Records for RECA in Utah
Research Guides
About the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)
Recent updates to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) have led to more questions about historical records in Utah. People applying for RECA, also known as downwinders, often need documentation of residence, employment, or interactions with government agencies to support their claims.
The Utah State Archives can provide some of these supporting records, though we do not administer RECA, determine eligibility, or review applications. This guide explains how to locate relevant records, what the Archives holds, and where else to look.
Records We Hold
The Archives preserves older records created by state, county, local, school, and special district governments in Utah. Whether a specific record exists depends on the type of record, the time period, and the individual’s interactions with government agencies. Many records are not available online, but summaries of our holdings are available in our research guides.
School Records
High school records may be available either at the Archives or through local school districts, depending on the case. Elementary and middle school records are generally not retained, although some exceptions exist, making inquiries worthwhile. In certain instances, high school transcripts include cumulative documentation from earlier grades. The Archives do not maintain college and university records; researchers should contact the relevant institution directly.
Birth, Death, and Marriage Records
Birth certificates that are more than 100 years old and death certificates more than 50 years old are held by the Archives. For more recent certificates, researchers should contact the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics. Marriage records are generally held by the county clerk in the county where the license was issued. For Salt Lake County marriages before 1940, contact the Salt Lake County Archives.
Divorce and Court Records
Divorce records created during the RECA eligibility period (January 21, 1951 – November 6, 1962) are held by the Archives. To locate a divorce decree, researchers should provide the county where the divorce occurred, the approximate date, and the names of the individuals involved. Divorce records less than 40–50 years old generally remain with the district courts. Civil, probate, and criminal records older than 50 years may be available at the Archives.
Adoption, Guardianship, and Name Change Records
The Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics maintains adoption records that are less than 100 years old. The Archives holds adoption records over 100 years old, as well as guardianship and name change cases that are generally over 50 years old. These records are classified as public.
Property and Tax Records
Property ownership records are generally maintained at the county level by county recorders, while county assessors and treasurers hold property tax information. Salt Lake County property records are available at the Salt Lake County Archives. These records can help establish an individual’s residence or property interests during the RECA eligibility period.
Other Records
The Archives holds some records of state government employees from the 1950s and 1960s, which may include home addresses and dates of service. City and telephone directories can also help document residence and employment. These are available online through the Utah Historical Society or at local libraries, town historical societies, and museums. Please note: the Utah Historical Society staff will be unavailable for reference services from August 2025 through 2026 during their move to the new Museum of Utah.
Records We Do Not Hold
The Archives does not retain records created by private institutions, including businesses, hospitals, churches, or private schools. We also do not hold state income tax returns or voter registration records from the RECA eligibility period.
How to Request Records
To request records from the Archives, email [email protected]. Include as much information as possible, such as names (including maiden names), locations (city, county, or agency), approximate dates, and the type of record you are seeking.
Most requests can be fulfilled by email. In-person visits are by appointment only. Certified copies are available for $10 per document, $1 per page, and $3 for mailing (up to ten pages).
Page Last Updated January 28, 2026.
About this Guide
Written by Tony Castro and originally published in January 2026.