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Vermont Public Records

Vermont started keeping records back in 1776 in all 14 counties. Property records were some of the first records kept, but they grew to births, death, and marriages.

Over the years, the records have gone from paper files to digital files, which makes them easier to access.

Those needing to access records have a right to submit a request through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Every state has different processes, so it’s essential to know the state’s law before requesting any documents.

• Criminal Records
• Court Records
• Inmate Records
• Vital Records

What does the Vermont public records law say?

Under the state’s Vermont Records Laws, the Department of Public Service must provide access to its records unless specific exemptions are stated otherwise.

The Public Records Act in Vermont resulted from the Watergate scandal and ensures that free and open examination of records held by state agencies is met, transparency and accountability are practiced, and government agencies practice better decision-making procedures to recognize the rights of individuals to privacy.

There are some records created by the Vermont legislature and judicial branches that the state has deemed exempt from public access.

Vermont Attorney General has ruled in favor of keeping these legislative records sealed.

Under the law, there is a stated time frame with a list of procedures to be adhered to, authorizing any aggrieved person the ability to make a challenge in court if denied access to records.

The Vermont Supreme Court has liberally construed this law, noting that the requester’s identity is irrelevant when it comes to deciding whether or not to provide documents.

How can I access public records in Vermont?

In some cases, government records can be found online.

In other cases, a public records request must be sent via email, mail, 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
• A time frame that you would like to receive the materials by
• Document delivery method, mail or email

More information can be found on the state website, Vermont.gov.

Vermont Criminal Records

In Vermont, criminal records are most typically utilized by employers who are executing background checks on potential employees.

The Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service maintains criminal records in Vermont.

What’s on a Vermont criminal record?

A criminal record provides a detailed record of a person’s interactions with law enforcement.

These records are pulled from various sources and include arrest records, convictions, and incarcerations within the state’s four prisons.

The criminal record you receive will provide you with this pertinent information:

• Date of birth
• Driver license number
• Photograph/mugshot
• Fingerprints
• Current and past addresses
• Former arrest records
• Current and past warrants

Where can I find Vermont criminal records?

The criminal records in Vermont are official documents provided through the Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service, a division of the Vermont Criminal Conviction Record Internet Service.

Under this service, users can purchase criminal conviction records from the Vermont Crime Information Center.

The information contained in these files is usually gathered from several sources and is then organized in personal record depositories available to the general public for a criminal background report.

Criminal records include any misdemeanor and felony crimes and any subsequent arrests, indictments, and convictions of their alleged involvement.

A request for criminal conviction history records costs $30 each, which is non-refundable, whether or not a records search produces any actual documents.

Vermont Inmate Records

Inmate records in Vermont consist of offenders incarcerated within the state and correctional facilities, detailing inmate-specific data like sentencing, offense class, parish information, and the inmate’s location.

The Department of Corrections maintains inmate records in Vermont.

What’s on a Vermont inmate record?

The information listed on an inmate record varies, but in Vermont, the records usually contain personal information and specific details about a person’s incarceration situation.

Conducting a public records search can provide the following information on an inmate:

• Name and aliases
• Date of Birth
• Height and weight
• DOC ID
• Booking photo
• Assigned location
• Sentence summary

Where can I find Vermont inmate records?

You will use the Agency of Human Services Department of Corrections inmate locator to access the inmate record.

Released offenders can also be found utilizing this tool.

Vermont Court Records

Court records in the state of Vermont contain a wealth of information that is produced via the court system across the state. Those requesting court records can use the resources below to ensure the most efficient methods.

Keep in mind that documents can be hard to access as they are typically held across several state courts within Vermont.

What’s on a Vermont court record?

In most cases, court records are pretty large and come with varying documents. Most people find these documents the most helpful:

• Name and aliases
• Dockets.
• Date of Birth
• Height and weight
• DOC ID
• Booking photo
• Assigned location
• Sentence summary

Where can I find Vermont court records?

The majority of records in the state of Vermont Judicial Bureau are held at the local court clerk’s office, but many cases can be found online.

Vermont Judiciary via VT Courts Online was developed by the Vermont Judiciary to allow requesters to access public information through the internet.

Anyone can search for a case-by-case docket number, the litigant’s name in a case, or court calendars through this portal.

Currently, only civil division cases are accessible to the general public. For other cases, like those heard in superior courts, you need to request records from the court clerk.

Vermont Vital Records

The Vermont Department of Health Vital Records Section maintains vital records in the state.

Vermont’s vital records include:

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

Public record requests for vital records in Vermont will vary depending on the document you are requesting.

Vermont Department of Health Vital Records Section
Vermont Department of Health
Vital Records Section
P.O. Box 70
108 Cherry Street
Burlington, VT 05402-0070

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

The Application for Certified Copy of Vermont Birth Certificate will ask for specific information when ordering a birth record.

• Full name on the birth certificate
• Gender
• Parents’ full name

Where can I find a Vermont birth certificate?

You can order a Vermont birth certificate online using the Vital Records Request Service.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Vermont birth record by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Vermont Birth Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified birth certificate in Vermont is $10.

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

The Application for Certified Copy of Vermont Death Certificate will ask for specific information when ordering a copy of a death record.

• Full name on the death record
• Gender
• Parents’ full name

Where can I find a Vermont death certificate?

You can order a Vermont death certificate online using the Vital Records Request Service.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Vermont death record by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Vermont Death Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified death certificate in Vermont is $10.

What information do I need for a marriage certificate in Vermont?

The Application for Certified Copy of Vermont Marriage or Civil Union Certificate will ask for specific information when requesting a marriage record.

• Spouses’ name before marriage
• Date of marriage

Where can I find a Vermont marriage certificate?

You can order a Vermont marriage certificate online using the Vital Records Request Service.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Vermont marriage record by completing the Mail Application for Marriage Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified marriage certificate in Vermont is $10.

You can also contact the Town or City Clerk where the marriage took place. Forms, fees, and office hours vary.

What information do I need for a divorce certificate in Vermont?

The Application for Certified Copy of Vermont Divorce or Dissolution Certificate will ask for specific information when requesting a divorce certificate in Vermont.

• Both spouses’ full names before marriage
• Date of divorce

Where can I find a Vermont divorce certificate?

You can order a Vermont divorce certificate online using the Vital Records Request Service.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Vermont divorce record by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Vermont Divorce or Dissolution Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified divorce certificate in Vermont is $10.

You can also contact the Family Court that granted the divorce. Forms, fees, and office hours vary.

Example – Addison County District Court Family Division
7 Mahady Ct
Middlebury, VT 05753

Phone number: 802-388-4237

Vermont Property Records

The Town Clerk or County Recorder of Deeds maintains all property records in Vermont.

The property records you can access include:

• Liens
• Land records
• Titles
• Property deeds
• Real estate information
• Mortgages
• Property tax assessment records
• Zoning information
• Probate
• Voter registration

For data, parcel, and land use maps, you will need to contact the Geographic Information System(GIS) to ask about public access.

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

You will need basic information to access a public property record in Vermont.

Forms, fees, and office hours will vary depending on the Town Clerk or County Recorder where the property record is maintained.

Where can I find a Vermont property record?

You will need to contact the City Clerk or County Recorder of Deeds where the property record is maintained.

Example – Bennington Town Clerk Office
Town of Bennington Land Records
205 South Street
Po Box 469
Bennington, VT 05201

FAQs

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

Anyone can conduct a public records search, whether you live in Burlington, Montpelier, New York City, or nowhere near a New England State.

Is there a records custodian in Vermont?

Vermont public records laws do not mandate a records custodian.

What exemptions exist for public records requests in Vermont?

With 40 general exemptions, Vermont works under the more specific type and is construed rather narrowly.

Most of these are common throughout the state’s Freedom of Information laws.

How long does that state have to respond to a public records request?

Agencies in Vermont have two business days to respond to any requests, although this can be extended by ten days with a written notification.

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

However, Vermont’s public records law says a requester must be able to show that without litigation, the records would not likely be disclosed, plus any public benefits associated with the release of the documents.

It is advisable to appeal sooner as overturning an appeal is slimmer after two years.

What fees are associated with requesting public records in Vermont?

There are nominal fees associated with requesting public records in Vermont, with staff time fees kicking in after half an hour of search time.

A public agency can only charge the actual cost to reproduce documents.

Can I access the Vermont State Archives?

You can access the Vermont State Archives through the Vermont Secretary of State.