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EspañolWhat is the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Registry? Who has access to it?
The National Crime Information Center Registry (NCIC) is a nationwide, electronic database used by law enforcement agencies in the U.S, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It is managed by the FBI and state law enforcement officials.
Before moving to Utah, the state that issued your protection order may already have entered your order into the NCIC. If not, your order will be entered into the NCIC once your order is registered in UT.
Note: Most law enforcement officials have access to the NCIC, but the information is encrypted so outsiders cannot access it.
How do I register my protective order in Utah?
To register your protective order in Utah, you need to present a certified copy of your order to the clerk of the district court. The clerk will ask you to sign an affidavit that says that to the best of your knowledge, the order is currently in effect and that the respondent (abuser) was personally served with the order.1
The clerk of the district court will have the court that issued your order send a copy of it to the state domestic violence database (online registry).2 When your order has been registered, the clerk will give you a certified copy of your registered order.3
There’s no fee to register your order.4 It’s always a good idea, though, to bring a photo ID with you when you register your order. If you need help registering your protective order, you can contact a local domestic violence organization in Utah for assistance. You can find contact information for organizations in your area here on our UT Places that Help page.
1 UT ST § 78B-7-116(2)
2 UT ST § 78B-7-116(2)(d)
3 UT ST § 78B-7-116(2)(f)
4 UT ST § 78B-7-116(2)(a)
Do I have to register my protective order in Utah in order to get it enforced?
Utah state law gives full protection to an out-of-state protective order as long as you can show the officer a copy of the order and can truthfully tell the officer that you believe the order is still in effect, or the officer otherwise believes that a valid (real) order exists.1 It does not have to be entered into the state or federal registry in order to be enforced by a Utah police officer, but the officer does need to believe that it is a valid order.
1 UT ST § 78B-7-304(4)
Will the abuser be notified if I register my protective order?
Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which applies to all U.S. states and territories, the court is not permitted to notify the abuser when a protective order has been registered or filed in a new state unless you specifically request that the abuser be notified.1 However, you may wish to confirm that the clerk is aware of this law before registering the order if your address is confidential.
However, remember that there may be a possibility that the abuser could somehow find out what state you have moved to. It is important to continue to safety plan, even if you are no longer in the state where the abuser is living. We have some safety planning tips to get you started on our Safety Tips page. You can also contact a local domestic violence organization to get help in developing a personalized safety plan. You will find contact information for organizations in your area on our UT Advocates and Shelters page.
1 18 USC § 2265(d)
What if I don't register my protective order? Will it be more difficult to have it enforced?
While neither federal law nor state law requires that you register your protective order in order to get it enforced, if your order is not entered into the state registry, it may be more difficult for a Utah law enforcement official to determine whether your order is real. Meaning, it could take longer to get your order enforced.
If you are unsure about whether registering your order is the right decision for you, you may want to contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. An advocate there can help you decide what the safest plan of action is for you in Utah. To see a list of local domestic violence organizations in Utah, go to our UT Advocates and Shelters page.
Does it cost anything to register my protective order?
There is no fee for registering your protective order in Utah.1
1 UT ST § 78B-7-116(2)(a)
I was granted temporary custody with my out-of-state protective order. Will I still have temporary custody of my children in Utah?
As long as the child custody provision complies with certain federal laws,1 Utah can enforce a temporary custody order that is a part of a protection order.
To have someone read over your order and tell you if it meets these standards, contact a lawyer in your area. To find a lawyer in your area click here UT Finding a Lawyer.
1 The federal laws are the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (UCCJA) or the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), and the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act of 1980.
