OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Vermont Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Vermont. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 14 counties in a unified court system
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Vermont)
  • Background checks: Vermont Crime Information Center — Criminal Record Check
  • Records law: Vermont Public Records Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Vermont CIC
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Vermont has 14 counties in a unified court system. You can search court cases through the Vermont Judiciary website. Contact the clerk's office in the relevant county for specific case records.

Vermont's trial courts include the Superior Court with its Civil, Criminal, Environmental, Family, and Probate divisions.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Vermont are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of Vermont — Burlington, Rutland, Brattleboro

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Vermont Judiciary — Court Records 🏛️ Vermont Judiciary Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Vermont are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Vermont Crime Information Center (CIC) maintains criminal records.

🔍 Vermont Crime Information Center 📋 Vermont Department of Public Safety

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Vermont operates under the Vermont Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §315). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 3 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Vermont

Court records are maintained by the Vermont Judiciary across 14 counties. Criminal history is centralized through the Vermont CIC. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Vermont

Vermont has 14 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Vermont state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Vermont for free?
Visit the Vermont Judiciary court records page or contact the clerk's office in the relevant county.
Are arrest records public in Vermont?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Vermont Public Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Vermont?
The Vermont Crime Information Center maintains criminal records. Visit vcic.vermont.gov for details.
What is the Vermont Public Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 3 business days.
How many court systems does Vermont have?
Vermont has a unified court system: Superior Court (with Civil, Criminal, Environmental, Family, and Probate divisions), and the Vermont Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026