Your Comprehensive Guide to Connecticut Public Records
Connecticut Public Records
Connecticut public records consist of documents, data, and information created, received, or maintained by state and local government agencies in connection with public business. The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (C.G.S. §§ 1-200 et seq.) provides that records and meetings of public agencies are open to the public, except in specific, limited circumstances. This law embodies Connecticut’s commitment to transparency, government accountability, and citizen engagement.
Are Connecticut Records Public?
Yes, under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), most records generated by public agencies in Connecticut are accessible to the public. Records are presumed open unless a statutory exemption applies. Anyone—regardless of residency—may request records, and the agency must respond “promptly.”
Exemptions include personal privacy, law enforcement investigations, juvenile matters, trade secrets, and records protected by state or federal law. Agencies must provide a written explanation if they deny access to a record.
What Information Is Included in Connecticut Public Records?
Connecticut public records include, but are not limited to:
- Court records (criminal, civil, probate, family)
- Land and property records, deeds, and assessments
- Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates
- Licenses, permits, and regulatory filings
- Meeting agendas, minutes, reports, and resolutions
- Budgets, contracts, financial statements, and audits
- Police reports, arrest records, and jail rosters
- Business registrations and filings
- Legislative records, executive orders, and public notices
Some records—such as juvenile and adoption files, certain personnel data, medical or mental health records, ongoing law enforcement files, and attorney-client communications—are specifically exempt from public access.
What Does the Connecticut Public Records Law Do?
The Connecticut FOIA:
- Guarantees the public’s right to inspect or copy public records and attend government meetings
- Requires agencies to respond to records requests promptly, typically within four business days
- Mandates agencies to assist requesters in clarifying or narrowing their requests when necessary
- Allows agencies to redact or withhold records only when a legal exemption clearly applies, with written justification for denials
- Limits fees to the actual cost of duplication, and prohibits excessive charges
- Encourages electronic access and reasonable records maintenance
Connecticut’s law is one of the most comprehensive in the nation, with the Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC) providing oversight and dispute resolution.
How To Find Public Records in Connecticut in 2025
Public records requests can be submitted by email, mail, online form, or in person to the appropriate agency. Many agencies also offer online search tools for frequently requested documents. Requests should specify the desired records as clearly as possible (type, dates, subject matter, etc.).
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161
Phone: (860) 263-5700
Connecticut DMV
Connecticut Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office
410 Capitol Avenue, MS#11VRS, Hartford, CT 06134
Phone: (860) 509-7700
Connecticut DPH Vital Records
Connecticut State Police, Bureau of Identification
1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 685-8480
Connecticut State Police Criminal Records
Connecticut Judicial Branch
231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 757-2000
Connecticut Judicial Branch
Hartford City Clerk
550 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 757-9750
Hartford City Clerk
Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services
165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 509-6003
Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services
Connecticut State Library, Archives Division
231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 757-6500
Connecticut State Library, Archives
Connecticut Department of Education
450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 713-6543
Connecticut Department of Education
Connecticut Department of Labor
200 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, CT 06109
Phone: (860) 263-6000
Connecticut Department of Labor
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP)
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 424-3000
Connecticut DEEP
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 1, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 297-5962
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
Connecticut General Assembly (Legislature)
Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 240-0100
Connecticut General Assembly
Connecticut Attorney General
165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 808-5318
Connecticut Attorney General
Connecticut Office of the Ombudsman (Healthcare Advocate)
450 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (866) 466-4446
Connecticut Office of the Healthcare Advocate
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)
999 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Phone: (860) 721-9501
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority
New Haven Police Department, Records Division
1 Union Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519
Phone: (203) 946-6249
New Haven Police Records
Does Connecticut Have Free Public Records?
Many Connecticut public records are available for free inspection at government offices during business hours.
Online databases allow free access to court calendars, legislative bills, property assessment records, and some local police logs.
Fees typically apply for copies, certified documents, or searches requiring significant staff time. Agencies must provide a fee schedule upon request and cannot charge more than the actual cost of duplication.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Connecticut?
By law, agencies may charge no more than $0.50 per page for paper copies.
Certified copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage) generally cost $20–$30 per certificate.
Inspection of records in person is free unless special supervision or redaction is required.
All fee schedules are published on agency websites and must be disclosed to requesters.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Public Records in Connecticut?
Connecticut law requires agencies to respond “promptly,” typically within four business days, to a public records request.
If a request is denied, the agency must explain the legal reason for denial in writing.
Simple requests may be fulfilled the same day; complex or voluminous requests may require additional time, but agencies must keep requesters informed about any delays.
What Records Are Confidential In Connecticut?
Exemptions to disclosure include:
- Law enforcement investigation files and some police records
- Juvenile and adoption case files
- Medical, mental health, and counseling records
- Personnel evaluations, Social Security numbers, and protected personal data
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information
- Records protected by attorney-client privilege or court order
- Any records deemed confidential by federal or state statute
Agencies must release non-exempt portions of a record, redacting only what is protected.
Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Connecticut
Anyone—resident or non-resident—may request public records in Connecticut.
No reason for the request is required.
Identification may be required for certain sensitive or restricted records, but agencies generally may not demand personal information as a condition of access.
What Can Be Done With Public Records in Connecticut
Public records in Connecticut are used for:
- Legal research, compliance, and due diligence
- Background checks and genealogy
- Business and property transactions
- News reporting and investigative journalism
- Academic and policy research
- Government oversight and transparency
Using records for unlawful purposes (e.g., harassment, fraud) is prohibited.
How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Connecticut
If your request is denied, the agency must provide a written statement explaining the exemption or reason for denial.
To appeal:
- Contact the agency’s FOIA officer or records custodian for clarification or informal review.
- File a written complaint with the Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC) within 30 days of denial.
- The FOIC will investigate, hold a hearing if needed, and may order the agency to release records or comply with the law.
Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC)
18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 566-5682
Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission
Difference Between Federal and Connecticut Public Records
Connecticut’s FOIA governs state and local government records. The federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) covers federal agency records. Both laws promote transparency and are open to any person, regardless of citizenship or residency, but have different exemptions, timelines, and appeal procedures.
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Information Policy (FOIA)
441 G St NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20530
Phone: (202) 514-3642
U.S. DOJ, FOIA