Lincoln County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Lincoln County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents, property data, court filings, and other official materials may access a range of publicly available information through LincolnWYRecords.us as well as through official government channels in Lincoln County, Wyoming. This resource aggregates publicly available data and may assist users in locating records across multiple categories, though completeness and currency of individual records may vary. Record types that members of the public may encounter include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, assessments, and tax records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use, zoning, and planning documents
Records may be searched through official court resources, the County Clerk's office, public access terminals at government facilities, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Access: The Lincoln County government website provides several online portals for public records access. The Lincoln County Assessor's property search tool allows members of the public to query property assessment data from the current working tax year. The Wyoming State Archives county records database provides access to historical county documents including County Attorney opinions, correspondence from state officials, and copies of ordinances. No registration is required to use these public-facing portals.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Lincoln County Clerk's Office to inspect or request copies of public records. The office is located at 925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101. Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Upon arrival, requestors should identify the specific record sought and complete a public records request form, which is also available through the Lincoln County Clerk's public records page.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Lincoln County Clerk's Office at 925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101. Requests should include the requestor's name, contact information, a description of the record sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Wyoming Statute § 16-4-202, agencies are required to respond promptly to public records requests.
Phone/Email: The Lincoln County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (307) 877-9056. Members of the public are encouraged to call in advance to confirm record availability and any applicable fees before submitting a formal request.
What Are Public Records in Lincoln County?
Public records in Lincoln County are defined under Wyoming law as any information, document, or data prepared, owned, used, or retained by a government agency in the conduct of public business. Under Wyoming Statute § 16-4-201, public records include all documents, papers, letters, books, maps, photographs, and other documentary materials regardless of physical form or characteristics. The following record types are maintained by county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family) | District Court, 3rd Judicial District |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Lincoln County Clerk |
| Property assessments | Lincoln County Assessor |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | Lincoln County Clerk |
| Business licenses and permits | Lincoln County Clerk |
| Tax records | Lincoln County Treasurer |
| Voting and election records | Lincoln County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Lincoln County Clerk |
| Budget and financial documents | Lincoln County Clerk |
| Law enforcement records | Lincoln County Sheriff |
| Land use and zoning records | Lincoln County Planning Department |
The District Court, 3rd Judicial District, Lincoln County maintains court filings and case records accessible to the public subject to applicable exemptions. Historical county records, including County Attorney opinions and assessment correspondence, are preserved through the Wyoming State Archives.
Is Lincoln County an Open Records County?
Lincoln County operates in full compliance with Wyoming's open records laws, which mandate public access to government documents. Under Wyoming Public Records Act § 16-4-201 et seq., all public records are open for inspection by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The Act establishes a presumption of openness, meaning that the burden falls on the government agency to justify any denial of access rather than on the requestor to justify the need for access.
As stated in Wyoming's open records framework, "all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times." This provision reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and accountability. The Lincoln County Clerk's Office administers public records requests in accordance with these statutory requirements, and the public records request form is available to facilitate the process. The Wyoming Attorney General's office provides guidance to agencies on compliance with open records obligations, reinforcing uniform application of the law across all counties.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Lincoln County?
The current fee structure for public records in Lincoln County is governed by state statute and county policy. Members of the public should be aware of the following standard fees:
- Inspection of records: No charge for in-person inspection of public records
- Paper copies: $0.10 to $0.25 per page (standard copy fees; exact amounts confirmed at time of request)
- Certified copies: Fees vary by document type; vital records certifications carry a separate statutory fee
- Electronic copies: Fees may apply depending on the format and volume of records requested
- Search fees: Agencies may charge for staff time required to locate and compile records in certain circumstances
Under Wyoming law, agencies are permitted to charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of copying and, in some cases, for the time required to search for and compile records. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest. Accepted payment methods at the Lincoln County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public are advised to confirm current fees directly with the relevant office prior to submitting a request, as fees may vary by record type and the office maintaining the record.
Does Lincoln County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to any person under Wyoming's open records law, which requires that public records be made available for in-person review at no charge during regular business hours. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records at a government office is free, obtaining physical or electronic copies may involve fees as described above.
Several online resources provide free access to specific categories of Lincoln County records:
- The Lincoln County Assessor's property details search provides free online access to property assessment data for the current tax year
- The Wyoming State Archives county records collection offers free access to historical county documents including ordinances, assessment records, and official correspondence
- The Wyoming Courts electronic filing system provides free public access to certain court case information through the District Court, 3rd Judicial District
Members of the public may inspect records at the Lincoln County Clerk's Office, 925 Sage Avenue, Kemmerer, WY 83101, during regular business hours without incurring any inspection fee.
Who Can Request Public Records in Lincoln County?
Any person may request public records in Lincoln County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Wyoming's Public Records Act does not restrict access to residents of the state, nor does it require requestors to provide identification or explain the reason for their request as a condition of access to non-restricted records. This broad eligibility reflects the state's policy of open government.
Specific considerations include:
- Residency: Not required; non-residents have the same access rights as Wyoming residents
- Identification: Not required for most public records requests, though providing contact information facilitates the response process
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state a purpose for standard public records requests
- Restrictions by record type: Certain records, such as those involving juveniles, sealed court proceedings, or protected personal information, may require the requestor to demonstrate a legal right of access or a court order
- Requesting your own records: Individuals requesting records about themselves may be required to provide identification to verify identity before access to sensitive personal records is granted
The Wyoming Public Records Act applies equally to individuals, organizations, businesses, and members of the press. Agencies may not discriminate in the processing of requests based on the identity or affiliation of the requestor.
What Records Are Confidential in Lincoln County?
Not all government records are subject to public disclosure. Wyoming law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from the general requirement of public access. Under Wyoming Statute § 16-4-203, the following categories of records are exempt from mandatory disclosure:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under state law
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active criminal investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are protected from disclosure
- Medical records: Health information is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by statute
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by child protective services are confidential
- Personnel records: Employee records are exempt from disclosure with limited exceptions for certain public employee information
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Commercially sensitive information submitted to government agencies may be protected
- Security plans and infrastructure details: Documents related to the security of public facilities or critical infrastructure are exempt
As stated in Wyoming's open records statute, agencies must apply a balancing test when a record does not fall clearly within a defined exemption, weighing the public interest in disclosure against any privacy or security interest in confidentiality. Requestors who believe a denial of access is improper may seek review through the Wyoming Attorney General's office or through the courts.
Lincoln County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Lincoln County Clerk's Office 925 Sage Avenue Kemmerer, WY 83101 (307) 877-9056 Lincoln County Clerk – Public Records
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed on state and federal holidays
Lincoln County Assessor's Office 925 Sage Avenue Kemmerer, WY 83101 (307) 877-9751 Lincoln County Assessor – Property Search
District Court, 3rd Judicial District – Lincoln County 925 Sage Avenue Kemmerer, WY 83101 Email: jd3lawclerka@courts.state.wy.us District Court, 3rd Judicial District, Lincoln County
Wyoming State Archives 2301 Central Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-7826 Wyoming State Archives – County Records