Wyoming Public Records

Wyoming public records encompass information in a physical format generated, accepted, or acquired by a government entity as part of its official duties and the conduct of public affairs. These records, held by the Wyoming state or governmental body, are not privileged or confidential as per Wyoming Statute § 16-4-201 and include any documented information not classified as such. The Act aims to foster transparency in government operations.

The Wyoming Sunshine Law comprises a set of statutes that ensure the public's right to view government entities' public documents at all levels. The general public can obtain public documents, books, and files maintained by state governmental bodies.

Are Wyoming Records Public?

Yes. According to the Wyoming Public Records Act, all public records are open for inspection. However, certain public records are deemed confidential, specifically when disclosing such records is contrary to the public interest. Per Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-203, the following records are exempt from public disclosure in Wyoming:

Trade secrets
Medical records,
Letters of reference,
Adoption or welfare records,
Juvenile delinquency records,
Information received through a 911 call;
Medical, psychological, and sociological records;
Library patron transaction and registration records;
Examination data like scoring keys and test questions for licensing, employment, or academic purposes;
Records of investigations, intelligence information, or security procedures of law enforcement agencies;
Records on the design, location, elements, and components of state information technology or physical security systems.

Wyoming Public Records Act

The Legislature of the State of Wyoming enacted the Public Records Act codified from W.S. §16-4-201 to 16-4-205. This Act was enacted to give the public access to certain records maintained by public agencies in the state. Per Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201(a)(v), public records are any information created, accepted, or obtained by a public entity concerning its business functions or transactions. This information can be in paper or electronic format. Some examples of Wyoming public records include:

Tax Records
Court records and case information
Property records
Inmate Records
Business records
Criminal records
Arrest records and warrant
Birth Records (after 100 years)
Death Records (after 50 years)
Marriage Records (after 50 years)
Divorce records (after 50 years)

How Do I Find Public Records in Wyoming?

There is no central method of finding public records in Wyoming. Each public agency has a unique way of disseminating its records. Notwithstanding, the following steps will be helpful for anyone interested in getting public records in Wyoming:

**Step 1: Determine the type of record needed and identify where to get it: **There is no centralized location for requesting public records. Instead, interested individuals should identify the specific document they need and determine the appropriate record custodian in charge of it. For example, inquirers can find court records at the Wyoming Judicial Branch, while inmate records are maintained by the State Department of Corrections (WDOC).

Step 2: Determine the Record's Availability and the Agency's Access Requirements: Most Wyoming record custodians typically provide information on accessing public records on their website. Individuals can contact the relevant agency using their official phone number or email address to inquire about the availability of a record.

**Step 3: Prepare and Submit the Records: **Individuals can submit public record requests online, by fax, by email, by mail, or in person at the record custodian's office. Requests must include any page, docket or case number relevant to the search as well as details specifically requested by the custodian (this may vary between record requests). An official request form can also be submitted to retrieve public records in Wyoming. For example, individuals can request Uinta County public records by submitting a Uinta County Government Public Record Request Form in person, by mail, by phone, or via email to:

Uinta County Clerk

225 9th Street

Evanston, WY 82930-3473

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 810

Evanston, WY 82931-0810

Phone: (307) 783-0306 Fax: (307) 783-0511

Email: amhutchinson@uintacounty.com

Step 4: Pay the Applicable Fees: Wyoming law requires public agencies to charge fees for copying or printing public records. Inquirers may check the record custodian's fee schedule before submitting a public record request.

Find Wyoming Public Records Free

According to the Wyoming Sunshine Law, government entities may provide public access to any public records they hold. Interested individuals may formally seek access to records or data generated or obtained by governmental entities during official affairs. Specifically, inquirers can public records for free through the following custodians:

The Wyoming Supreme Court
The Wyoming Department of Corrections has an Offender Locator page to find information regarding inmates in the state.
The Wyoming County Assessor's Office makes assessment data available online and free of charge to view property records.
Wyoming has a list of valuable online resources for finding Vital Records, including information on births, adoptions, marriages, divorces, and deaths. Most online resources for Wyoming vital records are indexes. After finding a person in an index, refer to the original record to verify the accuracy of the information provided.

What Happens if I Am Refused a Public Records Request?

Per Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-203(e), requesters can request a written statement from a public agency when their public record request is denied. The statement must cite the law or regulation under which access to the public record is denied. A requester denied access to public records can file a case with a court in the district where the record is located. Alternatively, they can file a complaint with the ombudsman online or print a paper Complaint Form.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Wyoming Public Record?

Public agencies must respond to requesters within seven (7) business days after receiving public record requests. The response should include the date the request would be responded to, acknowledgment of the request, whether a fee is required, and the amount. Per Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-202(c), public agencies must release public records to requesters within 30 days of acknowledging the request. Suppose the public agency cannot release public records for a good cause. In that case, the public records should be released on a date mutually agreed upon by the requester and the public agency. When a release date cannot be agreed on, the requester can file a complaint with the ombudsman.