About Fremont County
Fremont County, Wyoming is the second-largest county by land area in the state, encompassing approximately 9,183 square miles in west-central Wyoming. The county seat is Lander, a vibrant community of approximately 7,500 residents that serves as the governmental and commercial hub. Fremont County has a total population of roughly 40,000 residents and is distinguished by being home to the Wind River Indian Reservation, which comprises a significant portion of the county's territory and is shared by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.
The county features dramatic geographical diversity, from the Wind River Mountains to high desert plains, and includes portions of the Shoshone National Forest. Major landmarks include South Pass, a critical location on the Oregon Trail that marked the Continental Divide crossing point for westward-bound pioneers, and Sinks Canyon State Park near Lander. The county was established in 1884 and named after explorer John C.
Frémont. Key county offices are located in Lander: the Fremont County Clerk & Recorder at 450 North 2nd Street, Lander, WY 82520; the Fremont County Assessor's Office at the same address; and the Fremont County Treasurer. The economy blends ranching, mining (particularly wind river formation minerals), tourism, and tribal enterprises.
What makes Fremont County unique is its rich Native American heritage, pioneer history along the Oregon Trail, world-class outdoor recreation including mountaineering and rock climbing, and the cultural intersection of ranching communities with tribal nations.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Fremont County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services across the unincorporated areas of the county. This office manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office is also involved in various community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety education. Notably, the office operates specialized divisions such as search and rescue and a K-9 unit, which are integral to maintaining safety across the county's vast and varied terrain.
Police Departments
Fremont County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Fremont County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities such as Riverton and Lander. The Riverton Police Department and the Lander Police Department handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. These agencies coordinate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and investigations that span multiple jurisdictions, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Fremont County Sheriff's Office, located at 615 Washington Street, Lander, WY 82520, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Fremont County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (307) 332-5611 and maintains a website at https://www.fremontcountywy.org/sheriff. The agency operates the Fremont County Detention Center at the same address, where inmates are housed pending trial or serving sentences.
- § 16-4-201 et seq.), arrest records are generally considered public information and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office or respective police departments.
- Requests should be made in writing and include specific details about the records sought.
- There may be fees associated with copying records.
- The county does not maintain a centralized online arrest records database, requiring requesters to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency directly.
To search for current inmates, the public can call the detention center at (307) 332-1120 or visit the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours; some booking information may be available through the county website. Municipal police departments within Fremont County include the Lander Police Department (serving the county seat), the Riverton Police Department (the county's largest city with approximately 11,000 residents), and the Shoshoni Police Department. Additionally, the Wind River Indian Reservation maintains its own law enforcement through the Wind River Police Department (tribal police) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement, which have jurisdiction over reservation lands.
Under Wyoming's Public Records Act (W.S. Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the detention center, though policies regarding their release may vary.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Fremont County encompasses felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Fremont County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible for background checks and legal proceedings. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Fremont County are maintained by the Fremont County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within the county, including the charges, arresting agency, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the sheriff's office, following the guidelines set by the Wyoming Public Records Act. An arrest record in Fremont County typically includes the date and location of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's name.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Fremont County Detention Center, located in Lander, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested within the county. The booking process at the detention center includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup is available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information on current inmates. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific hours allocated for visits.
- The bond and bail process in Wyoming allows for cash or surety bonds, and information on posting bail can be obtained directly from the detention center.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Fremont County are taken and retained by the Fremont County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at the detention center. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office website or by submitting a request in person. While Wyoming does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking removal of their mugshot from online databases may need to contact third-party websites directly. The availability of mugshots online is subject to the policies of the sheriff's office and applicable state laws.
Courts & Case Records
Fremont County is served by the Ninth Judicial District Court of Wyoming, which handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $50,000, domestic relations, juvenile matters, and probate. The District Court is located at 450 North 2nd Street, Room 220, Lander, WY 82520, and can be reached at (307) 332-1114. Circuit Court, also located at the same address (Room 210, phone 307-332-1160), handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $50,000, small claims (up to $6,000), protective orders, and traffic violations.
- The fee for copying court documents is typically $0.50 per page, with certified copies costing additional fees (usually $3.00 for certification plus per-page costs).
- Written requests for records should include case numbers when known, party names, and approximate filing dates.
The county also has Justice Courts in Lander and Riverton that handle preliminary hearings, minor misdemeanors, and traffic offenses within their jurisdictions. Municipal courts in Lander, Riverton, and other incorporated towns handle violations of local ordinances. Court records in Wyoming are generally public under W.S.
§ 16-4-203(d), though certain records involving juveniles, adoptions, and mental health proceedings are sealed. To search court records, individuals can visit the clerk's office in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Wyoming does not currently offer a comprehensive statewide online case search system for district courts, though some limited information may be available.
Case information can also be obtained by contacting the Clerk of District Court at (307) 332-1114.
Property & Public Records
The Fremont County Clerk & Recorder's Office, located at 450 North 2nd Street, Room 130, Lander, WY 82520, maintains land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (307) 332-2405 and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Recorder's Office maintains documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, mechanic's liens, UCC financing statements, easements, mineral rights, plat maps, and subdivision records.
- While Fremont County does not currently offer a comprehensive free online search for recorded documents, some property information may be accessible through third-party services or by contacting the office directly.
- The Fremont County Assessor's Office, located at 450 North 2nd Street, Lander, WY 82520 (phone: 307-332-1107), maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, and property characteristics.
- The Assessor's Office provides some online access to property information through the county website at https://www.fremontcountywy.org.
- The county may also offer GIS mapping tools through its website, allowing users to view parcel boundaries and related geographic data.
Vital Records
Vital records for Fremont County, Wyoming are maintained at both the county and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Fremont County can be requested through the Fremont County Clerk's Office at 450 North 2nd Street, Room 130, Lander, WY 82520, or by calling (307) 332-2405. However, for certified copies suitable for legal purposes, the Wyoming Department of Health, Vital Records Services, located at 2300 Capitol Avenue, Hathaway Building, 1st Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002, is the official issuing authority.
- Birth certificates cost $18.00 for the first copy and $14.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $13.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee, offering faster processing.
To request a birth certificate, applicants must provide valid photo identification, proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate (only immediate family members can request), and complete the appropriate application form. Death certificates are more widely available to those who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by the Fremont County Clerk's Office in Lander; couples must apply in person, pay a fee of approximately $25-$30, present valid identification, and observe a no waiting period before the license is issued.
The license is valid for one year. Divorce decrees are obtained through the Clerk of District Court at (307) 332-1114, as divorces are handled through the court system. Wyoming vital records law is codified at W.S.
§ 35-1-401 through 35-1-427, establishing confidentiality protections and access restrictions for vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Fremont County are managed through multiple agencies depending on the type of record. The Fremont County Clerk's Office at 450 North 2nd Street, Room 130, Lander, WY 82520 (phone: 307-332-2405) handles filings for Doing Business As (DBA) names, also called fictitious business names or trade names. These records are public and can be searched by contacting the Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
- Sales tax licenses are administered by the Wyoming Department of Revenue, and businesses can register online through the WyoReg system.
For formal business entity filings including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the Wyoming Secretary of State's Office maintains the official registry. The Secretary of State offers a free online business entity search at https://wyobiz.wyo.gov where users can search by business name, filing number, or registered agent to view entity status, formation date, registered agent, and filing history. Wyoming is known for its business-friendly environment with no corporate income tax and strong privacy protections.
Professional licenses (for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers) are issued by various state-level boards and can be verified through the respective licensing board websites. Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits in unincorporated Fremont County are handled by the Fremont County Planning & Zoning Department, which can be reached at (307) 332-1125. Cities within the county maintain their own building departments.
The Lander Area Chamber of Commerce (307-332-3892, https://landerchamber.org) and Riverton Chamber of Commerce (307-856-4801, https://rivertonchamber.org) provide business resources and networking opportunities for companies operating in Fremont County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Fremont County, Wyoming are administered by the Fremont County Clerk, who serves as the county's chief election official. The County Clerk's Office is located at 450 North 2nd Street, Room 130, Lander, WY 82520, and can be reached at (307) 332-2405. Election information is available through the county website at https://www.fremontcountywy.org and through the Wyoming Secretary of State's elections division at https://sos.wyo.gov. To register to vote in Fremont County, eligible residents must be U.S.
- These records can be requested from the County Clerk under Wyoming's Public Records Act (W.S.
- Fremont County voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 65-72% of registered voters, consistent with Wyoming's typically strong participation rates in presidential elections.
- To request an absentee ballot in Fremont County, voters must submit a written application to the County Clerk's Office; applications are available on the county website or by contacting the Clerk.
- Absentee ballots can be requested beginning 45 days before an election and must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.
- Wyoming law allows any registered voter to vote absentee without providing an excuse.
citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, and residents of Wyoming and Fremont County for at least 30 days prior to the election. Voter registration can be completed online through the Wyoming Secretary of State's website, in person at the County Clerk's Office, at the Wyoming Department of Transportation driver's license offices, or by mail using a voter registration form. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election, though Wyoming also offers Election Day registration at polling places with proper identification.
Voters can find their polling place by contacting the County Clerk's Office or using the polling place lookup tool on the Secretary of State's website. Fremont County typically operates polling locations in Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni, Dubois, Crowheart, Pavillion, and other communities. Election records that are public in Wyoming include voter registration lists (excluding certain protected information), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate filing information, election results by precinct, and ballot issue language.
§ 16-4-201 et seq.). The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate races if applicable, Wyoming state legislature seats, county offices, and various local measures. The county demonstrates good election transparency, with precinct-level results posted after certification, campaign finance information available through the Secretary of State, and accessible voter registration processes both online and in person.
Economy & Demographics
Fremont County's economy is diverse, reflecting its unique geography and cultural heritage. Major economic sectors include agriculture (particularly cattle ranching and hay production), mining and energy (including uranium, trona, and oil and gas extraction), tourism and outdoor recreation, government services, healthcare, and retail trade. The Wind River Indian Reservation contributes significantly to the local economy through the Wind River Hotel & Casino, tribal enterprises, and natural resource development.
- Median household income in Fremont County is estimated at approximately $52,000-$58,000, below the national median but reflective of Wyoming's rural character and cost of living.
Major employers in the county include the Wind River Indian Reservation government and tribal enterprises, regional hospitals (Sage West Health Care in Lander and Riverton), school districts, county and municipal governments, and retail operations. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management and U.S.
Forest Service also employ significant numbers of workers given the vast public lands in the county. Tourism plays an increasingly important role, with visitors drawn to world-class rock climbing at Wild Iris and Sinks Canyon, mountaineering in the Wind River Range, fishing, hunting, and cultural heritage sites. The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), headquartered in Lander, is an internationally recognized wilderness education organization and notable employer.
Economic challenges include geographic isolation, limited population base, boom-and-bust cycles in extractive industries, and poverty on the reservation. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on diversifying the economy, supporting small business entrepreneurship, enhancing broadband infrastructure, and promoting outdoor recreation tourism. Unemployment rates in Fremont County typically fluctuate between 4-7%, varying seasonally and with commodity prices.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office/Mail | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ✅ Accessible | Overall Score: 6/10 — Fremont County provides standard access to public records primarily through in-person and phone requests, with limited online databases. State-level systems offer better digital access for business entities and voter information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Fremont County
Explore public records for 13 cities and communities in Fremont County, Wyoming.
Nearby Counties
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