About Montpelier
Montpelier, Vermont, is governed by the Montpelier City Council, which consists of 12 members. The council is composed of 6 district representatives and 6 at-large members, all elected by the city's residents The current council includes members such as Mayor Anne Watson and Councilor Jack McCullough. The budget is subject to approval by the city council and is discussed during public meetings.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Montpelier
Montpelier Police Department
The Montpelier Police Department is a full-service agency providing 24-hour patrol coverage, investigative services, emergency communications, and proactive crime prevention strategies. Our team consists of 17 full-time police officers, 8 full-time emergency dispatchers, 1 Public Safety Support..
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Montpelier
City Clerk | Montpelier, VT
The elected City Clerk is often the first person people greet when visiting City Hall. He serves citizens by managing elections, issuing vital record copies and marriage licenses, recording land records and dog licensing.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Montpelier
town or city level
Property records for Montpelier, Vermont are maintained at the town or city level. In Vermont, there is no county-level recording office — land records (deeds, mortgages, liens) are recorded by the Montpelier City Clerk (or the Town Clerk for unincorporated areas). Vermont land records are recorded by Town Clerks in each of ~246 towns (NOT at county level). VT counties have minimal government functions.
About Montpelier — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Northwest State Correctional Facility is the primary detention center for Washington County. When individuals are booked into the facility, they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, and documentation of personal information. The public can search for current detainees through online inmate lookup services. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling and strict adherence to security protocols. Vermont's bond and bail process allows posting of bail through cash or bond agents. Information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.
Arrest Records
The Washington County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain arrest records for the area. Residents and attorneys can request these records through formal applications, which often require identification and a processing fee. A typical arrest record includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and scheduled court dates. The Vermont Public Records Act governs access to these records, balancing transparency with protection of sensitive information.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Washington County covers felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Vermont Criminal Information Center, which provides criminal history reports. The Vermont State Police offers additional resources and support for Washington County residents seeking information on criminal activities and records.
Vital Records
For Montpelier residents seeking access to vital records, the Vermont Department of Health's Vital Records division is the primary resource. This office manages the issuance of birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for the city and surrounding Washington County. Individuals can request these important documents through the department's online portal or by visiting the local office in Montpelier.
The Kellogg-Hubbard Library in downtown Montpelier also maintains a collection of historical vital records, providing an additional resource for those researching their family history or personal documents.
Business & Licensing Records
Entrepreneurs and business owners in Montpelier, Washington County, Vermont can access valuable resources through local government offices. The City Clerk's office oversees the issuance of business licenses, permits, and zoning information, so that commercial activities comply with local regulations. The city's Economic Development Department provides support and guidance for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations in the area. These municipal resources help individuals navigate the process of starting, managing, and growing a business in the capital city.
Economy & Demographics
Montpelier's diverse economy is anchored by several key sectors, including government, education, and healthcare. As the state capital, the city is home to a significant number of state government offices and agencies, which employ a substantial portion of the local workforce. Educational institutions, such as the New England Culinary Institute and the Vermont College of Fine Arts, also contribute to the area's economic vitality. The healthcare industry, represented by facilities like the Central Vermont Medical Center, is another major employer in Montpelier.
Elections & Voter Records
The Montpelier City Clerk's Office is the local election authority, Montpelier, VT 05602 (phone: 802-223-9502, website: montpelier-vt.org/cityclerk). The office manages voter registration, maintains the voter checklist, processes absentee ballots, and administers all federal, state, and municipal elections for residents. Washington County does not maintain a separate elections office; individual town and city clerks handle election administration throughout Washington County. Residents can register to vote online through the Vermont Secretary of State's website at olvr.vermont.gov.
Vermont offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register at the polls on Election Day. To register, applicants must be U.S. Citizens, Vermont residents, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and have taken the Voter's Oath. The state does not require voters to show photo identification; voters attest to their identity by signing the voter checklist. New residents should update their registration through the City Clerk or online portal. Municipal elections take place on the first Tuesday in March, known as Town Meeting Day, a Vermont tradition. Voters elect the Mayor (two-year term), City Council members, School Board members, and vote on the municipal budget and local ballot items. The next municipal election will be held on March 3, 2026, when voters will decide the Mayor's race and several City Council seats. City Council meetings are held at City Hall with agendas posted on the city website. Candidate filing information and local ballot measures are available through the City Clerk's Office. Residents can find their assigned polling place by contacting the City Clerk's Office or checking their voter registration information at mvp.vermont.gov (My Voter Page). Most voters cast ballots at Montpelier High School at 1 High School Drive. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Election Day. Vermont makes extensive election records publicly available. Voter checklists (registration lists without birth dates) are public records available through town clerks for $0.25 per page. Campaign finance disclosure reports for state and local candidates are maintained by the Vermont Secretary of State's Elections Division and searchable online at sos.vermont.gov/elections. Candidate filings, nomination petitions, and ballot access information are public. Precinct-level election results are posted by the Secretary of State at electionresults.vermont.gov Vermont overall voted for Democratic candidates by approximately 30-point margins.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Montpelier voters are published by the Vermont Secretary of State Elections Division (https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/). Voters will elect all members of the Vermont House of Representatives (150 seats for two-year terms) and half of the Vermont State Senate (15 of 30 seats for two-year terms). Residents vote in Washington County state legislative districts. There is no U.S. The ballot will also include Washington County Sheriff, State's Attorney, and other county offices. Local races may include Washington County Senate seats and House seats representing the area. Voters should check with the City Clerk closer to the election for a complete list of races and any local ballot questions. Vermont offers absentee voting options. Any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Requests can be made online through the My Voter Page (mvp.vermont.gov), by contacting the City Clerk's Office in writing, by phone, or in person. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the City Clerk by 5:00 PM the day before Election Day, though earlier requests are encouraged. Completed absentee ballots must be returned to the City Clerk by 7:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (postmarked by Election Day and received within one week) or hand-delivered to the clerk's office or polling place. Vermont also allows early voting in person at the City Clerk's Office beginning 45 days before an election during regular business hours.
Official Government Resources
Montpelier Vermont Archives and Genealogy
Vermont State Archives genealogy and historical records for Montpelier.
Montpelier Vermont Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of Vermont for Montpelier.
Montpelier Vermont Vital Records
Vermont Department of Health vital records for Montpelier.
Montpelier Vermont Inmate Search
Vermont Department of Corrections inmate information for Montpelier.
Montpelier Vermont Missing Persons
Vermont State Police missing persons for Montpelier.
Montpelier Vermont Sex Offender Registry
Vermont Sex Offender Registry for Montpelier.
Montpelier Vermont Criminal History Records
Vermont Crime Information Center criminal records for Montpelier.
Montpelier Vermont Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Montpelier.
City of Montpelier
Directory of Montpelier city records and information Montpelier City Hall 39 Main Street Montpelier, VT 05602-2950
City of Montpelier Police Department
Community police and criminal justice services 1 Pitkin Court Montpelier, VT 05602-2950 Phone: (802) 223-3445
Montpelier Fire and Ambulance Department
Fire response and emergency medical services 61 Main Street Montpelier, VT 05602-2950 Phone: (802) 229-4913
Montpelier City Clerk and Treasurer
Vital records, legal documents and property tax payments 39 Main Street Montpelier, VT 05602-2950
Montpelier Public Schools
Educational services and academic assistance 5 High School Drive, Unit 1 Montpelier, VT 05602 Phone: 802-223-9796
Kellogg-Hubbard Library
Research publications and reference materials 135 Main St Montpelier, VT 05602-2992 Phone: (802) 223-3338
City of Montpelier Census Bureau Information
Population demographic information Montpelier, VT 05602
Montpelier 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
Montpelier Inmate Search
Search for inmates with the Vermont arrested person search
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Montpelier, Vermont?
To register to vote in Montpelier, Vermont, residents can register online through the Vermont Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Montpelier City Clerk's Office. Vermont requires voters to be U.S. 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 Montpelier, contact the Montpelier City Clerk's Office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Montpelier, Vermont?
Property records for Montpelier, Vermont are maintained by the Montpelier City Assessor's Office and the Montpelier City Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within the City of Montpelier (in Washington County), including parcels in Montpelier. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Montpelier City Clerk 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 Montpelier City Clerk's Office at City Hall. The Montpelier City Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Montpelier, Vermont?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Montpelier, 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 Montpelier City Clerk's Office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Washington 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.