Wyoming Public Records

Wyoming is one of the least densely populated states in the U.S., with an estimated population in 2011 of just over 568,000 people. With a rich western history to explore, many of the facts about residents who lived and died in Wyoming can be found hidden in Wyoming public records.  To launch a Wyoming vital records search, it is important to understand where these documents are stored and what the rules are governing who can access this information. Many records in the state are consolidated into a single location at the Wyoming Department of Health to make public records searches as fast and simple as possible. A secondary source is also available, with the Wyoming State Archives offering historic information about the people who have lived in this state for generations. Much of Wyoming’s colorful history can be traced through these two government offices.

Before launching a Wyoming public records search, keep these facts in mind:

Wyoming Public Records Eligibility

Like other states across the country, access to some Wyoming public records is restricted for a certain period of time. Those requesting certified copies of Wyoming documents must be either the person on the certificate, immediate family members. or legal representatives for the individual. In some cases, bank officials or executors of the estate may also request certified copies for legal reasons.

Public records in Wyoming are only protected for a specified amount of time. Birth records are made public 100 years after the birth, while death, marriage and divorce records become public information 50 years after the date of the event.

After these time periods, any interested member of the general public can request information about those who were once residents of the state. Prior to these 50 and 100 year marks, however, identification and relationship to the research subject must be offered in order to gain access to Wyoming vital records.

Launching a Wyoming Public Records Search

The best place to begin a Wyoming public records search is through the Wyoming Department of Health, since this is the agency that keeps most of these records on file. The department offers access to documents in person and by mail at this time, due to the restrictive nature of document access in the state.  Birth and death records are on file beginning in 1909, and marriage and divorce records in this collection date back to 1941. Restricted access is enforced to protect those names on the public records from the possibility of identity theft.

Additional Wyoming public records can be found at the Wyoming State Archives. This office provides a wealth of public records for the state that date back generations. The archives include a wide range of information pertaining to the history of the state through microfilm files that preserve the authenticity and integrity of the file. Records that date beyond what is available through the Wyoming Department of Health should be searched at the Wyoming State Archives as well. Searches at this office are available online and in person, and requests can be made through mail as well.

Online Public Records in Wyoming

At this point, the state of Wyoming has little available in terms of online public records. Most requests for public records made to the Department of Health should be submitted by mail or in person. Searches through the Wyoming State Archives can be done online, but that tool is somewhat limited at this time.

The good news is that even though public records online are not available in Wyoming at this time, those that would like to access information through the Internet still have an option. Applications for information can be downloaded from the Department of health website and submitted by mail, allowing someone to search for Wyoming public documents from any location.