Utah Criminal Records at a Glance
Utah criminal records are maintained by the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) under the Department of Public Safety. Name/DOB background checks cost $20, and fingerprint-based Western Identification Network checks also cost $20. Individuals can obtain a copy of their own criminal history in person or by mail. Court records are searchable through the Utah Courts case searc
1Utah Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Utah’s Bureau of Criminal Identification offers several distinct background check products: a Name/DOB check, a fingerprint-based Western Identification Network check, a Right of Access check (for viewing your own record), and a Record Challenge Request. Each has different scope and purpose.
- Utah BCI, Criminal Recordsbci.utah.govRight of Access (Utah record): $20. Record Challenge Request: $20. Forms and procedures for obtaining your Utah criminal history.
- Obtain a Copy of Your Own Criminal Historybci.utah.govIndividuals may obtain a copy of their own Utah criminal history in person at the BCI office or by mail.
- Employment/Volunteer Background Checksbci.utah.govRequest fingerprint-based national criminal history record checks of volunteers and employees.
- Criminal Background Checks 101bci.utah.govGuide on the different background checks BCI can provide and proper procedures.
- Utah BCI Homebci.utah.govBureau of Criminal Identification portal. Background checks ($20 name, $20 fingerprint), offender registries, and criminal records.
- BCI Offender Registriesbci.utah.govSex/Kidnap/Child Abuse Offender Registry maintained by Utah BCI.
- Utah DOC, Offender Searchcorrections.utah.govFind if someone is currently incarcerated or on probation/parole with UDC. Search by name or UDC ID number.
- Utah Department of Correctionscorrections.utah.govOfficial Utah DOC portal. Offender search, inmate services, programs, and facility information.
- Utah VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch offenders in Utah custody and register for automated victim notification.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Utah's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Utah state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The Department of Justice's single national search across every state, territory, and tribal registry. Authoritative for offender status but does not include every historical conviction.
https://www.nsopw.gov/ (nsopw.gov)
How to request your own FBI rap sheet (CJIS Identity History Summary) under Title 28 CFR § 16.30, 16.34. $18 fee, fingerprint submission required.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks (fbi.gov)
The FBI's aggregate crime statistics program. Useful for context on offense frequency but not a record of individual persons.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/ (ucr.fbi.gov)
Utah Criminal Records, FAQ
Is there a single nationwide criminal record search?
No public one. The FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) is nationwide but is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and approved employers under Public Law 92-544. Individuals can order their own rap sheet through the CJIS Identity History Summary service.
What is the difference between state and FBI record checks?
A state check searches one state's conviction database. The FBI III check searches every state that participates in III. Both are fingerprint-based.
Can arrests without conviction appear on a background check?
Yes, on some. State BCI responses vary, a few states return arrests without disposition for up to seven years, others redact non-conviction arrests. The FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c) caps non-conviction arrests on consumer reports at 7 years.
How long does an expungement take?
It is a court process governed by state statute, typically 60 - 180 days from petition to order, plus another 60 - 90 days for agency updates.