Utah Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Utah background checks are processed by the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) under the Department of Public Safety. You can request a copy of your own Utah criminal history in person or by mail.
   • In person: Visit the BCI office with a valid government-issued photo ID. The fee is $20 for a name/date-of-birth background check (effective July 1, 2025). A fingerprint-based Western Identification Network (WIN) check is also $20.
   • By mail: Download the Criminal History Record Application from bci.utah.gov, complete the form, and mail it with the $20 fee to the BCI office.
   • You may only obtain a copy of your own criminal history — BCI does not provide personal copies of other individuals' records.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • In-person requests are typically processed while you wait. Mail requests take approximately 5–10 business days plus mail transit time.
   • The WIN check covers Utah plus records from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington state through the Western Identification Network.
   • Results include Utah criminal history only (or WIN states if you select that option). Whether you also need a separate FBI background check depends on your route and current Ecuador eVISAS guidance — confirm before ordering. The criminal-record certificate must be issued within 180 days of your visa application date.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Once you receive your Utah background check results, get the document apostilled by the Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office (which handles apostille services in Utah).
   • Submit your document to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor at 350 North State Street, Suite 220, Salt Lake City, UT 84114. The fee is $20 per document.
   • Processing options: Same-day service is processed within 2 hours (available for in-person drop-off; include a prepaid FedEx return envelope for mailed delivery). Next-day service is processed by the next business day. Standard processing takes 3–5 business days.
   • Office hours are Monday–Friday, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM (excluding holidays). Plan your visit accordingly.

4. STEP 4Translate via EcuadorTranslations.com

   • Ecuador requires a certified Spanish translation of your apostilled background check. EcuadorTranslations.com provides certified translation and notarization services specifically for Ecuador visa documents.
   • Cost is $150 per document, or $130 per document when submitting 3 or more documents together. Turnaround is 3 business days.
   • Upload your apostilled document at EcuadorTranslations.com and receive your certified, notarized translation ready for your Ecuador visa application.

Apostille authority

Key notes

• Utah apostilles are handled by the Lieutenant Governor's Office, not the Secretary of State — this is unique to Utah.
• BCI fees increased to $20 effective July 1, 2025 due to new legislation.
• The Lieutenant Governor's office has limited walk-in hours (2:00 PM–4:00 PM only). Plan ahead or use their mail-in service.
• Contact BCI at 801-965-4445 for questions about your background check request.

Sources and verification