Find Vermont Public Records
Is Vermont a Public Records State?
In accordance with the Vermont Public Records Law, residents of Vermont have the right to access, review, and search for public records. The law presumes that all government records and information are public and accessible to citizens. This website aims to facilitate the public's access to government records by providing efficient and user-friendly tools. Personal information is only required if the requested record is deemed confidential by law or court order. The site includes over 5 million transparent public records, covering criminal records, court records, and vital records.
What is Public Information in Vermont?
Most Vermont public records created or held by government offices are accessible to the public. The Vermont Public Records Act allows any individual to inspect or copy public records maintained by local or state agencies. These records can be stored in various formats, including electronic, physical, written, photographic, or audio. Public Records Act requests can be made to access these records, and custodians are legally obligated to provide them. However, certain records are exempt from public viewing, such as confidential records, records that could compromise a fair trial, and records that might impede justice if disclosed.
How Do I Look Up Public Records in Vermont?
To find public records in Vermont, individuals should contact the record custodian. Vermont law mandates that government agencies promptly make records available upon request. Written requests should clearly describe the sought-after record to avoid denial due to insufficient detail. Providing unique identifiers like the subject's name or a specific record number can help. For instance, the Vermont Superior Court offers a sample record request form.
Access to public records varies based on the type of record. The Vermont Department of Health manages vital records such as birth, death, and divorce records. For criminal records and the sex offender registry, contact the Vermont Crime Information Center. The Department of Public Service can be reached at:
Vermont Department of Public Service
Carol Flint
Freedom of Information Act/Public Records Officer
112 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620-2601
Email: carol.flint@vermont.gov
Requests should include:
- Requester’s contact information
- Detailed description of the record
- Specific record to be viewed or copied
Some records may also be available through third-party websites, which offer extensive search tools. These platforms require details like the subject's name and location to conduct searches.
Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Vermont Public Records Obtaining
City Records
Public city records can be accessed via third-party websites. These platforms offer comprehensive search tools for locating specific or multiple records. Users must provide sufficient information such as:
- Subject’s name (must be over 18 or not a juvenile)
- Requestor's address
- Case or file number (if known)
- Document or person's location
- Registrant's last known or current address
These third-party sites are independent and not government-sponsored, so record availability may vary.
Public Records
Third-party websites also aggregate public records, offering non-geographically limited search services. Users must provide adequate information, such as:
- Subject’s name (if not a juvenile)
- Subject's last known location
These sites are not government-endorsed, and the availability and accuracy of records may differ.
How To Look Up Public Records in Vermont for Free?
Free public record searches in Vermont depend on the type of record, the requester’s needs, and the record custodian. Physical inspection of records at their storage location often incurs no charges. For example, Vermont court records can be inspected for free. However, some records require extraction or compilation. Free inspection is available for sex offender information, arrest records, and incident reports. Agencies often provide terminals or lobbies for public inspection during business hours. Electronic copies may also be free, especially for records available online, like inmate records and sex offender information. Free public record searches can also be conducted on county websites, such as accessing land records in most County Clerks' Offices.
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