As in all states, any information created or collected physically and electronically by any government organization is a public record in Wyoming. However, these government organizations may restrict, regulate or withhold access to certain information they deem sensitive.
Wyoming public records act allows any member of the general public to inspect public records of a government agency of interest during working hours. Following different agency guidelines, interested persons may not only view but also obtain copies of Wyoming public records.
Here are some commonly requested public records in Wyoming.
Arrest Records and Criminal Records in Wyoming
Arrest and criminal records are public records in Wyoming, meaning these records are open for inspection by any interested individual.
Arrest records in Wyoming are made and kept by the various law enforcement agencies responsible for detaining a suspect. The local police departments, sheriff’s office, and other federal law enforcement organizations typically record information about arrests. This information includes suspected crime, time and location of the arrest, arresting officer, and the detention center.
Interested persons can obtain arrest records by visiting the agency responsible for the detention.
On the other hand, criminal records are more comprehensive than arrest records. Criminal records include conviction information as well as arrest records. Criminal records also contain a history of a convict’s previous detentions and convictions.
It is important to note that only information of convicted offenders goes into the criminal records database.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation maintains the database for criminal records in the state. Employers or any interested person can carry out background checks through the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Individuals can also request criminal records through the office of the Assistant Attorney General by sending an email to [email protected] or calling (307) 777 – 6710.
Alternatively, interested persons can visit the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation at:
Division of Criminal Investigation
208 South College Drive
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777–7181
Fax: (307) 777–7252
Wyoming Inmate Records
In Wyoming, convicted criminals serve time in jail or prison, depending on the gravity of the offense. The various detention and correctional facilities keep inmate records that must be made public upon request by law. The Wyoming Department of Corrections maintains a database of incarcerated persons in the state. This inmate database is available for public inspection through the Wyoming Offender Locator online portal. Interested persons can search inmates by name or inmate number.
Wyoming Court Records
The Wyoming Judicial Branch consists of the Supreme Court, District Courts, Circuit Courts, and Municipal Courts. The records from these courts are available to the general public through the various court clerks. An individual interested in a case can access its records by going to the court of the case filing. Knowing the case number, litigants, and other relevant information about the filing would help during the search.
It is important to note that some courts may require all or any of the following, a request in writing, identification, a court order, and a copying fee to obtain court records.
Wyoming Vital Records
Documents about life events such as births, marriages, divorce, and death make up vital records in Wyoming. The Vital Statistics Services division of the Wyoming Department of Health is responsible for such information. The Vital Statistics Services division maintains a database for birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
Unlike most public records, there is a restriction on access to vital records. Typically, only legal guardians, close family, and persons named in the documents can obtain vital records. Lawyers representing the named parties in the documents can also obtain copies of vital records. Other interested individuals may access such records with authorization from a court order.
Eligible persons can obtain vital by mail by sending a request to:
Vital Statistics Services
2300 Capitol Avenue
Hathaway Building
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-7591
Requesters must accompany requests with identification, mailing address, the purpose for the request, and the full name.
Note that obtaining vital records attracts a $25 fee, and there are also additional fees for extra copies. Interested persons can access records older than 50 years through the license issuing county clerk or the Wyoming State Archives.
Wyoming Business Records
Businesses in Wyoming must register with the Wyoming Secretary of State to operate. The database of registered business names, companies, corporations, trademarks, and trade names is available to the public. Interested individuals can search business names and fillings in Wyoming through an online portal provided by the secretary of state. Interested individuals can search by inputting the name of the business entity of interest or the filling ID. This search helps clients or intending partners to ascertain if a business is in good standing with the state.
Bankruptcy Records
In Wyoming, Individuals, businesses, and corporations in financial distress can file for bankruptcy. Information on entities that legally declare that they can no longer pay outstanding debts is available to the public. The United States Bankruptcy Court District of Wyoming is responsible for bankruptcy cases in the state. Persons interested in a bankruptcy case can visit the court locations in Cheyenne or Casper at:
US Bankruptcy Court
District of Wyoming
2120 Capitol Avenue
6th Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82001
US Bankruptcy Court
District of Wyoming
111 South Wolcott
Casper, WY 82601
Alternatively, interested persons can locate a case through Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). PACER allows the general public to subscribe and access federal court records.
The Bottom-line
Government agencies have a mandate by law to attend to public requests for records. However, there are limitations and peculiar circumstances that call for restrictions.
The public office has the responsibility to determine if public access to certain information can harm the office or pose a security threat. In such instances, the public may not have access to the record in question.
Public officials, record custodians, and court clerks can only provide information to the public within the boundaries of their office to disclose. Public officials are also not allowed to manufacture records to satisfy a request.
Provided the information is not sealed or expunged, all government agency documents are available to the public or eligible requesters. These documents are available online or in physical locations. Note that public records are accessible for free or for a fee, depending on the agency.