State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Vermont
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Vermont under the Vermont Public Records Act (est. 1975).
Overview of Public Records in Vermont
Vermont's Public Records Act provides citizens with a right to access records maintained by state and local government agencies. Vermont's small size and strong tradition of local governance through town meetings create an environment where government records are generally accessible. The law declares that all public agency or department records shall be open to public inspection. Vermont's 14 counties and 251 towns and cities each maintain various types of government records, with much of the record-keeping happening at the municipal level consistent with the state's town governance tradition.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Vermont
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 3 business days for requests to inspect records. For copies, agencies must respond within a reasonable time, generally interpreted as within 5 business days.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge reasonable costs for copying records. Standard per-page fees are typically $0.25. Agencies may charge for staff time at actual cost for requests that take more than 30 minutes to fulfill.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing. No specific form is required, and the requester does not need to state a purpose or provide identification to the agency.
Appeal Process
Requesters may appeal to the head of the agency. If denied, they may file suit in Superior Court. The court can award reasonable attorney fees and costs to a prevailing requester.
Types of Public Records Available in Vermont
Property Records
Property records in Vermont include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Vermont contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Vermont election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Vermont court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Vermont include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Vermont vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Vermont document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Vermont Public Records
To request records in Vermont, submit a request to the relevant state or municipal agency. While written requests are recommended, the law does not require a specific format. Agencies must respond within three business days for routine requests. Vermont town clerks maintain land records and vital records at the municipal level. The Vermont Judiciary provides online case information through its case management system, and the Secretary of State offers business entity searches online.
Online Access
Vermont Judiciary provides online case information through the court system website. Town clerk offices maintain property records, with many now offering online access through third-party hosting services.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Vermont
While the Vermont Public Records Act establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Vermont.
- Records whose disclosure would violate a statutory or judicially recognized privilege
- Personal documents relating to an individual's private life
- Test questions and scoring keys before administration
- Trade secrets submitted to government agencies
- Records of labor negotiations between government and unions
- Records exempt by other specific state or federal statutes
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Vermont provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Vermont Public Records Act
Enacted: 1975
Vermont's Public Records Act is codified in Vermont Statutes Title 1, Sections 315-320. The act provides that public records shall be available for inspection and copying. The law was updated in 2018 to establish a three-business-day response timeframe for routine requests and to address electronic records. Vermont's Public Records Advisory Commission provides guidance on implementation of the law.
Key Features of Vermont's Records Law:
- Vermont has a three-business-day response requirement for routine requests
- The state's town meeting tradition creates uniquely transparent local governance
- Vermont town clerks serve as the primary custodians of land records and vital records at the local level
Vermont Public Records Facts
Vermont has 14 counties and 251 municipalities maintaining local records
The state has approximately 500,000 registered voters
Vermont Secretary of State maintains records for over 60,000 business entities
Vermont town clerk land records date back to the colonial era
Search Vermont Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Vermont. Enter a name below to search public records in VT.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont Public Records
How quickly must Vermont respond to records requests?
How do I access Vermont court records?
Are Vermont property records online?
How do I get Vermont vital records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Vermont Public Records Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Vermont or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.