records: $18.00 for birth certificates, $18.00 for death certificates
Court Records: $10.00 for certified copies, $0.50 per page for regular copies
Sheriff's Office: $15.00 for incident reports, $5.00 for booking photos

Utah County accepts payment via:

Credit/debit cards (online and in person)
Cash (in person only)
Checks or money orders (made payable to "Utah County")

Under Utah Code § 63G-2-203(4), fees may be waived if:

The request benefits the public rather than an individual
The requestor is the subject of the record
The requestor's legal rights are directly implicated
The requestor is impecunious (unable to pay)

Fee waiver requests must be submitted in writing with the initial records request, explaining the basis for the waiver. The records officer has discretion to grant or deny fee waivers based on the statutory criteria.

Does Utah County Have Free Public Records?

Utah County provides several categories of records at no cost to the public, in accordance with Utah Code § 63G-2-201, which guarantees the right to inspect public records free of charge during normal business hours.

Free Records Available for Inspection:

County Commission meeting minutes and agendas
County ordinances and resolutions
Annual budgets and financial reports
Election results
Property ownership information (basic search)
Building permits (current)
Public notices and announcements

Free Online Resources:

The Utah County Land Records portal provides basic property information at no charge
The Utah County Sheriff's Office offers free inmate searches
The Utah County Commission website provides free access to meeting agendas and minutes
The Utah Courts website offers free case information searches (detailed documents require payment)
The Utah Department of Public Safety provides free crime statistics and data dashboards

Citizens may inspect records at the appropriate county office during regular business hours without charge. However, if copies are requested or if extensive research time is required, fees may apply as outlined in the county's fee schedule.

The first 15 minutes of staff research time for any records request is provided at no charge, as mandated by Utah County policy in accordance with GRAMA provisions.

Who Can Request Public Records in Utah County?

Under Utah Code § 63G-2-201, any person has the right to request and receive public records from Utah County governmental entities, regardless of citizenship or residency status. The following guidelines apply to records requestors:

Eligibility Requirements:

No residency restrictions exist for basic public records requests
Requestors need not state a reason or purpose for most public records
Identification is generally not required for public records, but may be necessary for:
- Records containing restricted information where the requestor must prove legal right of access
- Vital records (birth, death certificates) where proof of relationship may be required
- Records where age verification is necessary (e.g., certain court records)

Special Considerations:

Individuals requesting their own private records must provide identification to verify their identity
Parents or legal guardians may access records of minor children with proper documentation
Legal representatives must provide proof of authorization when requesting records on behalf of clients
Businesses and organizations may submit requests through authorized representatives

Utah Code § 63G-2-202 establishes different levels of access based on record classification and requestor status. For example, private records are generally accessible only to the subject of the record, while protected records may be accessible to those who can demonstrate a legal right of access.

The Utah County Attorney's Office reviews requests for restricted records to ensure proper access authorization before release.

Commercial use of public records is permitted, though Utah County may inquire about intended use when determining whether to waive fees for requests that primarily benefit the public.

What Records Are Confidential in Utah County?

Utah County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with Utah Code § 63G-2-302 through § 63G-2-305, which establish classifications for records that are exempt from public disclosure. These protected categories include:

Private Records (§ 63G-2-302):

Medical and mental health records
Personnel records including performance evaluations and personal contact information
Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifiers
Financial account information and tax ID numbers
Library user records showing specific materials borrowed
Records containing information about minors

Controlled Records (§ 63G-2-304):

Medical, psychiatric, or psychological data where release would be detrimental to the subject's mental health
Substance abuse evaluations and treatment information

Protected Records (§ 63G-2-305):

Records subject to attorney-client privilege
Records prepared for pending or reasonably anticipated litigation
Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information
Records that would jeopardize life, safety, or property if disclosed
Records that would interfere with investigations, audits, or disciplinary proceedings
Records that would identify confidential informants
Records that would reveal security measures or vulnerabilities
Drafts of policies, ordinances, or legislation prior to formal adoption

Additional Confidential Records:

Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
Adoption records (except as provided by court order)
Child welfare and protective services records
Victim information in domestic violence and sexual assault cases
Records protected by federal law (HIPAA, FERPA, etc.)

Utah County applies a balancing test as required by Utah Code § 63G-2-201(5)(b) when determining whether to release certain records, weighing the public's right to information against privacy interests and potential harm from disclosure.

Records officers may redact confidential information from otherwise public records to permit partial disclosure when appropriate under Utah Code § 63G-2-308.

Utah County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Utah County Recorder's Office
100 East Center Street, Room 1600
Provo, UT 84606
(801) 851-8163
Utah County Recorder

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents
Maintenance of property ownership records
Issuance of certified copies of recorded documents
Maintenance of subdivision plats and surveys
Property research assistance
GIS mapping services

Payment Methods Accepted:

Cash
Check
Credit/Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
Money Order

Additional Information:

Document recording is available in person, by mail, or through electronic submission for approved partners
Self-service research terminals are available during business hours
Staff is available to assist with property record searches
Appointments are recommended for extensive research assistance