Wyoming PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

Wyoming State Public Records Search Online

Wyoming public records refer to any document created or received by a government agency while conducting public business, regardless of physical form. The accessibility of these records empowers citizens to be informed and engaged participants in the democratic process.

The Wyoming Public Records Act is a series of laws that govern Wyoming public records. This legislation allows the public to view and obtain copies of most records without specifying a purpose, with limited exemptions to protect certain information.

Wyoming residents can use the information in public records for personal and professional purposes. They can research local history, monitor government activities, investigate potential wrongdoing, or gather data for academic or journalistic projects.

What Records are Public in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, the majority of government records are public. Individuals can request a public data search from local or state government agencies to access these documents.

What is Considered Public Information in Wyoming?

State public information is defined as any information created, obtained, or accepted by a government entity while performing its official duties. Citizens can access this information through local and state governments' public records.

Among the considered public information in the state includes:

• Vital statistics
• Court proceedings
• Criminal justice reports
• Driver information
• Property details

Wyoming Public Records Laws

The Wyoming Public Records Act, along with the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), grants citizens the right to access government records unless they are specified as confidential. These laws promote transparency by providing a clear process for individuals to obtain public information from state and federal agencies.

What is the Wyoming Public Records Law?

Commonly called the Sunshine Law, the Wyoming Public Records Law ensures that the public can access government records in the state. This legislation allows individuals to obtain information regarding the operations and choices of public entities to enhance transparency and accountability in state governance.

The Wyoming Public Records Law scope covers various documents generated by government bodies during official business. These records come in multiple formats, including written, oral, visual, and electronic.

While the state's public records law promotes openness, specific categories of records are exempt from public disclosure to safeguard confidential information. These include law enforcement investigation files, examination materials, state institution research, and labor negotiation details.

Moreover, under this law, record custodians must facilitate public access to records upon request. Penalties can be imposed if they obstruct access or deny requests unjustly.

What is the FOIA in Wyoming?

The federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) complements the Wyoming Public Records Law by providing additional avenues for accessing public records. Specifically, state residents can utilize this law to access public records held by the federal government.

Under FOIA, the public can access various records, including documents, emails, and other federal materials. However, this law features nine exemptions, which aim to withhold information that could interfere with federal government proceedings or constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Who Can Access Public Records in Wyoming?

All individuals have access to the majority of Wyoming public records during the custodian entity's operating hours.

However, specific categories of public documents are restricted from general access due to confidentiality periods. These documents are typically limited to particular individuals for viewing until the confidentiality period expires.

Wyoming Public Records Search

To access public records in Wyoming, individuals should contact the appropriate custodian in charge of the specific record they require. Since state agencies oversee different types of records, interested parties must expect unique procedures for accessing their desired public records.

Record seekers usually must fill out a designated form or send a written request detailing the specific record they are interested in acquiring. These requests can be sent to the agency online or through traditional channels for processing.

How To Find Wyoming Public Records Online

Wyoming public records can be conveniently accessed online using the following methods:

Government Websites

Accessing Wyoming public records online through government websites is the official and reliable method recommended. By utilizing government websites, individuals can access official documents, which guarantee accuracy and consistency compared to other online sources.

To initiate this process, interested parties must visit the custodian agency's official website and navigate it to locate the online access options. Typically, online access requires the completion of a web form. This form prompts individuals to provide details about the requested document and their contact information.

Upon completion, the requester must pay applicable fees using major credit or debit cards to finalize the online request process.

Email Requests

Record seekers can also access Wyoming public records online by email. This process requires identifying the agency's email address, which is usually found on the agency's official website.

Upon identifying the email address, record seekers will need to email an access request. This request must include details about the requested record and the requester's contact information.

After sending the request, expect the agency to respond and follow any additional procedure they require.

Third-Party Services

Wyoming public records are also accessible through third-party websites. These platforms offer user-friendly tools for comprehensive searches by inputting the subject's name, case or file number, location, and other specific information in the record.

Note that third-party sites operate independently. They are not government-sponsored, which could lead to potential variations in record availability and reliability.

How To Find Wyoming Public Records Offline

Accessing Wyoming public records offline is facilitated through in-person visits, mail requests, and phone or fax inquiries.

In-person access necessitates visiting the designated record custodian's physical address during office hours. During this visit, record seekers must fill out a public record request form or provide a clear description of the record being sought. Afterward, individuals must submit any required documentation or fees to complete the process.

For mail requests, interested parties can navigate the following steps:

• Identify the record custodian's official mailing address on their website.
• Download and fill out the appropriate request form if available, or draft a detailed letter specifying the requester's desired public record and contact information.
• Send the form or letter, other required documents, and payment to the agency's address.

Moreover, some Wyoming agencies accept public record requests via phone or fax. To determine if a specific custodian allows requests through these channels, it is advisable to contact them in advance using the contact details provided on their website.

Types of Public Records in Wyoming

The state of Wyoming has various types of public records. Each plays a distinct role in legal and administrative requirements. The following are the frequently requested categories of public records in the state:

State of Wyoming Public Court Records

According to Wyoming Court Rules, court records refer to any information or document a court maintains regarding a specific case or judicial proceeding. These records offer case particulars such as case numbers, status, parties involved, attorneys, decisions, and filing dates.

Wyoming court records aid individuals in verifying legal documentation. For example, law enforcement officials utilize these records for investigative purposes, while attorneys rely on them for litigation.

In most cases, court records are considered public information unless protected by law from disclosure. Individuals seeking access to these records can search online or visit the court where the case originated. The Supreme Court primarily maintains these records. However, they are also available at District Courts, Circuit Courts, and Municipal Courts.

Wyoming Public Bankruptcy Records

Wyoming bankruptcy records are documents related to individuals and organizations facing financial insolvency. These records include the following:

• Bankruptcy petitions
• Detailed schedules outlining assets and liabilities
• Creditor information
• Proofs of claim
• Discharge orders
• Reorganization plans
• Trustee reports

Wyoming's bankruptcy records are held by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Wyoming. This court has two offices, located in Cheyenne and Casper. Individuals can access bankruptcy records in person at either location.

For phone inquiries, individuals can utilize the Voice Case Information System (VCIS). By dialing (866) 222-8029, callers can navigate a series of prompts to retrieve bankruptcy details such as debtor names, filing dates, asset statuses, case numbers, and more.

In addition, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system facilitates online access to the state's bankruptcy records. This service requires registering for an account, which allows users to search for records based on specific court or national indices.

Note that a fee applies when accessing Wyoming bankruptcy records. The fee schedule applies to records requested from the bankruptcy court office. Meanwhile, PACER levies a cost of $0.10 per page and $3 per bankruptcy document retrieved.

County Court Records in Wyoming

County court records in Wyoming are a collection of official case files and administrative documents curated by the county-level courts within the state. These records serve as a repository of information regarding legal proceedings and court rulings at the county level.

Each county courthouses are responsible for managing these records. Therefore, the procedures and accessibility for obtaining county-level court records can vary among locations.

Individuals seeking access to these records can visit the county courthouse. They can retrieve the necessary records by inquiring with the court clerk or utilizing public access terminals. For a seamless retrieval process during an in-person visit, it is advisable to establish contact with the courthouse beforehand to ascertain any prerequisites or information required.

Contact details for select county courthouses in Wyoming are provided below:

• Albany County District Court: (307) 721-2508
• Laramie County District Court: (307) 633-4270
• Natrona County District Court: (307) 235-9340
• Sweetwater County District Court: (307) 352-6820
• Teton County District Court: (307) 733-7022

Additionally, some courthouses may offer online access to these records. The Wyoming Supreme Court also provides a Case Search tool that enables public users to conduct targeted searches for specific county court records.

Wyoming Criminal Records

Criminal records in Wyoming chronicles an individual's involvement with the state's criminal justice system. These records cover the following details:

• Arrests
• Bookings
• Incidents precipitating arrests
• Police investigations
• Witness testimonies
• Evidence compilation
• Criminal case files
• Court dockets
• Sentencing details
• Inmate specifics
• Booking logs
• Warrant data

While numerous criminal records are accessible, stringent regulations safeguard individuals' privacy rights and uphold the integrity of judicial proceedings. For instance, records of juvenile offenders are deemed confidential. Similarly, ongoing criminal investigations and personal information of individuals under witness protection are restricted from public disclosure.

The Division of Criminal Investigation, which operates under the Office of the Attorney General, oversees the maintenance of Wyoming's public criminal records. Interested parties can physically visit or mail a request letter to the division's location below to access the state's criminal records:

Record seekers can also inquire by phone at (307) 777-7181 or send an email request to wydci@wyo.gov to retrieve criminal records in Wyoming.

Wyoming Public Arrest Records

Wyoming arrest records cover details of individuals apprehended and brought into the custody of law enforcement agencies. These records typically include an incident overview, the perpetrator's physical characteristics, personal details, mugshots, fingerprints, and other relevant evidence of the alleged offense.

Note that not every arrest results in formal criminal charges. Some may occur for investigative purposes or after gathering substantial evidence against the suspect.

Individuals can access the state's arrest records through various sources. Initial inquiries can be directed to the local law enforcement agency involved in the arrest. They can also check with state courts for arrest and conviction records.

Alternatively, record seekers can utilize third-party websites. These sites aggregate data from law enforcement databases. Individuals can efficiently retrieve arrest records from these platforms by inputting information such as the suspect's name, physical description, and current location.

Regardless of the chosen method, individuals must expect to pay a nominal fee to get arrest records.

Wyoming Vital Records

Wyoming vital records are documents that capture significant life events within the state's jurisdiction. These records cover a variety of vital events such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces.

Access to Wyoming vital records is restricted to the public until specific statutory confidentiality periods have lapsed. Birth records remain confidential for 100 years, while death, marriage, and divorce records are confidential for 50 years.

During this period, only the individual named on the record, immediate family members, and legal representatives are permitted to request certified copies of these vital records, with the provision of necessary information for the search process.

The Wyoming Vital Statistics Services Division within the Department of Health is tasked with overseeing the state's vital records. Individuals seeking access must follow the official protocol, which includes submitting a formal request, the requisite identification documents, and fees.

Furthermore, alternate avenues for accessing Wyoming vital records exist through third-party services. These platforms offer a convenient option for individuals researching specific or multiple vital records without geographical limitations.

Wyoming Public Birth Records

Wyoming birth records serve as official documentation of births within the state. They contain details about the individual and their parents, and specifics of the birth itself.

Key information found on a Wyoming birth certificate includes:

• The child's full name and gender
• Place and date of birth
• Type of birth
• Registration details
• Birth registration number
• Parents names (including mother's maiden name) and mother's marital status

Access to birth records is granted to the public a century after the birth event. Before this timeframe, only uncertified copies are provided unless the requester meets specific eligibility criteria set by the state.

Individuals seeking Wyoming birth records can obtain certified copies online via the Wyoming Vital Records Portal, which necessitates setting up an online profile. Alternatively, records can be acquired by visiting the county clerk's office in the relevant judicial district or the state's Vital Records office.

For mail procedure, interested parties must print and complete the appropriate portion of the Request for Certified Copy of a Wyoming Vital Record form. Upon completion, requesters must include a copy of the identification document and fees as specified in the form. The completed package must then be sent to the address below:

Wyoming Public Death Records

Death records in Wyoming serve as official documentation of deaths within the state. These records date back to July 1909 and contain information such as the following:

• Full name
• Biodata
• Last known address
• Date and time of death
• Birth details
• Place of death
• Cause of death
• Parental information
• Registration number
• Signatures of the physician and funeral director

Access to certified Wyoming death records is initially limited to immediate family members and legal representatives of the deceased. However, after 50 years, these records become public, allowing interested individuals to obtain them without constraints.

To obtain a death record in the state, requesting parties can visit the Vital Statistics Division in person. They can also request through the mail by printing and completing the appropriate portion of the Request for Certified Copy of a Wyoming Vital Record form. Requesters must also include a copy of the identification document and fees as specified in the form.

The completed requirements must then be sent to the address below:

For those interested in death records older than 50 years, the Wyoming State Archives can be visited. The physical address of this agency is as follows:

Wyoming Public Marriage Records

Wyoming marriage records validate and establish the legal status of marriages conducted within the state. Requesters of these records will get the following details:

• Parties' names, ages, and addresses
• Date and location of the marriage
• Officiant
• Witnesses
• License number
• Issuance date
• Issuing authority
• Signatures of the couple, officiant, and witnesses

The state's marriage records only become publicly available after 50 years. Before this period, access was restricted to the parties named on the record, their authorized representatives, and individuals who could demonstrate a direct and substantial interest in the record.

Individuals seeking Wyoming marriage records can submit their requests through the court clerks in the respective towns where the marriages were registered. Additionally, the Wyoming Vital Statistics Services Office retains marriage records dating back to May 1941.

To acquire a marriage record from the office, eligible individuals must complete the relevant section of the Request for Certified Copy of a Wyoming Vital Record form.

All applications must be accompanied by a government-issued photo ID and a processing fee (as specified in the form). Requests can be submitted in person or by mail to the following address:

Wyoming Public Divorce Records

Divorce records in Wyoming document divorce court proceedings. They detail the entire legal journey from the initial filings to the final judgment. Individuals typically find motions, orders, evidentiary materials, and the ultimate verdict from these documents.

In Wyoming, divorce records are either divorce certificates or divorce decrees. These are accessible from the specific courthouses where the cases were adjudicated. Additionally, interested individuals can turn to the Vital Services Division to obtain certified divorce records.

To obtain records from the state office, eligible individuals need to complete the appropriate section of the Request for Certified Copy of a Wyoming Vital Record form. They must also include a government-issued photo ID and payment via cheque or money order.

These requests can be submitted in person or via mail to the address below:

Wyoming Property Records

Wyoming property records serve as a repository for legal documents related to real property. These records cover reports, contracts, maps, surveys, and other pertinent files associated with a particular piece of real estate.

The county clerks of each county oversee Wyoming property records. Therefore, individuals seeking this document can visit the county clerk and recorder's office where the property is located to access it.

Besides that, many county clerks across the county offer online search options. For example, Natrona County provides free online assessor property searches and treasurer tax bill searches. Meanwhile, Bighorn County offers the Arcasearch platform, which allows individuals to conduct online property records searches for a subscription fee.

In addition to official sources, third-party websites can be explored for information on public property records in Wyoming.

Wyoming Inmate Records

Inmate records in Wyoming comprise personal and administrative details of individuals confided in correctional and detention facilities within the state. These records often include information such as the subject's name, age, and gender, as well as mugshots, whereabouts, identification numbers, and sentencing specifics.

The custody of Wyoming inmate records falls under the Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC) jurisdiction. Those interested in accessing these records can do so by visiting the physical location of the department or by submitting a request via mail to the following address:

1934 Wyott Drive, Suite 100

Cheyenne, WY 82002

Moreover, interested parties can utilize the department's online inmate lookup tool. This online service enables the public to search for inmate records for free using parameters such as the WDOC inmate number, name, age, and gender.

Wyoming Traffic Records

Traffic records in Wyoming, also known as driving records, provide a complete overview of an individual's driving history and any traffic violations within the state. These records include personal details like name, gender, and address, as well as license information such as the license number, status (whether active or suspended), classification, and expiration date.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) oversees the maintenance of the state's driving records. This department offers them in 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year formats. Individuals can request access to their Wyoming driving records in person or through mail.

License Plate Lookup in Wyoming

Wyoming license plate lookup searches for information about a particular vehicle's license plate number. This procedure can provide car details, such as registration status, ownership history, accident reports, etc.

Individuals can directly contact the WYDOT (Wyoming Department of Transportation) to conduct a lookup or utilize third-party lookup services, such as the approved data providers of the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).

Regardless of the chosen method, individuals can complete this process by providing the license plate number and setting up any necessary fee.

What Information is Exempt from the Public Records Law in Wyoming?

Based on the July 2019 Amendments, Wyoming's Public Records Law includes several exemptions that restrict access to certain types of information. These exemptions can be categorized into general exemptions, a catch-all exemption, and specific exemptions, which are further divided into mandatory and discretionary exemptions.

General Exemptions:

• Inspection contrary to federal statute or regulation (e.g., social security numbers)
• Inspection contrary to state statute
• Inspection prohibited by court ruling or order

Catch-all Exemption:

Disclosure that would cause substantial injury to the public interest (requires custodian to apply to district court)

Specific Exemptions:

• 26 total: 19 mandatory and seven discretionary

Mandatory Exemptions (must deny unless otherwise provided):

• Adoption or welfare records
• Personnel files
• Trade secrets and confidential commercial/financial information
• Medical, physiological, and sociological data on individuals
• Hospital records
• Letters of reference
• Certain library, museum, and archive materials
• School district student records
• Income tax returns
• Investment Funds Committee records
• State IT system information
• 911 emergency call information
• Agricultural operations information
• State veterinarian records on contagious/infectious diseases
• Consensus revenue estimating group records
• Workers' compensation claim records
• Police officer recording information (with exceptions)
• Personnel investigation files (if unwarranted invasion of privacy)
• Library patron records

Discretionary Exemptions (may be denied if contrary to public interest):

• Investigatory records
• Applications for higher education institution president positions
• Test questions and scoring keys
• Specific details of bona fide research projects at state institutions
• Real estate appraisals (with exceptions)
• State building records that might jeopardize security
• Intra-agency documents not available during litigation

Other Public Records in Wyoming

The following are additional classifications of public records in the state of Wyoming:

• Wyoming Public Sex Offender Records: Wyoming sex offender records contain the names and information of all sex offenders in the state. Individuals can access these online via the Sex Offender Registry or by visiting the sheriff's office of each county.
• Wyoming Warrant Records: These public records contain information about court-issued warrants, including the person's name, the offense, and the issuing authority. Warrant records are accessible through the state's law enforcement agencies and courthouses.
• Wyoming Election Results: Election results are the official tallies of votes in the state's primary and general elections. Wyoming residents can access these results on the Wyoming Secretary of State website, which provides detailed information on election outcomes, voter turnout, and campaign finance data.
• Wyoming Unclaimed Property Records: The Wyoming State Treasurer's Office maintains records of unclaimed property, such as abandoned bank accounts and uncashed checks, that have been turned over to the state. These records are open to the general public for inspection and claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

For those interested in learning more about public records in Wyoming, exploring the following frequently asked questions would be beneficial:

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