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Connecticut Public Records

Records have been kept on various events and people for decades. However, those records weren’t always public.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which dates back to 1967, was the first time the public could access records that were once kept private.

Since then, each state has created its FOIA. Each state has different rules, so it’s essential to know the state’s law before requesting any documents.

Overall, Connecticut’s law is relatively straightforward with basic exemptions. All state agencies and any public agency are subject to the law. The state also has a quick response time when a request is submitted and an appeals process if a request is denied.

Connecticut public records are maintained across several departments and they include:

• Criminal records
• Court records
• Inmate records
• Vital records

What does the Connecticut public records law say?

The Connecticut public records law says all government agencies are subject to the law, with exemptions only for the judicial branch regarding judge’s records and dockets.

Additional exemptions focus on documents that could reveal personal information or records that contain safety measures, like those taken inside a jail.

The public records must be released to any requestor within four days. The request must either be fulfilled, denied, or extended.

If a request for state records is denied, there is an appeal process. The state does have strong enforcement of the law, stating that any records keeper that denies a reasonable request can be fined or even serve jail time.

How can a person access public records in Connecticut?

For public records access in Connecticut, a person must submit a public records request. The request is sent via mail, email, or phone to the record-holding department.

Every department is different, so expect some variation to the rules if you’re accessing records from multiple places.

In general, a public records request should include:

• Your name
• Contact information
• The name of the document
• Details about the document you’re requesting
• A time frame that you’d like to receive the materials by
• Document delivery method, email or mail

Connecticut criminal records

The Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification maintains criminal records or criminal histories, statewide.

Criminal records are usually requested by employers looking to vet a new candidate. For a fee, the employer can run a background check, which looks into a person’s criminal past, if there is one.

What’s on a criminal record?

A criminal record, or criminal history, provides a detailed report of a person’s interactions with law enforcement. Most motor vehicle cases are not listed on a criminal record.

Arrest records typically feature details of the alleged crime as well as:

• Aliases
• Date of arrest
• Arrest Records
• Charges
• Prosecution date
• Guilty Pleas
• Convictions
• Felony or misdemeanor charge

Where can I find Connecticut criminal records?

The Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification holds all criminal records. Unlike other states that have an online searchable database, in Connecticut, the public records search must be requested by filling out a form and mailing it in.

You can use this request form and mail it to the State Bureau of Identification in Middleton.

There is a fee to request these records. If you want a complete record, a person must go to a state office and be fingerprinted. Accessing this kind of record is the most expensive, at $75.

Connecticut State Police
1111 Country Club Rd
Middletown, CT 06457

Phone number: 860-685-8190

Connecticut inmate records

Every state keeps records on those incarcerated. In Connecticut, there are records on its 13,000 inmates scattered in jails and prisons across the state.

What’s on a Connecticut inmate record?

Inmate records can be accessed for various reasons. Family members may be looking for an incarcerated family member, or a victim may want to remain informed about an attacker.

An inmate record in the state of Connecticut usually offers a person’s criminal history and the following information:

• Personal information like a person’s name, birth date, and gender
• A mug shot
• Inmate location
• Inmate registration number
• Jail transfer information
• Custody status
• Law enforcement office making the arrest, police department, sheriff, state police, etc.

Where can I find a Connecticut inmate record?

The Connecticut State Department of Corrections maintains records on inmates.

The records are searchable online and can be accessed at any time, without any formal request. The database can be searched by entering a person’s first name, last name, and date of birth.

The Connecticut State Department of Corrections
24 Wolcott Hill Rd
Wethersfield, CT 06109

Phone number: 860-692-7480

Connecticut Court Records

The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch and the Secretary of State maintains all court records.

Connecticut offers an online database to search for documents, although some may not contain the complete records you’re looking for. If information is missing, you’ll need to reach out to the state with a request form.

What’s on a court record?

The information on a court record can vary, but in Connecticut, most people are looking for these specific documents:

• Court minutes
• Case files
• Dockets
• Court orders
• Judgments
• Jury records and files
• Witness documentation

Where can I find Connecticut court records?

You can access Connecticut court records using The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch website.

Some of the public court records you can access include:

• Arrest warrants
• Child support orders
• Court rulings
• Connecticut State Library database
• Connecticut Supreme Court cases
• Appellate court cases
• Civil cases
• Family court cases
• Probate court cases
• Criminal cases
• Small claims cases

If requesting a court record in person or by mail, you will need to contact the court that handled the case and request the specific form.

Example – New Haven District Court
The District of New Haven the United States District Court website
Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse
141 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06510

Phone number: 203-773-2140

Connecticut Vital Records

The Connecticut State Vital Records Office maintains vital records statewide.

Connecticut public vital records include:

• Birth Certificates
• Death Certificates
• Marriage Licenses
• Divorce Decrees

Public vital records requests will vary depending on the document you are trying to access.

What information do I need to request a Connecticut birth certificate?

The Request for Certified Copy of a Birth Record from the State form will ask you for specific information:

• Full name on the birth record
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Full name of parent(s)

Where can I find a Connecticut birth certificate?

You can obtain a certified copy of a Connecticut birth certificate by completing the Request for a Certified Copy of a Birth Record form from the State and submitting it by mail.

Or, you can request one online using VitalChek.

A certified birth certificate is $30 per copy.

410 Capital Avenue, MS #11VRS
PO Box 340308
Hartford, Ct 06134

Phone number: 860-757-9690

You can submit a birth certificate request with your local Vital Records Office. You will complete the Request for Certified Copy of a Birth Record From the Town and submit it by mail or in person.

What information do I need for a death certificate in Connecticut?

The Request for a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate form requires specific information:

• Full name of the deceased
• Date of death
• Town of death
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Full name of both parents

Where can I find a Connecticut death record?

You can obtain a certified copy of a Connecticut death record by completing the Request for a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate form and submitting it by mail or in person.

Or, you can request one online using VitalChek.

The fee for a certified Connecticut death record is $20 per copy.

Connecticut Department of Public Health
Vital Records Section
Customer Service, MS# 11 VRS
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308

Phone number: 860-757-9690

You can submit a birth certificate request with your local Vital Records Office. You will complete the Request for Certified Copy of a Death Record form and submit it by mail or in person.

What information do I need to request a marriage certificate in Connecticut?

The Request for a Certified Copy of Marriage form will ask you for specific information:

• The name of both spouses
• The date of marriage
• The town where the marriage took place

Where can I find an existing Connecticut marriage record?

You can obtain a certified copy of a Connecticut marriage record by completing the Request for a Certified Copy of a Marriage form and submitting it by mail or in person.

Or, you can request one online using VitalChek.

The fee for a certified Connecticut marriage certificate is $20 per copy.

Connecticut Department of Public Health
Vital Records Section
Customer Service, MS# 11 VRS
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308

Phone number: 860-757-9690

You can submit a birth certificate request with your local Vital Records Office. You will complete the Request for Certified Copy of a Marriage form and submit it by mail or in person.

What information do I need to request a divorce certificate in Connecticut?

The Connecticut Superior Court maintains divorce records in the state.

Public request forms and case lookups will differ depending on the jurisdiction.

Where can I find a Connecticut divorce record?

Divorce records in Connecticut are maintained by the State Superior Court.

You will need to contact the Superior Court that the marriage was dissolved.

Connecticut Property Records

Connecticut property records are maintained by the Town Clerk’s Office.

The information on a public property record will differ depending on what you’re specifically requesting access to:

• Residential or commercial purpose
• Liens
• Titles
• Property deeds
• Mortgages
• Property tax assessment records
• Zoning information

What information do I need to request property records in Connecticut?

You will need to contact your local Town Clerk’s office to obtain the property forms and inquire about fees.

Where can I find a Connecticut property record?

You will need to contact the Town Clerk’s office in the jurisdiction where the public property record exists.

Example – Hamden County
Hamden County Land Records Search
Hamden Government Center
2750 Dixwell Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518

Phone number: 203-287-7000

FAQs

Can a request be submitted by non-residents of Connecticut?

Any United States citizen can request Connecticut public records.

Is there a records custodian in Connecticut?

An ombudsperson from the Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC) can act as a liaison on an appeal and mediate between you and the agency.

What exemptions exist for public records in Connecticut?

Connecticut lists 25 specific exemptions.

In other words, there are 25 reasons for a record to remain sealed and not open to the public. Documents that contain personal or medical information, public security, trade secrets, real estate appraisals, financial statements of agency employees, training manuals used by the Department of Corrections, and some law enforcement records may be exempt.

How long does Connecticut have to respond to a public records request?

The state has four days to respond to a request. They can fulfill it, deny it, or ask for an extension of time.

Is there an appeals process in place for public records requests in Connecticut?

The records requester has 30 days to appeal a denial of records. The FOIC can hear the appeal. If it’s denied by the FOIC, the case can be taken to the Connecticut Superior Court.

What fees are associated with requesting public records?

There are fees for copying records, which range between .25 and .50 per page.

No other fees are authorized except charges at actual cost to the agency for transcription and electronic records.