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How to stake a mining claim in Utah
Lode and placer claims on federal land in Utah follow the federal mining law and Utah Code 40-1-1 to 40-1-11. Here is what Utah requires, from discovery to the annual filings.
Lay out a Utah claim on the map
Lode claims
A lode claim may be up to 1,500 feet long and 600 feet wide (300 feet on each side of the middle of the vein), with parallel end lines.
- Erect a monument at the place of discovery and post the notice on it (Utah Code 40-1-2).
- Mark the claim distinctly on the ground so the boundaries can be readily traced (Utah Code 40-1-3). Utah prescribes no monument size or count; a post or rock monument at each corner is standard practice.
Placer claims
Placer claims are 20 acres per locator, up to 160 acres for an association of 8, described by aliquot parts of at least 10 acres and complete lots.
- Erect a monument at the place of discovery and post the notice on it (Utah Code 40-1-2).
- Mark the claim distinctly on the ground so the boundaries can be readily traced (Utah Code 40-1-3); set a post or rock monument at each corner.
Monument markings
Mark each monument with the name of the claim and the number of the corner. Monument types Utah accepts:
- wooden post at least 2 inches by 2 inches projecting at least 3 feet above the ground
- rock monument at least 2 feet high
- capped (closed-top), unperforated metal post projecting at least 3 feet above the ground
The notice or certificate of location
The notice states the claim name, the locators, the date of location, and for a lode the feet claimed each way from the discovery, the width on each side of the center of the vein and its general course, or for a placer the acres claimed, with a description by reference to a natural object or permanent monument (Utah Code 40-1-2).
Recording with the County Recorder
Within 30 days after posting, record a substantial copy of the notice of location with the County Recorder (Utah Code 40-1-4). It must be notarized to be recorded (17-71-402).
Fees: $40 per mining location notice, plus $5 in most mining counties (Utah Code 17-71-407).
Notarization
Documents must be notarized with a legible seal to be recorded (Utah Code 17-71-402(3)(f)).
Document format
- A brief title on page 1, original signatures, notarized with a legible seal, and each signer's name typed or printed just beneath the signature (Utah Code 17-71-402, 17-71-403).
- Counties that have adopted the optional standard require 8½ × 11 white paper, 1-inch side and bottom margins, and a 2½ × 4½-inch space at the upper right of page 1.
Claim map
Utah does not require a map with the notice; BLM Utah asks for a map showing the claim within the section.
Filing with BLM
Within 90 days of location, file a copy of the recorded notice, a map, and the processing, location and initial maintenance fees ($274 per lode claim or per 20 acres of placer, as of October 11, 2026) with the BLM State Office or online in MLRS.
Every year
Within 30 days after September 1 each year (about October 1), even if you pay the BLM fee, record an affidavit of labor or notice of intent to hold with the County Recorder (Utah Code 40-1-6).
Federally, pay the $200 maintenance fee per claim by September 1, or file a small miner waiver and the annual affidavit or notice of intent to hold by December 30.
What is different in Utah
- Recording is due within 30 days of posting, the shortest deadline of any state.
- The notice must be notarized to be recorded.
- There are no statutory monument specifications; the boundaries just have to be readily traced.
- An annual county affidavit is due about October 1 every year.
Sources
- Utah Code Title 40, Chapter 1
- Utah Code 17-71-402 (recording requirements)
- Utah Geological Survey: staking a claim