Vermont criminal records come from two main sources: the state criminal history repository (maintained by the state police or equivalent agency) and individual county court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.
What this page covers: Vermont state-level criminal history searches, county court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.
Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the Court Clerk in the county where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.
Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a county court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. County courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.
Vermont Criminal Records — Key Numbers (2026)
What Changed in 2026 — Vermont Criminal Records
The 4-Step Vermont Criminal Records Pathway
Five Things People Get Wrong About Vermont Criminal Records
Primary Sources (All .gov / Official)
- vcic.vermont.gov — Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) — Official Vermont criminal history portal
- fbi.gov — Identity History Summary — FBI fingerprint-based federal check ($18)
- fbi.gov — State ID Bureau listing — FBI listing of every state's repository
- ftc.gov — FCRA basics — Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act rules
- ftc.gov — Background Checks employer guide — FTC + EEOC employer guidance
- bjs.ojp.gov — Bureau of Justice Statistics — Federal stats on state criminal record systems
Related Criminal Records Resources
- Vermont Court Records →
- Vermont Property Records →
- Vermont Vital Records →
- Vermont Voter Records →
- Vermont Wants & Warrants →
- Vermont Licenses →
- Vermont Recorded Documents →
- Alaska
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Criminal Records Databases
20 official Vermont government criminal records databases.
Criminal Records
Vermont Counties
All 14 Vermont counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I run an official Vermont background check?▼
Vermont's official statewide criminal-history check is administered by the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC). Begin the request at vcic.vermont.gov. Most state-level checks require submitting fingerprints (live-scan or ink) plus a processing fee, and the response covers convictions and certain non-conviction data permitted by Vermont statute.
Are Vermont criminal records public?▼
Most adult criminal-history information in Vermont is considered public record, but access is restricted depending on the requester (self, employer, government agency) and the data type (arrest, conviction, sealed, juvenile). The Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) explains who can request what at vcic.vermont.gov. County-court records are also public and searchable through the trial-court system.
What's the difference between a state and an FBI background check in Vermont?▼
A state check from the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) (vcic.vermont.gov) covers only criminal activity within Vermont. An FBI Identity History Summary (fbi.gov) is the nationwide check covering federal records and contributing states. Employers and licensing boards often require both.
Can I get someone else's Vermont criminal record?▼
Generally, no — only the record subject (with their own ID and signature) or a specifically authorized requester (such as a credentialed employer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a licensing board, or law enforcement) can pull a third-party criminal history from the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC). The Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) documentation at vcic.vermont.gov lists each authorized requester category.
How do I challenge or correct a Vermont criminal record?▼
If you find an error on your Vermont criminal history, the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) offers a record-review and challenge process. Begin at vcic.vermont.gov — typical steps include fingerprint verification, a written dispute, and supporting court documents (such as a dismissal or expungement order) for each contested entry.