Vermont public records
Vermont land records are recorded by town, so the town clerk is the starting point for a deed. Judiciary case access, Secretary of State entity filings and VCIC conviction checks use separate systems. An online public record and a certified copy can have different access and fee rules.
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Official record sources
Choose the document you need before searching. A case index, parcel assessment, recorded deed and certified certificate are different records. The links below lead to the responsible government service or its official directory.
| Record / custodian | How to access | Costs and coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Court recordsVermont Judiciary Public Portal | Follow the public portal's case and document access instructions. | Online lookup and clerk-copy orders are separate. Anonymous users see limited case and hearing information. Elevated document access requires authorization; the portal is limited to users in the United States and Canada. |
| Property and land recordsVermont government / town-clerk directory | Use the Municipalities section and town-clerk guide to locate the town maintaining the land record. | Town document-copy and certification fees apply. Vermont deeds are recorded by town; there is no statewide county-recorder substitute. |
| Business recordsVermont Secretary of State corporations search | Search filed businesses and inspect available entity information. | Search and certificate services have different fees. Business names, entities and professional licenses are different records. |
| Birth, death, marriage and divorceVermont Department of Health | Choose the certificate type and state or town ordering route. | Certified-copy and ordering fees apply. Birth/death certified copies require the prescribed application; divorce decrees come from the court. |
| Criminal-history checksVermont Crime Information Center | Choose a public conviction record check or another authorized history service. | The service publishes check and processing charges. Public conviction records and full authorized criminal-history information have different scope. |
A criminal charge is not a conviction. A name match does not establish identity. Use the official case disposition and the appropriate authorized record-check process when those distinctions matter.
Requesting agency records in Vermont
Use this process for existing government agency records. Court case copies, vital certificates and criminal-history reports use the separate procedures in the table.
- Who can request
- Any person may inspect or copy public records, subject to exemptions. Address the request to the record's custodian.
- How to submit
- Identify the Vermont agency, municipality or county that maintains the record, then use its published records-custodian contact or accepted request channel. Describe existing documents, identifiers and dates. Keep the submitted request and acknowledgement; court copies and vital certificates use the separate services above.
- Response and delivery
- The custodian generally must determine access promptly, within three business days. Specified unusual circumstances allow an extension up to 10 business days.
- Fees and estimates
- Copying and certain staff-time costs can apply under published schedules. Request electronic delivery and an estimate for extensive searches.
- If access is denied
- Appeal a denial to the agency head, who generally has five business days to decide. An unresolved denial may be challenged in Superior Court.
Vermont records-request example
Replace the brackets, narrow the dates and send this to the agency that holds the records. Use its required form or portal when applicable. This example requests agency documents; it is not a certificate application or court filing.
To: [the agency's designated records custodian] Subject: Vermont public-records request — [record or project identifier] Under the Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315–320), I request electronic copies of the town's approved selectboard minutes and executed contract for [project] during [dates]. Please use existing records in their available electronic format. If any material is withheld, identify the legal basis and provide the non-exempt portions. Before incurring charges above [your limit], please send an itemized estimate. Please confirm receipt and the expected response date. [Name and contact details required by the receiving agency] [Requester eligibility or residency information, where required]
Before sending, check requester eligibility above. Keep the submission confirmation, cost estimate, response and any exemption cited so a follow-up or appeal can refer to the same request.
Vermont public records FAQ
Where can I find Vermont court records?
Follow the public portal's case and document access instructions. Anonymous users see limited case and hearing information. Elevated document access requires authorization; the portal is limited to users in the United States and Canada.
Sources: Vermont Judiciary Public PortalAre Vermont public records free?
Copying and certain staff-time costs can apply under published schedules. Request electronic delivery and an estimate for extensive searches. Certificate and court-document services follow the separate charges listed above.
Sources: Vermont official public-records guidance; Vermont Judiciary Public Portal; Vermont Department of HealthHow do I get birth, death, marriage or divorce records in Vermont?
Choose the certificate type and state or town ordering route. Birth/death certified copies require the prescribed application; divorce decrees come from the court.
Sources: Vermont Department of Health; Vermont Judiciary Public PortalIs a Vermont court search a complete criminal-history check?
No. Public conviction records and full authorized criminal-history information have different scope. Choose a public conviction record check or another authorized history service.
Sources: Vermont Crime Information Center; Vermont Judiciary Public PortalSources and review
Each link identifies the official custodian or its published directory. Portal coverage and fees can change; confirm the current order details before paying. The date below records the source review, not the date a government record was created.
- Vermont official public-records guidance — checked
- Vermont Judiciary Public Portal — checked
- Vermont government / town-clerk directory — checked
- Vermont Secretary of State corporations search — checked
- Vermont Department of Health — checked
- Vermont Crime Information Center — checked
Browse other jurisdictions
Public-records access rules vary by jurisdiction. Continue through the directory or return to the full list to choose the agency location you need.
All public-records jurisdictions