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Tooele County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Tooele County?

Public records in Tooele County are defined according to the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), specifically under § 63G-2-103, as "all books, letters, documents, papers, maps, plans, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data, or other documentary materials regardless of physical form or characteristics" that are prepared, owned, received, or retained by a governmental entity where the record is reproducible and is prepared, owned, received, or retained for state business.

The Tooele County government maintains numerous types of public records, including:

  • Court records - civil, criminal, probate, and family court proceedings maintained by the Tooele County District Court
  • Property records - deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments maintained by the Tooele County Recorder/Surveyor's Office
  • Vital records - birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees maintained by the Tooele County Clerk's Office
  • Business records - business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
  • Tax records - property tax information and assessment records maintained by the Tooele County Assessor's Office
  • Voting and election records - voter registration data and election results maintained by the County Clerk
  • Meeting minutes and agendas - records of County Commission meetings and other boards and committees
  • Budget and financial documents - county expenditures, revenues, and financial reports
  • Law enforcement records - arrest logs and incident reports (with certain restrictions)
  • Land use and zoning records - planning documents, permits, and zoning decisions

The Tooele County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many county records, while specialized departments maintain records specific to their functions. The Utah Division of Archives and Records Service also maintains historical records for Tooele County.

Is Tooele County an Open Records County?

Tooele County adheres to the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), codified under Utah Code § 63G-2. This comprehensive state law establishes the public's right to access government records while balancing privacy concerns and governmental interests.

Under § 63G-2-201(1), the statute clearly states: "Every person has the right to inspect a public record free of charge, and the right to take a copy of a public record during normal working hours, subject to Sections 63G-2-203 and 63G-2-204." This provision forms the foundation of Utah's open records policy, which Tooele County implements in its operations.

Tooele County has established specific procedures for record requests in compliance with state law. The county maintains a dedicated records request process through the Tooele County Clerk's Office, which serves as the primary point of contact for many public record inquiries.

The county also complies with Utah's Open and Public Meetings Act (Utah Code § 52-4), which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with proper notice given, and that minutes and recordings of these meetings be made available to the public.

Tooele County's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its online resources, where many records are made available through electronic means, including the county's electronic recording system for property records.

How to Find Public Records in Tooele County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Tooele County may follow these procedures to access various types of public information:

  1. Identify the specific record or information needed. Different departments maintain different types of records.

  2. Determine which county department maintains the desired records:

  3. Submit a formal records request using the appropriate method:

    • In person at the relevant department
    • By mail to the appropriate county office
    • Online through the county's electronic request system where available
    • By email to the records officer of the relevant department

  4. Complete the GRAMA Request Form if required. This form is available on the Tooele County website or at county offices.

  5. Provide sufficient information to identify the requested records, including dates, names, property addresses, or other relevant details.

  6. Pay applicable fees if copies or certified documents are requested.

  7. Allow time for the county to process the request. Under Utah Code § 63G-2-204, agencies must respond to records requests within 10 business days, or 5 business days if the requester demonstrates an urgent need.

  8. For historical records dating before 1995, contact the Utah Division of Archives and Records Service, which maintains many older Tooele County records.

For property records specifically, the county maintains an electronic recording system that allows online access to documents recorded from January 1, 1995, to the present.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Tooele County?

Tooele County assesses fees for certain public records in accordance with Utah Code § 63G-2-203, which authorizes governmental entities to charge reasonable fees covering the actual cost of providing records. The current fee structure for Tooele County public records includes:

  • Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
  • Certified copies: $5.00 per document plus copy fees
  • Research and compilation: $20.00 per hour after the first quarter hour (which is free)
  • Electronic records: $10.00 per CD/DVD or actual cost of reproduction
  • Postage: Actual cost if mailing is requested

Specific record types may have statutorily established fees:

  • Marriage licenses: $50.00
  • Certified copies of marriage certificates: $10.00
  • Certified copies of birth or death certificates: $20.00 for the first copy, $10.00 for additional copies ordered at the same time
  • Property record copies: $1.00 per page
  • Maps and plats: $5.00 to $25.00 depending on size and complexity

The county accepts payment in the form of cash, check, money order, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) for in-person requests. For mail requests, payment must be made by check or money order.

Under Utah Code § 63G-2-203(4)(a), fees may be waived if the requester is the subject of the record, the requested record is necessary for a legal claim against the state, or if the requester's legal rights are directly implicated by the information in the record and the requester is impecunious.

The Tooele County Commission reviews and may adjust these fees periodically to reflect actual costs of record production.

Does Tooele County Have Free Public Records?

Tooele County provides free inspection of public records during normal business hours in accordance with Utah Code § 63G-2-201(1), which states that "every person has the right to inspect a public record free of charge." This provision allows members of the public to view records without payment, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

The following records are available for free inspection or access in Tooele County:

Additionally, the Utah Division of Archives and Records Service provides free access to historical Tooele County records in their collection.

The first quarter hour of research or retrieval time for any record request is provided at no charge, as specified in the county's fee schedule. After this initial period, research fees may apply.

Members of the public seeking to minimize costs are encouraged to:

  • Narrow requests to specific documents when possible
  • Visit county offices in person to inspect records rather than requesting copies
  • Utilize online resources where available
  • Specify electronic delivery when possible to avoid printing and mailing costs

Who Can Request Public Records in Tooele County?

Under Utah Code § 63G-2-201, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, has the right to request and access public records maintained by Tooele County. The law specifically states that "every person has the right to inspect a public record free of charge," establishing a broad eligibility for records access.

When requesting public records in Tooele County:

  • Requestors are not required to provide identification for most public records
  • Requestors do not need to state a purpose or reason for their request for public records
  • Requestors do not need to be Utah residents or U.S. citizens
  • Requestors may remain anonymous when inspecting public records, though providing contact information is necessary if copies are requested

For certain protected or private records, additional requirements may apply:

  • Individuals requesting their own private records must provide proper identification
  • Individuals requesting records about another person may need to demonstrate legal authority (such as power of attorney, court order, or notarized release)
  • Business entities may request records pertaining to themselves through authorized representatives
  • Parents or legal guardians may access records of minor children with proper documentation
  • Attorneys may access client records with proper authorization

Under Utah Code § 63G-2-202, access to private, controlled, or protected records is limited to those individuals specifically authorized by statute, including the subject of the record, the parent or legal guardian of a minor who is the subject of the record, or individuals with power of attorney or notarized release from the subject.

Government entities, including other counties, state agencies, and federal agencies, may access records through official channels for governmental functions.

What Records Are Confidential in Tooele County?

Tooele County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with Utah Code § 63G-2-305, which establishes categories of protected records. Additionally, § 63G-2-302 and § 63G-2-304 define private and controlled records, respectively. The following record types are generally not available for public inspection:

  • Records subject to attorney-client privilege or attorney work product
  • Records concerning security measures and emergency response plans
  • Records containing personal identifying information, including:
    • Social Security numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Financial account information
    • Medical and health information protected under HIPAA
  • Personnel records, including performance evaluations and disciplinary actions
  • Records concerning ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies
  • Juvenile court records, which are protected under Utah Code § 78A-6-209
  • Child welfare and protective services records
  • Adoption records, which remain sealed under state law
  • Records that would reveal the location of domestic violence shelters
  • Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to the county
  • Records that would jeopardize life, safety, or property if disclosed
  • Records protected by other state or federal laws, including FERPA (educational records)
  • Records containing information about critical infrastructure
  • Records that would interfere with procurement proceedings or give unfair advantage

The county applies a balancing test as required by § 63G-2-403(11)(b) when determining whether to release certain protected records, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests and potential harm from disclosure.

Certain records may be partially confidential, requiring redaction of protected information before release. In these cases, Tooele County will provide the non-confidential portions of the record while withholding protected information.

Individuals seeking access to confidential records may file an appeal with the county's chief administrative officer if they believe records have been improperly classified or if they believe they have legal right to access protected records.

Tooele County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Tooele County Recorder/Surveyor's Office
47 South Main Street, Room 309
Tooele, UT 84074
(435) 843-3180
Tooele County Recorder/Surveyor

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: Closed

The Tooele County Recorder/Surveyor's Office serves as the official custodian of property records for Tooele County. This office is responsible for recording, maintaining, and providing access to documents related to real property within the county boundaries. The office maintains records including:

  • Deeds
  • Mortgages
  • Liens
  • Easements
  • Plat maps
  • Surveys
  • Mining claims
  • Water rights documents
  • Tax sale certificates

The Recorder's Office maintains an electronic recording system that provides online access to documents recorded from January 1, 1995, to the present. For records prior to 1995, visitors must request assistance from office staff.

Additional services provided by the Recorder's Office include:

  • Document recording
  • Issuance of certified copies
  • Property research assistance
  • Map and plat reproduction
  • Boundary dispute information

Tooele County Clerk's Office
47 South Main Street, Room 318
Tooele, UT 84074
(435) 843-3140
Tooele County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: Closed

The Clerk's Office handles marriage licenses, passport applications, notary services, and serves as the central point for many county record requests.

Lookup Public Records in Tooele County

Tooele County Electronic Recording System

Tooele County Clerk Record Requests

Utah Division of Archives - Tooele County Records

Tooele County Recorder/Surveyor's Office

Utah Courts - Tooele County

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