Find Connecticut Public Records

Is Connecticut a Public Records State?

The Connecticut State Records website ensures that every individual has the right to access, gather, and review public records. This is in alignment with the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, which mandates that all government information and records are open to the public unless they are classified as confidential. This provision allows Connecticut residents to access public records without needing to justify their request or disclose personal information, provided the records are not restricted by law or court order.

Connecticut State Records encompass data related to criminal records, court records, and vital records, among others, ensuring transparency with over 30 million public records available.

What is Public Information in Connecticut?

Connecticut public records are generally accessible to both residents and non-residents. These records may include data from government bodies and external sources. The Connecticut Public Records Act specifies the process for accessing these records and the types of records that are public. According to the law, custodians of records are responsible for maintaining, storing, and issuing copies of public records to interested parties.

Public information in Connecticut may include:

Arrest records
Criminal records
Court records
Divorce records
Sex offender information
Inmate records
Property records
Uncertified copies of vital records (including birth and death records)

Section 1-200 of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Law defines public records as data in various formats, such as typed, handwritten, tape-recorded, photocopied, videotaped, and photographed data. This includes emails, maps, graphs, charters, books, memoranda, folders, symbols, music files, and videotapes. Record custodians are required to provide copies of non-confidential public records to requesters, while the FOIA prohibits the disclosure of sensitive and confidential documents.

How Do I Look Up Public Records in Connecticut?

Individuals seeking public records in Connecticut should contact the appropriate custodian body responsible for the records. For example, court records can be accessed through the Clerk of Court, while inmate records are maintained by the Connecticut Department of Corrections. Vital records can be obtained from the state vital records office or the local office where the event occurred. Property records may be found at the county assessor’s office or the Register of Deeds.

Steps to Access Public Records:

Identify the Specific Record

First, determine the specifics of the record you need and identify the custodian agency. Some records may require a statement of purpose or identification, especially for vital records like birth and divorce records.

Contact the Custodian Agency

Under the Connecticut FOIA, you must contact the custodian agency to view or obtain copies of public records. Agencies may provide access through online databases or in-person visits. Record custodians include:

The Connecticut Department of Public Health for vital records.
The Connecticut Department of Corrections for inmate records.

Submit a Request

Agencies may require a written request to access public records. This request should include:

Requester's full name
Date range of the record
Preferred mode of delivery
Contact details
Record subject's date of birth
Case number (if applicable)
Purpose of the request
Any additional information to assist with the search

Certified copies of records may require additional documentation, such as a notarized consent form from the record holder.

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Connecticut Public Records Obtaining

City Records

Public city records can also be accessed through third-party websites. These platforms offer tools for expansive searches, requiring details such as:

Name of the subject
Address of the requester
Case number or file number
Location of the document or person involved
Last known or current address of the registrant

While these sites are not government-sponsored, they can provide a broad range of search results.

Public Records

Third-party websites also offer access to public records, providing non-geographically limited search services. Users need to provide sufficient information, such as:

Name of the subject (if not a juvenile)
Last known location of the subject

These third-party services vary in availability and accuracy, as they are not government-sponsored.

How To Look Up Public Records in Connecticut for Free?

To access public records for free, individuals can use the online repositories maintained by official custodians. These databases may offer free searches depending on the type of record. If a public records request is denied, the agency must provide a reason and the relevant statute.

Search Public Records in Connecticut

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