Expungement FAQs

How long does it take to receive an answer back from BCI telling me if I qualify?

BCI receives many applications every month. Please be patient and wait for a reply. You may check the status of the applications we are processing on our Expungement home page. https://bci.utah.gov/expungements/ or check your status at https://expungementstatus.utah.gov/

How do I get my criminal record expunged?

You may apply for expungement in person at BCI, or by submitting your application by mail or email.

For detailed step-by-step instructions, see:

In Person

• Applications are available at the BCI office
• You must provide valid identification
• Pay the $65 application fee
• Complete ink fingerprinting at the time of your visit

By Mail or Email

• Download the application from the expungement forms page
• Submit the completed application
• Include the $65 application fee
• Provide a fingerprint card

If submitting by email, fingerprints must be scanned clearly and at a high quality. Submissions with poor-quality fingerprints may be rejected.

Can I apply through the mail?

Yes. All BCI expungement application processes may be completed by mail or email.

If you prefer to apply in person, you may visit our office during business hours:

Bureau of Criminal Identification
4315 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, UT 84129

Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Do I have to be fingerprinted even if you have my fingerprints?

Yes. Fingerprints are required for all expungement applications, even if BCI already has your fingerprints on file.

This requirement applies to all submission methods, including applications submitted by mail or email.

Do I need to hire an attorney?

No. You may complete the expungement process yourself. Step-by-step instructions are provided throughout the process.

You may also choose to hire an attorney to assist you. BCI cannot provide legal advice.

Can an expungement be expedited?

No. Expungement applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

How much does it cost?

To begin the expungement process, there is a $65 non-refundable application fee due at the time you submit your application.

Court Fees

The court will also charge a filing fee for each petition. Please contact the court directly for current fee information.

Fee Waiver

If you believe you qualify for indigency:

• A fee waiver must be obtained through the court.
• If approved, it may cover both certificate and court filing fees.
• Fee waivers do not include the initial application fee.

Once I receive a certificate from BCI, am I done with the process?

No. Receiving a Certificate of Eligibility from BCI does not complete the expungement process.

After obtaining the certificate, you must file a petition with the court where the case was handled. The court will provide instructions on completing the process and requesting an expungement order from a judge.

Your record is not expunged unless the court grants the petition and issues an Order to Expunge.

Can a judge refuse to issue an expungement order even if the certificate was issued?

Yes. A Certificate of Eligibility does not guarantee that the court will grant an expungement.

There are several points in the process where an expungement may be denied:

• A judge may deny the petition.
• A prosecutor may file an objection, which could result in a hearing.
• Victims may be notified and may also object to the expungement.

The court will review the petition and any objections before making a final decision.

Once I bring an order from the judge, is the record deleted and sealed?

Yes. Once an Order to Expunge is signed by a judge and received by BCI, the record is deleted and sealed within the State of Utah and the FBI.

Note:
Some expunged records may still be released to certain agencies as allowed under Utah Code 77-40a-403.

How do I find a phone and address for the courts?

You may find court contact information on the Utah Courts website: www.utcourts.gov

Nothing is showing up on my record. Does that mean it has "fallen off"?

No. Criminal records do not “fall off” your record unless they have been expunged.

This may occur through:

• A plea in abeyance agreement for a problem-solving court, or
• Clean Slate (automatic expungement), if eligible

If you were not fingerprinted at the time of the case, it may not appear on your BCI record. However, it may still appear on court or corrections records.

If the case has not been expunged, you will still need to complete the expungement process.

Do I need to acknowledge an expunged arrest/charge on an employment application?

Once an Order to Expunge has been issued and distributed to the required agencies, unless otherwise provided by law or ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, an individual may respond to an inquiry as though the arrest or conviction did not occur.

See Utah Code 77-40a-401.

How do I file for a juvenile expungement?

Juvenile records are expunged through the juvenile courts. BCI does not process juvenile expungements.

To begin the process, you will need to work directly with the juvenile court where your case was handled.

You can find information about juvenile courts here: Utah Juvenile Courts

How can I get my record from another state expunged?

You must contact the state where the offense occurred to obtain information about their expungement process and laws.

Utah cannot expunge a record from another state.