Vermont Public Records Search

What Records Are Public In Vermont?

In Vermont, the Public Records Act is outlined in Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 1, Chapter 5, §315-319. Under this law, almost all records held by state and local government agencies are considered public and can be accessed by the general public upon request. This includes documents, papers, photographs, recordings, and other materials created or received in the course of official business. However, there are several exemptions to this law, including records that are related to ongoing investigations, trade secrets, personal medical records, or records that could compromise public safety. Other exemptions include materials related to collective bargaining agreements, personnel files, and records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. It's important to note that while many records are considered public in Vermont, access to some records may be restricted or require a fee to be paid. To request public records in Vermont, individuals should contact the relevant state or local government agency in writing, including a specific description of the requested records. The agency is then required by law to respond to the request within five business days. If a request is denied, individuals have the right to file an appeal.

Who Do You Contact For Public Records In Vermont?

In Vermont, the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) serves as the primary repository for public records. VSARA maintains various types of records, including historical, legal, and administrative records, as well as the Vermont State Archives. To request public records, interested parties should contact the agency responsible for maintaining the specific record. For example, individuals seeking court records should contact the Vermont Judiciary, while those seeking vital records should contact the Vermont Department of Health. It is recommended to check each agency's website for information on requesting public records, including any fees or processing times. It is also important to note that some records may be restricted due to privacy concerns or other legal restrictions.

How Do I Make A Change To Public Records In Vermont?

In Vermont, making a change to public records requires following a specific set of procedures. For vital records, such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates, changes can be made by submitting a written request, along with any supporting documentation, to the Vermont Department of Health's Vital Records Office. The office will review the request and determine if the change is authorized under state law. If so, the office will make the necessary modifications and issue a corrected certificate. For other public records, such as property records or court records, the process for making changes may vary depending on the specific circumstances. Generally, individuals seeking to make a change to a public record should contact the agency or office responsible for maintaining the record and inquire about their specific procedures for doing so. In many cases, individuals seeking to change public records may need to provide supporting documentation, such as court orders or legal agreements, to prove that the change is authorized by state law. It may be helpful to consult with an attorney to understand the legal requirements and implications of making changes to public records in Vermont.

Vermont State Resources

• Govervor Phil Scott
• Secretary of State
• State Agencies
• State Personnel Directory
• Association of Counties
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Justice
• Department of Rehabilitation
• Bankruptcy Court
• Tax Information
• Census
• DMV

Vermont State Charities