State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Wyoming
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Wyoming under the Wyoming Public Records Act (est. 1973).
Overview of Public Records in Wyoming
Wyoming's Public Records Act provides citizens with the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by state and local government agencies. As the least populous state, Wyoming offers a uniquely accessible government where records requests can often be handled through direct personal contact with agency officials. The law declares that all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times. Wyoming's 23 counties maintain local records, and the state's open spaces and natural resources create unique records related to land management, mineral rights, and environmental regulation.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Wyoming
Response Time
Agencies must respond promptly. While there is no specific statutory deadline expressed in business days, delays must be reasonable and justified by legitimate operational needs.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records. Typical per-page fees range from $0.25 to $0.50. Agencies may not charge for the cost of determining what constitutes a public record.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing. No specific form or identification is required. The requester does not need to state a purpose or reason for requesting the records.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file suit in district court to compel disclosure. The court can order release and award reasonable attorney fees to a prevailing requester.
Types of Public Records Available in Wyoming
Property Records
Property records in Wyoming 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 Wyoming contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Wyoming election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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
Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming Public Records
To request records in Wyoming, submit a request to the custodian of records at the relevant agency. Written requests are recommended but not required. There is no specific statutory response deadline, though agencies are expected to respond promptly. Wyoming county clerks maintain property records, and the Wyoming Judiciary provides some online access to case information. The Secretary of State's office provides business entity searches online.
Online Access
Wyoming courts provide online case access through the Judicial Branch website. The Secretary of State offers online business entity searches. County assessor offices provide property record information.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Wyoming
While the Wyoming 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 Wyoming.
- Records pertaining to pending or anticipated litigation
- Personnel files of government employees beyond basic employment data
- Trade secrets submitted to government agencies
- Attorney-client privileged records involving government counsel
- Records that would jeopardize public safety if disclosed
- Individual tax return information
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Wyoming 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
Wyoming Public Records Act
Enacted: 1973
Wyoming's Public Records Act is codified in Wyoming Statutes Section 16-4-201 through 16-4-205. The act provides that all public records are open for inspection unless specifically exempted. Wyoming's law is relatively concise, with a limited number of exemptions. The state does not have a dedicated open records enforcement body, so disputes are resolved through the courts.
Key Features of Wyoming's Records Law:
- Wyoming is the least populous state, offering uniquely personal access to government officials and records
- The state's natural resource economy creates unique records for mineral rights and land management
- Wyoming's law is concise with relatively few exemptions
Wyoming Public Records Facts
Wyoming has 23 counties maintaining local government records
The state has approximately 290,000 registered voters, the fewest of any state
Wyoming Secretary of State maintains records for over 80,000 business entities
Wyoming's mineral rights records are particularly important given the state's energy economy
Search Wyoming Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Wyoming. Enter a name below to search public records in WY.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wyoming Public Records
Does Wyoming have a deadline for records requests?
How do I access Wyoming court records?
Are Wyoming property records online?
How do I get Wyoming 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 Wyoming Public Records Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Wyoming 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.