Skip to Main Content

Wyoming: Local History & Genealogy Resource Guide

Courthouse Records

County level research is essential in the pursuit of family and local history. The list below highlights the most common county courthouse records used by genealogists, but there are many more record sets available. Use the guides below and explore the specific resources for the counties of interest to assure that you locate all pertinent documents.

When requesting courthouse records, inquire about both docket books and paper files. Often both types of material exist for each record. While the two formats may merely repeat the data, one may be easier to read than the other. And, in many cases, there are further details, unique notations, over-sized pages such as maps, and so on, that are filed in only the docket book or in only the paper file. Seeing both will provide a more complete review of the record.

Timeline for County Courthouse Records

Birth Records

See the Vital Records section of this guide.

Civil Lawsuits
  • District Courts hear civil cases, such as divorce and probate, as well as criminal cases.

Note: Women were given the right to vote in 1869, and so could serve as jurors.

Also note: Depending on date and jurisdiction, county records may have been transferred to the Wyoming State Archives.

Coroner's Inquests
  • Generally maintained by: Coroner or Clerk of District Courts.

Note: The Coroner may be elected or appointed. Records may be found in the District Court Records or Wyoming State Archives.

Also note: If the cause of death is suspicious or unknown, the Coroner's office is responsible for conducting an inquest.

Criminal Court
  • Generally maintained by: Clerk of District Courts

Note: Depending on date and jurisdiction, county records may have been transferred to the Wyoming State Archives.

Death Records See the Vital Records section of this guide.
Deeds
  • Generally maintained by: Recorder of Deeds

Note: Depending on date and jurisdiction, county records may have been transferred to the Wyoming State Archives.

Also note: Unpatented homestead records may be found a the Wyoming State Archives.

Divorce Records See the Vital Records section of this guide.
Marriage Records See the Vital Records section of this guide.
Naturalizations
  • Generally maintained by: Wyoming State Supreme Court
Taxes
  • Generally maintained by: Tax Assessment Office
Will and Probate
  • Generally maintained by: Clerk of District Courts

Note: Earlier probate records were kept by territorial probate jurisdictions. Look for additional documents in the Wyoming State Archives.

Online Resources for Courthouse Records

The subscription resources marked with a padlock are available to researchers on-site at the Library of Congress. If you are unable to visit the Library, you may be able to access these resources through your local public or academic library.

Using Ancestry Library Edition for Wyoming

Begin your search through Ancestry's vast collections, by viewing the list designated as Wyoming records External.

Using FamilySearch for Wyoming

FamilySearch provides useful state and county wikis that make excellent starting points for research. The Wyoming Wiki External includes links to each of its counties.

FamilySearch has digitized many of its microfilms containing county courthouse records. Not all records have been indexed yet, so search engine results may NOT show you the full range of FamilySearch data. You must browse the FamilySearch catalog External listings for each county to view the full set of records available. The vast amount of accessible original records is well worth your time to explore.

There is no fee to use FamilySearch, but you must create a free, personal account to access the databases and digital records.

Published Courthouse Records

Below are selected print publications for statewide courthouse records. The following titles link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are included when available.

To locate additional published materials, go to the Print Resources section of this guide for search tips on locating published county courthouse records, abstracts, and indexes that may aide you in locating original records at the county level.