The precise time at which a judgment lien attaches to property or becomes operative depends upon the kind of action and the jurisdiction in which the judgment is entered. In most cases a judgment attaches at the time the judgment or an abstract of the judgment containing the information identifying the judgment debtor as described in U.C.A. Section 78B-5-201(4) is recorded in the office of the county recorder; or the judgment or an abstract of the judgment and a separate information statement of the judgment creditor as described in U.C.A. Section 78B-5-201(5) is recorded in the office of the county recorder.  The lien of the judgment affects all real property of the debtor (then owned or after acquired) in the county where the judgment is recorded. 

A judgment in favor of a state agency does not need to be recorded nor is an information statement required in order for the state agency judgment to become a lien on real property.  (78B-5-201(3)(b)). 

The judgment runs from the date of entry by the district court or justice court.

The following are the types of judgments that may become liens in Utah: