Common Questions

What information can be provided over the phone or by email?

We are happy to assist you with general information regarding our office hours, application processes, and filing fees.

In accordance with Utah law, our staff is strictly prohibited from accessing, discussing, or confirming any individual’s criminal history record over the phone or via email.

What should I do if I have questions about my specific record?

If you have obtained an official copy of your record, our staff can help explain general terms or entries (such as defining common court dispositions).

However, our staff cannot:

• Provide legal advice or interpret how the law applies to your case.
• Determine your eligibility for expungement.
• Predict the outcome of a background check or legal petition.

For guidance on your specific legal situation or next steps, please consult a qualified attorney.

Can I request someone else’s criminal history record?

No. Because Utah is a "closed record" state, Utah criminal history information is not part of the public record and cannot be accessed by the general public.

To protect the privacy of all citizens, records are only released under the following strict conditions:

• Self-Request: Individuals may request their own record by submitting a request for Utah criminal history application, which includes identity verification.
• Authorized Entities: Records are only shared with law enforcement, the courts, or specific government agencies as permitted by Utah state law.
• Third-Party Authorization: Private employers or individuals cannot request another person's record unless they have specific legal authorization or the explicit, notarized consent of the subject (and even then, only through specific background check channels).

What does it mean that Utah is a closed record state?

Utah law limits how criminal history records can be accessed and shared. Because of these requirements, Utah is considered a “closed record state,” meaning records are only available to authorized legal entities or through approved processes with proper identity verification.

How can I find information about a denied firearm sale?

By law, our staff cannot provide specific details regarding a firearm denial over the phone or in person until we have a formal Request for Denial Information on file.

Once we receive and process this form, we can discuss the specifics of the denial and help you understand the next steps.

Resources:

• Request for Denial Information (PDF) - Complete and submit this form if there are questions about a firearm denial
• Reasons for Denial - View common federal and state disqualifiers
• Denial Appeal Brochure (PDF) - A guide on how to appeal a firearm denial

Can I request firearm denial information about other people?

No. Due to privacy laws and security protocols, we cannot disclose any information regarding a firearm denial to anyone other than the individual who attempted the purchase.

The applicant must be the one to personally submit the Request for Denial Information form and handle all subsequent inquiries.