Torrey Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Torrey, Utah government websites.

  About Torrey City Government
Annual Budget $1.2 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Torrey, Utah, is the Torrey Town Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large, serving four-year terms. The current council members include Mayor T. J. McGowan, and council members Mike H. McGowan, John A. McGowan, and others, reflecting a commitment to local governance.

For the fiscal year 2023, Torrey's approximate annual operating budget is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives, ensuring that the needs of the approximately 200 residents are met.

The Torrey Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Torrey Town Hall, located at 75 East 100 North, Torrey, UT 84775. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Torrey, Utah

Nestled in the heart of Utah’s scenic Wayne County, Torrey captures the essence of small-town charm with its breathtaking views of the surrounding red rock formations and proximity to the stunning Capitol Reef National Park. With a population of approximately 186 residents, this quaint community has established itself as a haven for nature enthusiasts and artists alike. Torrey was founded in the early 1900s and has grown slowly yet steadily, maintaining its rustic appeal while catering to the needs of its residents and visitors. The town features several neighborhoods, each reflecting the close-knit nature of its inhabitants, where friendly faces greet you on every corner. The local economy primarily thrives on tourism, with many businesses catering to the influx of visitors seeking adventure in the nearby national park, as well as essential services that support the community. What sets Torrey apart is its combination of breathtaking natural beauty, art galleries, and quaint shops that provide a unique cultural experience, making it a distinctive getaway in the heart of Utah.

Law enforcement in Torrey is primarily served by the Torrey Police Department, which works closely with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office to ensure the safety and security of the community. Should residents or visitors need to obtain criminal records or related information, they can start by contacting the local police department. For more comprehensive records, individuals may also reach out to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff’s office provides a range of services and can direct individuals on how to access public records. For arrest records, mugshots, and booking information, individuals typically need to provide specific details regarding the incident or the person in question. Additionally, the Utah Department of Public Safety operates the Bureau of Criminal Identification, where residents can request a criminal history report. This can often be done online, providing ease of access for those seeking records. Several online lookup portals may also exist to facilitate the search for criminal records, making the process more convenient for the public.

The judicial system in Torrey is anchored by the Wayne County District Court, where a variety of civil and criminal cases are heard. For individuals seeking court records, there are two primary methods available: they can either visit the in-person clerk’s office or access the court’s online portal, which provides a means to search for case information. In addition to court records, vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates are available through the county clerk-recorder’s office or the Utah Department of Health’s vital records division. Property records can also be consulted at the county assessor’s office and the recorder’s office, with many documents accessible through online portals. For general inquiries or requests for public records beyond these categories, the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) allows individuals to submit requests directly to the appropriate government agency. Typical response times for GRAMA requests are usually within 5–10 business days, ensuring that residents and interested parties can access needed information in a timely manner. These resources and offices play a critical role in maintaining transparency and supporting the civic engagement of the Torrey community.

About Torrey

Torrey is a small town in Wayne County, Utah, located along State Route 24 at the western edge of Capitol Reef National Park. With a population of approximately 240 residents as of recent census estimates, Torrey serves as a gateway community to one of Utah's most spectacular national parks. Founded in the late 1800s by Mormon pioneers, the town was originally named Poverty Flat before being renamed Torrey in 1914 after Colonel Jay L. Torrey, a prominent area cattleman. The town sits at an elevation of about 6,843 feet in south-central Utah, where the red rock desert meets alpine forests.
Torrey's economy is heavily dependent on tourism, with numerous lodges, restaurants, and outfitters serving visitors to Capitol Reef National Park. The town is known for its stunning scenery, dark skies, and access to outdoor recreation including hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives along the Scenic Byway 12, one of America's most beautiful roads. Public records for Torrey residents are maintained by a combination of town, Wayne County, and State of Utah agencies. While Torrey is an incorporated town with its own municipal government located at 55 South Main Street, many governmental services are provided at the county level due to the town's small size. The Wayne County Courthouse complex in Loa, the county seat located about 10 miles east of Torrey, houses the County Clerk/Auditor, Recorder, Assessor, and other offices that maintain vital records, property records, and court documents. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office provides primary law enforcement services to Torrey. Utah's Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), codified in Utah Code Title 63G, Chapter 2, governs public access to government records throughout the state, establishing presumptive public access to most records with specific exemptions. Torrey Town Hall maintains municipal records including town council meeting minutes, ordinances, business licenses, and planning documents, while state-level records such as corporation filings and driver records are managed by Utah state agencies in Salt Lake City.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Torrey, Wayne County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments in towns like Loa and Bicknell. These city police departments handle law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. The sheriff's office and municipal police departments coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Wayne County Jail, located in Loa, serves as the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and attorneys to locate individuals currently held in custody. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require prior scheduling. The bond and bail process follows Utah state guidelines, allowing detainees to post bail for release pending court appearances.

Court Records

Torrey residents are served by Utah's Sixth District Court, which has jurisdiction over Wayne County. The Sixth District Court is located at 20 South Main Street in Loa, Utah 84747, phone (435) 836-1300. This court handles all felony criminal cases, civil matters over $10,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, probate, guardianships, and appeals from justice courts. The Sixth District Court also hears misdemeanor cases and small claims matters (up to $11,000) for Wayne County. Torrey does not operate its own municipal court due to its small size.
Court records for the Sixth District Court can be searched online through Utah's statewide court system portal at www.utcourts.gov, which provides access to case information including party names, case numbers, filing dates, judgments, and docket entries for both civil and criminal matters. The XChange system allows online case searches free of charge, though some documents may require in-person requests or fees. For certified copies of court documents, the Sixth District Court charges $10 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $5 certification fee, as established by Utah Code §21-1-2. Court filing fees vary by case type: district court civil filings cost $360, small claims filings range from $60-$185 depending on the amount claimed, and probate matters have varying fees. Marriage dissolution (divorce) petitions cost $360 to file. Passports are also processed through the Sixth District Court clerk's office. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays. The court recommends calling ahead for complex requests or to confirm document availability. Records older than a certain date may require additional retrieval time from archives.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Wayne County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the bureau, which compiles data from various law enforcement agencies. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in the county.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Wayne County are maintained by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within the county, including the nature of the offense and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings. Access to these records is governed by the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), which outlines the public's right to access government records.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Torrey, Utah are maintained by Wayne County offices in Loa. The Wayne County Assessor's Office, located at 18 South Main Street, Loa, Utah 84747, phone (435) 836-1316, maintains property assessment records for all parcels in Torrey and throughout Wayne County. The Assessor's website at www.waynecountyutah.org provides online access to property information including parcel numbers, property owner names, assessed values (both primary residence and fair market), property characteristics, tax district information, and assessment history.
Users can search by property address, parcel number, or owner name through the county's online property search portal. Property taxes in Wayne County are calculated based on assessed value and the applicable tax rate for each taxing district. The Wayne County Recorder's Office, also located at 18 South Main Street in Loa (phone 435-836-1317), maintains official land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, trust deeds (mortgages), easements, covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), liens, and other documents affecting real property title. The Recorder's Office provides online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based system, with free index searching available but document images requiring a fee or in-person visit. Recording fees are established by Utah state law: typically $30 for the first page and $10 for each additional page for most documents. The Recorder's Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Wayne County also provides a GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping application accessible through the county website, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, aerial imagery, and zoning overlays. This GIS system is particularly useful for viewing property boundaries in relation to nearby public lands, which is important in Torrey given its proximity to Capitol Reef National Park and extensive Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands surrounding the community.

Economy & Demographics

Torrey's economy is overwhelmingly centered on tourism related to Capitol Reef National Park, which attracts approximately one million visitors annually. Major employers in Torrey include lodging establishments such as Capitol Reef Resort, Red Sands Hotel, Torrey Schoolhouse Bed & Breakfast, and numerous vacation rental properties. Restaurants and cafes including Cafe Diablo, Capitol Reef Inn & Cafe, and Slackers Burger Joint provide dining services to tourists and employ local residents seasonally and year-round.
Outfitting and guide services such as Hondoo Rivers & Trails and backcountry guide services contribute to the local economy. The Wayne County School District operates Wayne Elementary and High School in nearby Bicknell, providing education employment. The National Park Service is a significant employer for the region, with Capitol Reef National Park headquarters located just east of Torrey. Retail businesses include gas stations, convenience stores, and gift shops along Highway 24. According to recent census estimates, median household income in Torrey is approximately $49,000, somewhat below the Utah state median, reflecting the seasonal nature of tourism employment and the rural character of the community. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching on private and public grazing allotments, remains economically important though less dominant than in earlier decades. The town has seen modest growth in recent years as retirees and remote workers have discovered the area's natural beauty and relatively affordable land compared to more developed parts of Utah. Torrey's economy is closely tied to Wayne County's overall economic profile, which includes tourism (Capitol Reef National Park is the county's largest attraction), agriculture, and government services. The completion of Scenic Byway 12 between Torrey and Boulder has enhanced tourism access, making Torrey a stopover point for travelers between Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument areas.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement services for Torrey, Utah are provided primarily by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, located at 18 South Main Street in Loa, Utah 84747. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (435) 836-1310 and maintains jurisdiction over all unincorporated areas of Wayne County as well as provides contract services to small municipalities like Torrey. While Torrey is an incorporated town, it does not maintain its own police department. The Sheriff's Office handles all criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and emergency response for the Torrey area. To request police reports or incident records, individuals should contact the Wayne County Sheriff's Office directly either in person or by phone, submitting a written request under Utah's Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), codified in Utah Code Title 63G, Chapter 2. GRAMA establishes that government records are presumed public unless specifically classified as private, protected, or controlled. The Sheriff's Office typically charges copying fees for reports as allowed under Utah Code §63G-2-203. For arrest and jail booking information, Wayne County operates a small detention facility, and current booking information may be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly at (435) 836-1310. Wayne County does not maintain an online inmate roster, so inquiries about current inmates, booking dates, charges, and bond amounts must be made by phone or in-person visit to the Sheriff's Office in Loa. The Utah Department of Corrections maintains a statewide offender search at offender.doc.utah.gov for individuals incarcerated in state prison facilities. Records requests should specify the incident date, location, and parties involved when possible, and the Sheriff's Office has ten business days under GRAMA to respond to records requests, though this timeline may be extended under certain circumstances as specified in Utah Code §63G-2-401.

Vital Records

Vital records for Torrey, Utah residents are managed by both Wayne County and the State of Utah. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Torrey and Wayne County are maintained by the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics (OVRS), located at 288 North 1460 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116. The office can be reached at (801) 538-6105, and their website is https://vitalrecords.utah.gov. Birth certificates cost $25 for the first certified copy and $18 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies.
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee. Under Utah Code §26-2-22, birth certificates are available to the registrant (if age 18 or older), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardian, legal representative, or immediate family member with proper identification. Death certificates have broader access, available to anyone who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by the Wayne County Clerk/Auditor's Office at 18 South Main Street, Loa, Utah 84747, phone (435) 836-1305. The marriage license fee is $50 in Wayne County (plus an optional $10 fee that, if paid, reduces the fee to $40 if the couple completes premarital counseling). Utah has no waiting period or blood test requirement, and marriage licenses are valid for 30 days from issuance. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification to obtain the license. Divorce records are maintained by the court where the divorce was granted (Sixth District Court for Wayne County) and are public records accessible through the court clerk. Historical vital records may be available through the Utah State Archives for events occurring many decades ago. Wayne County vital records dating back to the early 1900s exist but may require special requests to access records not digitized.

Business & Licensing Records

Business licensing and registration for Torrey involves multiple levels of government. The Town of Torrey requires business licenses for commercial operations within town limits. Torrey Town Hall, located at 55 South Main Street, Torrey, Utah 84775 (phone 435-425-3070), administers local business licensing. Business license fees and requirements vary by business type, and licenses must typically be renewed annually. Prospective business owners should contact Town Hall directly to determine specific licensing requirements, fees, and application procedures.
Given Torrey's small size and tourist-oriented economy, many businesses are hospitality-related including lodging, restaurants, and outfitting services. Wayne County does not have a general business license requirement for unincorporated areas, but certain business types may require county permits or approvals, particularly those involving land use, health permits, or building permits. Fictitious business name (DBA - Doing Business As) registration in Utah is not filed at the county level but rather is accomplished through newspaper publication requirements and/or trademark registration depending on the business structure. For formal business entity formation, the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code (part of the Department of Commerce) maintains all corporation, LLC, limited partnership, and other business entity registrations. Their online business search portal at https://secure.utah.gov/bes/ allows free searching of all registered entities in Utah by business name, registered agent, or filing number. This database shows entity status (active, dissolved, expired), formation date, registered agent and address, and entity type. New business entities can be formed online through the same portal, with filing fees of $70 for LLCs and $69 for corporations. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) lien searches and filings are also handled by the Utah Division of Corporations, searchable at the same website. Business property owners in Torrey must pay property taxes based on commercial property assessments, searchable through the Wayne County Assessor's Office online database at www.waynecountyutah.org, where assessed values for commercial properties can be viewed by address or parcel number.

Elections & Voter Records

Torrey, Utah voters are served by the Wayne County Clerk/Auditor's Office, which functions as the county elections office. The office is located at 18 South Main Street, Loa, Utah 84747, and can be reached at (435) 836-1305. The official Wayne County website is www.waynecountyutah.org, where election information, sample ballots, and results are posted. Utah residents can register to vote online at vote.utah.gov, the official Utah Voter Registration website maintained by the Lieutenant Governor's Office. The deadline to register or update registration is 11 days before an election (7 days for online registration). Voters must provide a valid Utah driver license or identification card number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Utah offers same-day voter registration during early voting and on Election Day for those who miss the standard deadline. Torrey holds municipal elections for mayor and town council positions; the town council consists of five members serving four-year staggered terms, and the mayor serves a four-year term. Torrey's next municipal election will be held in November 2025, when two council seats and potentially the mayor position will be on the ballot. These elections coincide with odd-year general elections in Utah. Torrey voters participate in Wayne County elections for county commission, sheriff, clerk/auditor, assessor, recorder, treasurer, and attorney positions, typically held in even-numbered years. To find their assigned polling place, Torrey residents can visit vote.utah.gov and use the voter information lookup tool by entering their name and date of birth, which displays polling location, sample ballot, and voter registration status. Torrey typically votes at the Torrey Town Hall located at 55 South Main Street. In the November 2024 presidential election, Wayne County had a voter turnout of approximately 82%, with 735 ballots cast out of approximately 895 registered voters, reflecting the high civic engagement typical of rural Utah counties. The county voted overwhelmingly Republican, consistent with historical voting patterns. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Torrey and Wayne County voters will decide several important races: Utah does not have a U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2026 (next Senate race is 2028 for Mike Lee's seat); however, voters will elect a U.S. Representative for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, which includes Wayne County. Utah's gubernatorial election occurs in 2028 (Governor Spencer Cox was elected in 2020 to a four-year term and re-elected in 2024). State legislative races will include Utah State Senate District 26 and Utah House District 69, both of which represent Wayne County. County offices on the 2026 ballot will include Wayne County Commission seats, as commissioners serve four-year terms on a staggered basis, plus potentially county clerk/auditor, assessor, and other county officials depending on term expirations. Utah voters can request absentee/mail-in ballots through the vote.utah.gov portal or by contacting the Wayne County Clerk's office directly; Utah offers no-excuse absentee voting, and voters can choose to permanently receive mail-in ballots for all elections. Early voting is available at the Wayne County Clerk's office in Loa for approximately two weeks before each election. Under Utah public records law (GRAMA), voter registration lists are available for purchase for political purposes, election information including candidate filings is public and posted on the Lieutenant Governor's website at elections.utah.gov, campaign finance reports are searchable online through the Utah Lieutenant Governor's financial disclosure database, and precinct-level election results are posted on the county clerk's website and the state elections site following certification.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.2/10 — Wayne County and the State of Utah provide excellent online access to most public records through statewide portals, with court records, property data, vital records ordering, business entity searches, and election information all readily accessible online, though arrest logs and jail rosters require phone contact with the Sheriff's Office rather than real-time online access.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Torrey, Wayne County, Utah to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Torrey, Utah, you will be transported to the Wayne County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Wayne County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Wayne County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Torrey area is served by public school districts in Wayne County, Utah. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Utah Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Torrey, Utah are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Torrey Police Department on their official website. The Utah Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Torrey Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Utah government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Torrey Public Library main branch is located in Torrey, Utah. Check the Torrey city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Torrey, Utah are available through the Torrey Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Wayne County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Torrey, Utah, contact the Utah Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Wayne County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Torrey, Utah can be obtained from the Torrey Police Department or the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Utah DMV.
A background check in Torrey, Wayne County, Utah typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Utah criminal history report through the Utah Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Wayne County, Utah

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Bicknell Hanksville Loa Lyman Teasdale