Expungements Application
How to Apply
Getting your record expunged is a multi-step legal process. First, you must obtain a "Certificate of Eligibility" from the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). Once BCI confirms you are eligible, you must take that certificate to the court to get a Judge's final approval.
Instructions for Certificate of Eligibility Application
Follow these steps to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to expunge a record of arrest, detention, investigation, or conviction from the State of Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. Please complete all steps below to avoid delays in processing.
1. Fill Out the Application Completely
Fill out the top portion of the application. You must list all of your previous names, including married and maiden names. Be sure to read and sign the application.
Note on Traffic Offenses: Traffic offenses listed under Utah Code Ann. §77-40a-101(23) are not included on your Utah Criminal History.
2. Provide Identification & Fingerprints
You must provide a copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (for example: a passport, state ID card, consulate ID card, or driver license). If you do not have a government-issued ID, please check the BCI website for other acceptable forms of identification.
FINGERPRINTS ARE REQUIRED. Fingerprints must be submitted with your application.
WARNING: "Utah Driving Privilege Cards" WILL NOT be accepted by BCI as a valid ID. Utah Driving Privilege Cards state on them that they are not to be used as ID.
3. Include the Application Fee
The application fee is $65.00 and is non-refundable. Select a method of payment on the application:
- Checks and Money Orders: Must be made payable to "BCI."
- Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or AMEX are accepted. You must include the signature of the cardholder, the 3 or 4-digit control number, expiration date, and the zip code of the billing address.
- Cash: Cash is accepted only when applying in person. DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL.
4. Applying for a Fee Waiver (If Indigent)
If you believe you are indigent and check the box indicating so, you MUST complete the fee waiver form before submitting your application. The fee waiver form can be found on our website at https://bci.utah.gov/forms/ (Located in the Expungement Forms section). Your fee waiver form will be supplied back to you with your certificates if you are eligible.
5. Submit Your Application
Your eligibility letter will be mailed or emailed to the address indicated on your application form. If you need the information sent to a third party, a third-party release form must be filled out and submitted with your application.
Mail your application, fee, and release form (if applicable) to:
UTAH BUREAU OF CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION
4315 South 2700 West, Suite 1300
Taylorsville, Utah 84129
Or email your application to:
[email protected]
NOTE: The expungement application MUST be completely filled out. All payment information along with fingerprints MUST be included.
Juvenile Records: The Bureau of Criminal Identification does not expunge Juvenile Court records. Any request to expunge Juvenile Court records must be made directly to the Juvenile Court.
Fee Waivers and Indigent Status
If you are unable to pay the expungement fees, you may qualify for a waiver based on your financial situation.
Fee waivers do not include the $65 fee from BCI for the initial application.
BCI Application and Issuance Fees
- Application Fee: A non-refundable $65.00 fee is required to process your initial application for a Certificate of Eligibility.
- Indigent Request: If you believe you are indigent, you must check the "Indigent" box on your BCI application, AND
- Required Form: You MUST complete and submit a Fee Waiver Form along with your application. BCI will provide this form back to you with your certificates if you are found eligible.
- Impact of Court Decisions: If a court later denies your fee waiver request, you will be required to pay the BCI issuance fees before your records can be officially expunged.
Court Filing Fees
- Standard Cost: The fee for filing a court petitions vary by court. Contact the court for more information on the required fees.
- Motion to Waive Fees: To have this cost waived, you must file a "Motion to Waive Fees" with the court where you are submitting your petition. You only need to submit the Fee Waiver to a single court.
- Eligibility Criteria: The court generally considers factors such as your monthly household income (e.g., family size vs. income limits) and your ability to provide for basic necessities like food and shelter.
If you do not meet the court's qualifications for a fee waiver, you will be responsible for all fees of the process. BCI does not make any decisions about waivers, all questions should be directed to the court that is processes the petition.