Whether you're looking for information about a potential employee or researching facts on a property, you need to access Vermont public records. Public records are documents that have been filed or recorded by either public agencies or private individuals. Such records include birth and death records, marriage and divorce papers, criminal records, real estate documents, licenses, and so on.

Public records are held by federal, state and local governments, who in turn determine their availability. Although state of Vermont public records are accessible to the public, you may be expected to pay for some information; the fees will vary depending on the department. You can always visit state departments and offices for public records, though there's a breadth of information online. When researching VT public records, remember the following:

1. When doing a background check on an individual, you may want to consider a nationwide search. This will cover information, not just in your state, but in the country as a whole.

2. Make sure that the Vermont official records you get are up to date.

3. Get information from a credible source when searching Vermont public court records online. You may be liable for turning someone down if you base a hiring decision on incorrect facts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search Vermont state public records for information on real estate

Information on real estate is always available to the public. If you're looking for specific data on a particular property, such as zoning information, assessments or building requirements, you can find those on government sites, such as county offices. Additionally, you can research title and deed information, find out who owns a property and get tax information.

I recommend: Real Marketing is an online resource that provides links to all Vermont county assessor's offices. Access property records in Vermont, including ownership and valuation details, at Land Records Research Directory.

Consider checking VT public court records before you hire an employee

As a business owner, it's smart to run background checks on potential employees, especially if you're hiring childcare providers and teachers. Background checks can range from verifying a person's Social Security number, to a detailed account of the person's history and acquaintances. Before doing a background or Vermont criminal search, you must get permission from the individual.

I recommend: The Vermont Department of Public Safety can help you obtain Vermont criminal records. You can also find Vermont's Sex Offender Registry on this site. Additionally, public access to court records is available at the Vermont Judiciary.

Track down anyone with an Vermont vital records search

With the assistance of the Internet and the right data, you can track down any individual, living or deceased. If you already know the person's Social Security number, date of birth, or last known address, you can use these to research VT vital records. Less information than that makes your search a little more difficult, but still possible.

I recommend: You can find Vermont marriage records, or records of divorce, birth and death at the Vermont Department of Public Health. Public People Finder can help you track someone down using a variety of information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act regulates how consumer credit information, such as bankruptcy records in Vermont, is collected and used by outside companies-- not employers. The act also restricts reporting on Vermont arrest records and other negative information after seven years, with the exception of criminal convictions.