Criminal Record Checks

There are many reasons why you might want to check someone's criminal record. For example, when you hire, loan, or rent property. You may also have personal reasons.

The Difference Between a Criminal Record Check and a Request for Access to a Court Record

Requesting a criminal record means you are seeking information about all criminal cases relating to a particular person. Requesting access to a court record is a request to review a single case file.

How to Request Access to a Court Record

The Requests for Access to Court Records web page provides information about reviewing a single case file or requesting copies of a case file.

How to Request a Criminal Record Search

• The Judiciary provides a statewide criminal records search.
• You will need to submit a criminal record search form request along with the required fee.
• Results will not include any out-of-state records.
• Results will not include any confidential cases.  See Vermont Rules of Public Access to Court Records for more information.

Request a criminal record search by filling out a Request for Criminal Record Search form (200-00331). You can find the link to the form at the bottom of this web page.

• You don’t need to know the case numbers (sometimes called docket numbers).
• You will need to provide the name and the date of birth of the person whose record you are checking.
• Provide an email address for the completed returned search.
• There is a cost for each name searched for a criminal record. Please refer to the form for instructions and information about cost.
• Checks or money orders must be payable to Vermont Superior Court.

Request for criminal records prior to 1990 must be mailed or hand delivered to the county where the criminal case was held.

Court Locations

You can bring the form to the criminal division, or you can submit the form by mail. Mail the completed record search form to the Vermont Judiciary Information Center for completion.

All results will be returned to the requester by email. If you request the form be returned by mail, you will need to provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

It may take the court staff up to three business days upon receipt to complete the search. Please allow additional time for any request to be returned by mail.

Vermont Judiciary Information Center
Costello Courthouse
32 Cherry Street, Ground Floor
Burlington, VT 05401

Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse

In most courts, you can use a public access terminal (PAT) to conduct the criminal record check yourself. You can search by case number or party name. There is no charge to use the PAT, but there is a charge for printing. Contact the courthouse to ask if they have a PAT.