Burlington Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Burlington, Vermont government websites.
About Burlington City Government
Government Type
City Council
Burlington, Vermont is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, its picturesque waterfront, and its progressive politics. The city council is composed of nine members, each elected to a two-year term. The council is responsible for setting policy, approving the city budget, and appointing members to various boards and commissions. The council meets twice a month and holds public hearings on various issues.
About Burlington, Vermont
Burlington was settled by colonists historically and incorporated as a town in 1787. The city's location on Lake Champlain, which connects to the Hudson River via the Champlain Canal and to the St. Lawrence River via the Richelieu River in Canada, made it a natural hub for trade and transportation. Burlington grew throughout the 19th century as a lumber town, taking advantage of the vast forests of Vermont and the Adirondacks and shipping lumber via Lake Champlain to markets to the south.The university has approximately 13,000 students and is one of Burlington's largest employers. Burlington is also home to Champlain College, a progressive institution known for its experiential learning approach. The medical sector is another major employer, with the UVM Medical Center (formerly Fletcher Allen Health Care) being the largest employer in the state. Burlington has a distinctive political culture, having elected Bernie Sanders as its mayor in 1981 (his first political office) and maintaining a history of progressive municipal governance. The city is governed by a mayor and an eight-member City Council, with a ward-based representation system. Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian shopping district in the heart of downtown, is one of Vermont's most visited attractions. The Burlington waterfront on Lake Champlain features bike paths, parks, and access to the lake. Public records for Burlington are maintained by the City of Burlington and Chittenden County. The Burlington City Clerk maintains vital records, land records, meeting minutes, and official city documents. Property records and deeds are maintained by the City Clerk in the capacity of Town Clerk. Court records for Chittenden County are handled by the Vermont Superior Court. Vital records are also maintained by the Vermont Department of Health. Property assessment information is available through the Burlington Assessor's Office. Vermont's open records law governs access to public records.
Burlington, Vermont Public Records & Government Resources
Burlington Vermont Archives and Genealogy
Vermont State Archives genealogy and historical records for Burlington.
Burlington Vermont Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of Vermont for Burlington.
Burlington Vermont Vital Records
Vermont Department of Health vital records for Burlington.
Burlington Vermont Inmate Search
Vermont Department of Corrections inmate information for Burlington.
Burlington Vermont Missing Persons
Vermont State Police missing persons for Burlington.
Burlington Vermont Sex Offender Registry
Vermont Sex Offender Registry for Burlington.
Burlington Vermont Criminal History Records
Vermont Crime Information Center criminal records for Burlington.
City of Burlington
Directory of Burlington city records and information Burlington City Hall 149 Church Street Burlington, Vermont 05401 Te
City of Burlington Police Department
Law enforcement services 1 North Avenue Burlington, Vermont 05401 Phone: (802) 658-2704
City of Burlington Fire Department
Fire protection and emergency medical services 136 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05401 Phone: (802) 864-455
Burlington City Clerk
Public records, City Council proceedings and licensing 149 Church Street Burlington, VT 05401 Tel (802) 865-7000 Fax (
Burlington International Airport
Flight and airline information 1200 Airport Drive South Burlington, VT 05403 802-863-2874 btvairport@gmail.com
Burlington School District
Educational services and academic assistance 150 Colchester Ave. Burlington, VT 05401 802-864-8462
Fletcher Free Library
Educational materials and information 235 College Street Burlington, Vermont 05401 Phone: 802.863.3403
City of Burlington Public Transit
General public transportation and transit programs 101 Queen City Park Road Burlington, VT 05401 Tel: (802) 864-2282
Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce
Business directory and information 60 Main St., Suite 100 Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: 802-863-3489
City of Burlington Census Bureau Information
Population demographic information Burlington, VT 05401
Burlington Free Press
Searchable newspaper articles and archives 191 College St Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: 802-863-3441
Burlington Vermont Official Criminal History Background Check
Vermont Criminal Information Center
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information
Burlington Inmate Search
Search for inmates with the Vermont arrested person search
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Chittenden County operates through multiple agencies with distinct jurisdictions. The Chittenden County Sheriff's Office works alongside municipal departments including the Burlington Police Department, South Burlington Police Department, and Essex Police Department. Each handles duties within its own city or town boundaries, though they collaborate when major crimes cross municipal lines. These agencies coordinate efforts on drug trafficking, violent crime, and community policing initiatives throughout the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in South Burlington serves as Chittenden County's primary detention center. Individuals arrested anywhere in Chittenden County are brought to this facility for booking, processing, and holding until bail is posted or court appearances occur. The facility provides online inmate lookup services that allow the public to search for current detainees. Visitors must schedule appointments in advance and follow strict guidelines.
Arrest Records
Arrest records across Chittenden County are maintained by the Chittenden County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Anyone seeking these records must submit a formal request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The records typically contain the individual's name, date of arrest, charges filed, and booking details. Vermont's Public Records Act governs access to this information, for openness while protecting ongoing investigations and sensitive materials from disclosure.
Court Records
Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont residents interact with the Burlington Vermont Bankruptcy Court and the broader Vermont judiciary system for legal matters. Court records, case information, and legal documents are accessible through the court's online portal or by visiting the courthouse directly. The Burlington City Clerk's office maintains another crucial repository, housing public records related to municipal government operations and city business.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Chittenden County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Chittenden County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Vermont Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Vermont Crime Information Center, which offers reports including arrest records, convictions, and sex offender status.
Public Records Access
The Burlington Vermont Archives and Genealogy is the primary resource For people looking for public records in the city. This repository maintains historical documents and vital records spanning the community's development, including property records, land deeds, assessor information, and archival materials that illuminate both past and present. The City of Burlington also operates a online portal where residents can access municipal data ranging from zoning and permitting information to infrastructure details and city services.
Vital Records
For those in need of vital records, the Burlington Vermont Vital Records office is the go-to resource. This state-run agency oversees the issuance of birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for residents of Burlington and the surrounding Chittenden County area. Individuals can submit requests for these important documents either in person or through the office's convenient online portal, making sure of efficient and reliable access to these critical records.
Business & Licensing Records
Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont supports local enterprises through municipal services. The city's business licensing and permitting departments handle registration and oversight of businesses throughout the area, providing guidance on zoning regulations, tax requirements, and compliance matters. Both entrepreneurs launching new ventures and established companies can tap into economic development initiatives builds a thriving business climate in this Chittenden County hub.
Economy & Demographics
Burlington's economy is diverse and thriving, driven by a range of key industries and major employers. The city's largest employer is the University of Vermont, which not only provides educational opportunities but also is a hub for research and innovation. The UVM Medical Center, formerly known as Fletcher Allen Health Care, is another major economic force, delivering world-class healthcare services to the community.
Elections & Voter Records
The Burlington City Clerk's Office, Elections Division handles all voter services from its location at 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401 (phone: 802-865-7000, website: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/ct/elections). Vermont residents can register online through the Vermont Secretary of State's website at https://olvr.vermont.gov or visit the City Clerk's office in person. Same-day voter registration means residents can register and vote on Election Day itself with proof of residency.
Acceptable identification includes a Vermont driver's license, current utility bill, bank statement, or government check showing the voter's name and current address. Municipal elections occur annually on Town Meeting Day, the first Tuesday in March, when residents elect the mayor, city council members, and vote on local ballot items. The next mayoral election arrives in March 2027, with city council seats elected in rotating cycles. The city previously used ranked-choice voting (instant runoff) for mayoral elections, though this practice has faced legal challenges. Voters can locate their assigned polling place through the Vermont Secretary of State's polling place lookup at https://mvp.vermont.gov or by contacting the City Clerk. Chittenden County saw approximately 70% voter turnout in the November 2024 presidential election, with over 100,000 ballots cast, reflecting Vermont's consistently high participation rates. For the November 3, 2026 general election, local voters will decide several critical races including Vermont's U.S. House seat (Vermont's single at-large congressional district), Vermont Governor (four-year term), state Senate and House seats representing Burlington districts, and Chittenden County state's attorney. Vermont does not have U.S. Senate elections in 2026 as both senators were last elected in 2024 and 2022. Election records publicly accessible in Vermont include voter checklists (registration lists without birthdates), campaign finance reports through the Vermont Secretary of State's office, candidate filings, and precinct-level results published after each election. Vermont allows early voting and no-excuse absentee voting. Residents can request absentee ballots through the MyVoterPage portal at https://mvp.vermont.gov or by contacting the Burlington City Clerk. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the City Clerk by 5:00 PM the day before Election Day, and completed ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Vermont mails absentee ballot applications to all registered voters before major elections, making vote-by-mail widely accessible.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Limited: Online | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10 — Burlington and Chittenden County offer excellent public records access through Vermont's unified court system portal, online property records, free statewide business search, and modern election systems, though some law enforcement records require in-person requests and vital records involve state-level processing with fees
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont?
Public schools in Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Chittenden County school administration or the Vermont Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont?
Crime data for Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Chittenden County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Burlington police department or the Chittenden County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont Library?
The Burlington Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Chittenden County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.
4 Where is the Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont Public Library located?
The Burlington Public Library serves residents of Burlington and the surrounding Chittenden County area in Vermont. Contact the library directly or visit the Chittenden County library system website for the current address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont?
Fingerprinting services for Burlington, Vermont residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in Chittenden County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Burlington Police Department or the Chittenden County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Vermont Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Vermont Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Chittenden County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. You will need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Processing times and fees vary by office and request method.
7 How do I register to vote in Burlington, Vermont?
To register to vote in Burlington, Vermont, residents can register online through the Vermont Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Chittenden County elections office. Vermont requires voters to be U. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Vermont Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Burlington, contact the Chittenden County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Burlington, Vermont?
Property records for Burlington, Vermont are maintained by the Chittenden County Assessor's Office and the Chittenden County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Chittenden County, including parcels in Burlington. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Chittenden County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Vermont counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Chittenden County offices at the county courthouse. The Chittenden County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Burlington, Vermont?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Burlington, Vermont residents are available through both county and state offices. The Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records Office, located in Burlington, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Vermont. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Chittenden County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Chittenden County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Burlington, Vermont?
Business licensing for Burlington, Vermont operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Burlington town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Burlington limits. Chittenden County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Vermont businesses must register with the Vermont Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Vermont Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Vermont licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Burlington, contact the Burlington clerk's office and the Chittenden County economic development office.
Nearby Cities in Chittenden County, Vermont
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: