Wyoming’s public records are governed by the Wyoming Public Records Act (Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 et seq.), granting any person the right to inspect or copy public records from government entities unless exempted. Agencies must designate a records custodian listed at ai.wyo.gov, with responses due within one working day. No centralized portal exists; requests go directly to agencies.wyoarchives.wyo+2
Legal Framework
The Act presumes records are public, with exemptions for trade secrets, attorney-client privilege, investigative reports, and personal privacy invasions. Fees cover reasonable costs for copies or staff time; electronic formats preferred if available. The Public Records Ombudsman assists with disputes via governor.wyo.gov; appeals to district court.caseguard+3
Statewide Portals
The Wyoming Department of Administration & Information lists custodians and procedures; email ai-director@wyo.gov for requests. Wyoming State Archives holds older records (10-20+ years); contact wyarchive@wyo.gov for availability. GODORT compiles agency databases for specialized searches.godort.libguides+2
Court Records
Wyoming Supreme Court offers free remote access via C-Track (CTEF) public docket for appellate cases (opinions searchable). District courts provide in-person terminals at clerks’ offices (no fee); no statewide remote access as of 2026. Circuit courts handle small claims/civil; records via local clerks.wyoleg+1
Vital Records
Wyoming Department of Health Vital Statistics Services issues birth, death, marriage certificates; mail requests to 2300 Capitol Ave., Cheyenne, with form, ID, and $25 fee per copy. Expedited via VitalChek; county clerks for older records.wyo
Property Records
County assessors and clerks maintain deeds, taxes, maps; e.g., Natrona County uses online portal for requests. Commercial tools like PropertyChecker aggregate parcel data, ownership, liens, taxes statewide. No free statewide viewer; check county sites (e.g., via GODORT).wyoming.propertychecker+2
Agency Requests
Direct to custodians: e.g., DEQ (deq.wyoming.gov), DCI (ag.publicrecords@wyo.gov), Revenue (revenue.wyo.gov). Municipal/county via local portals (e.g., Natrona online form). NFOIC provides sample requests and guides.natronacounty-wy+4
Wyoming’s public record landscape is governed by the Wyoming Public Records Act (WPRA), codified at Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 et seq. As of 2026, the state has entered a significant transition period following the passage of HB 0151, which introduces sweeping changes to response timelines, fee structures, and penalties for non-compliance starting July 1, 2026.
The Legal Framework: 2026 Rights & Timelines
The WPRA grants “any person” the right to inspect public records during regular business hours. Recent 2026 legislative updates have dramatically shortened the timeframes for government compliance:
- Acknowledgment: Agencies must acknowledge a request within three (3) business days of receipt.
- Production (Pre-July 2026): Records must generally be released within 30 calendar days.
- Production (Post-July 2026): For all requests made after July 1, 2026, agencies must release records within ten (10) calendar days. Extensions for “good cause” must now be authorized by the state ombudsman.
- New Civil Penalties: Agencies failing to comply with court orders for record production face a penalty of $250.00 per business day of non-compliance.
Fee Schedule and Labor Caps
Wyoming utilizes a “uniform fee” system for state agencies, though local jurisdictions (like Carbon County) may set their own specific rates provided they follow statutory caps:
- Labor (Effective July 1, 2026): Under the new HB 0151, agencies are strictly prohibited from charging for the time and labor costs associated with locating, reviewing, or redacting records.
- Note: Prior to this date, clerical time was typically billed at $15.50–$20.00/hr and professional time at $40.00/hr after a $180.00 threshold was met.
- Standard Duplication:
- Paper Copies: $0.15 per page for the first 666 pages; $0.05 per page thereafter.
- Electronic Records (Email): $0.00 (Free) if sent via email or download link.
- Data Storage Device: A flat fee of $20.00 if the agency provides the USB or media.
- Large Data Dumps: Custom requests involving third-party vendors are billed at actual cost.
Judicial and Court Records: PASS & C-Track
Wyoming court records are managed through separate systems for appellate and trial courts:
- C-Track Electronic Filing (CTEF): Provides free online access to Supreme Court dockets and appellate records.
- Public Access and Search System (PASS): A free in-house tool available at computer terminals within District and Circuit courthouses for viewing non-confidential records.
- Civil Filing Fees: Initiating a new civil or probate case in District Court requires a $160.00 fee.
- Document Copies: While viewing at a terminal is free, clerks charge a statutory per-page fee for printed or certified copies.
Criminal History and Background Checks (DCI)
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is the central repository for criminal records:
- Fingerprint-Based Checks: Standard background checks require two fingerprint cards and a payment of $49.00 per person.
- Submission: Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Wyoming Department of Health or DCI in Cheyenne. Credit cards are not accepted; payment must be by check or money order.
- Results: Results are typically sent via secure email and expire after 14 days.
Vital Records Access (2026)
Managed by the Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Statistics Services (VSS), these records are restricted to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest”:
- Certified Copy Fees:
- Birth, Marriage, Divorce Certificates: $25.00.
- Death Certificates: $25.00 (includes a $5.00 fee to support the indigent burial fund).
- Search Fees: The certificate fee serves as a non-refundable search fee if no record is found.
Key Wyoming Authorities
| Authority | Area of Focus | Reference |
| Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-204 | Fee Authority & 2026 Labor Ban | |
| HB 0151 (2026) | New 10-Day Response & Penalty Law | |
| C-Track / PASS | Judicial Docket & Case Access | |
| WSS (Vital Stats) | Birth, Death, & Marriage Registry |