What are Lincoln County Public Records?
Lincoln County public records comprise information in the custody of a public officer or government agency, including written, printed, and graphic documents, or other information regardless of storage form. Per the Maine FOAA, public records may be physical copies, such as papers, forms, journals, books, pamphlets, designs, and drawings, or electronic documents in emails, hard drives, tapes, compact discs, and USB flash drives.
However, the FOAA restricts access to certain public records. Exempt information includes certain personal records, trade secrets, medical records, personal identifying information of minors, and social security numbers.
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location including the city, county or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Lincoln County Crime Statistics
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) publishes annual crime statistics for all counties as part of its Uniform Crime Reporting Program. In 2018, there were 167 property crimes, including 128 larceny thefts, 24 burglaries, and 15 motor vehicle thefts. The same year also had 31 violent crimes, comprising 15 rape incidents, 12 aggravated assaults, and 4 robberies. In 2019, law enforcement agencies in Lincoln County recorded 128 property crimes and 25 violent crimes. Specifics were 92 larceny thefts, 29 burglaries, 7 motor vehicle thefts, 19 rape cases, and 6 aggravated assaults.
The two-year crime trend analysis shows an overall decrease in crime levels by 22.7%. Specifically, violent and property crimes fell between both years by 19% and 23%, respectively.
Are Lincoln County Criminal Records Public?
Lincoln County criminal records are public records. Interested persons may call the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department at (207) 882-7332 for information about requesting criminal history information. Record seekers may order copies of the records in person using the following information:
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department
42 Bath Road
Wiscasset, ME 04578
Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday
Parties can also send mail requests to:
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department
P.O. Box 611
Wiscasset, ME 04578
The State Bureau of Identification also maintains Lincoln criminal records. Anyone can query the online information request service to conduct name-based checks. There is a $21.00 search fee for subscribers resident in Maine, and a $31.00 fee for non-subscribers and out-of-state requestors. Parties may also request notarized results for an additional $10.00. The bureau accepts credit card payments.
Persons interested in fingerprint-based searches should send written requests and completed fingerprint cards to the following address:
State Bureau of Identification
45 Commerce Drive
Station House Station 42
Augusta, ME 04333-0042
Phone: (207) 624-7240
TDD: (207) 287-3659
How to Obtain Lincoln County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Lincoln County arrest records and police records are available at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. Interested persons can send mail or fax requests, or visit the Sheriff’s Department during official business hours. Each request should contain the name of the party involved, incident number, and the incident date. Record seekers should submit requests for Lincoln arrest records or police reports using the following details:
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department
42 Bath Road
P.O. Box 611
Wiscasset, ME 04578
Phone: (207) 882-7332
(207) 549-7072
(207) 563-3200
(207) 832-4000
Fax: (207) 882-9872
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Lincoln County
The State Bureau of Identification maintains a database containing information on all Maine sex offenders registered since 1982. Using the Maine Sex Offender Registry, an interested party can obtain Lincoln County sex offender information by searching with a name, location, or zip code. The registry contains each offender’s name, date of birth, photograph, physical description, city or town of residence, place of employment, school attended, offense committed, and designation. Searchers may also sign up for alerts to receive email notifications when there are available updates on the sex offender.
How to Find Lincoln County Inmate Records
Parties interested in obtaining Lincoln County inmate records can call the Two Bridges Regional Jail at (207) 882-4268 ext 1228 or visit the jail in person. Requestors must provide known information, such as the inmate’s name, booking information, and charge details. Record seekers may visit the county jail at:
Two Bridges Regional Jail
32 High Street
P.O. Box 249
Wiscasset, ME 04578
Phone: (207) 882-7517
Lincoln County Court Records
Lincoln County court records contain details of county court proceedings. The county’s court system features a Superior Court that handles all civil and criminal cases beyond the jurisdiction of the other courts. Lincoln County also has a District Court that decides ordinance violations, non-jury trials, domestic relations cases, mental health matters, and most landlord and tenant disputes. Lastly, the county has a Probate Court that presides over the administration of estates, wills, name changes, adoptions, and guardianship cases. All Lincoln court records are available at the courthouse that handled the case.
Locations of Courts in Lincoln County
Lincoln County Superior Court
32 High Street
P.O. Box 249
Wiscasset, ME 04578
Phone: (207) 882-6363
(207) 882-7517
Lincoln County District Court
32 High Street
P.O. Box 249
Wiscasset, ME 04578
Phone: (207) 882-6363
(207) 882-7517
Lincoln County Probate Court
32 High Street
P.O. Box 249
Wiscasset, ME 04578
Phone: (207) 882-7329
Fax: (207) 882-4324
Are Lincoln County Court Records Public?
Most Lincoln County court records are available to the general public. However, Maine law prevents public disclosure of information contained in certain court records. For instance, members of the general public cannot obtain adoption, custody evaluation, or juvenile court records. In addition, mental health court records and information sealed by court order remain closed.
How to Obtain Lincoln County Civil Court Case Records
Lincoln County civil court case records are available at the Lincoln County Clerk of Court’s Office. Parties interested in these records can submit written requests by mail or in person. Each request should contain a case or business name, case number, court dates, and other information required to locate the record. Persons requesting by mail should also include a photocopy of an identifying document and a self-addressed and stamped envelope.
The Clerk of Court’s Office entertains in-person requests from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays. All record seekers can send requests to:
Lincoln County Clerk of Court
Lincoln County Courthouse
32 High Street
P.O. Box 249
Wiscasset, ME 04578 - 0249
Phone: (207) 882-6363
(207) 882-7517
How to Obtain Lincoln County Criminal Court Records
Interested persons can order Lincoln County criminal records by submitting detailed requests to the Clerk of Court’s Office. Each request should provide the office with names, dates of birth, a case number, and charge details. Parties can mail written requests to the Clerk of the Court or visit the courthouse to obtain records after paying applicable request fees. Applicants should contact the Clerk's Office using the details below:
Lincoln County Clerk of Court
Lincoln County Courthouse
32 High Street
P.O. Box 249
Wiscasset, ME 04578 - 0249
Phone: (207) 882-6363
(207) 882-7517
What are Lincoln County Vital Records?
Lincoln County vital records are records of life events maintained by the county government, including birth, marriage, death, and divorce records. Interested parties can obtain certified or uncertified copies of vital records from the Lincoln County Clerk of Court’s Office or the Maine Division of Public Health Systems. However, Maine law restricts vital records to persons that can show evidence of eligibility.
Divorce Records
A divorce decree is a detailed court document issued by the court at the end of a divorce case. In contrast, a divorce verification carries limited data about the divorce, including both parties’ names, place of divorce, and date of divorce. Parties interested in obtaining Lincoln County divorce decrees can contact the Lincoln County Clerk of Court Office at:
Lincoln County Clerk of Court
Lincoln County Courthouse
32 High Street
P.O. Box 249
Wiscasset, ME 04578 - 0249
Phone: (207) 882-6363
(207) 882-7517
Persons interested in Lincoln County divorce certificates may contact the Maine Division of Public Health Systems. Record seekers can mail a completed Application for a Search and Certified Copy of a Vital Record to:
Maine Center for Diseases Control and Prevention
Vital Records
220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Phone: (207) 287-3771
Fax: (207) 287-1093
Marriage Records
Lincoln County marriage records are government-issued documents that confirm marriages solemnized in the county. Maine law only allows public access to marriage records 50 years or older. Parties authorized to view newer records include:
- The person named on the record
- The person’s spouse, registered domestic partner, parents named on the record, legal custodian, authorized representative, or guardian
- Descendants, including children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to the most remote degree
Interested parties should complete the Application for a Search and Certified Copy of a Vital Record with the full names of both spouses, date of marriage, and place of marriage. The first copy of a Lincoln County marriage certificate costs $15.00, while each additional copy costs $6.00. All interested persons can mail forms, fees, photo identification, proof of relationship, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Maine Center for Diseases Control and Prevention
Vital Records
220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Phone: (207) 287-3771
Fax: (207) 287-1093
Birth Records
A birth record is an official record issued of all births in the county. According to Maine law, only persons with a direct and legitimate interest may obtain certified copies of Lincoln County birth certificates. Such persons include:
- The subject of the record
- The parents named on the record
- The subject’s spouse, domestic partner, legal guardian, or child
- The record subject’s attorney or agent
Certified copies of Lincoln County birth records cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each extra copy of the same record, while non-certified copies cost $10.00. Interested parties should submit completed copies of the Application for a Search and Certified Copy of a Vital Record with fees, government-issued identification, proof of relationship to the subject named on the record, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope. Parties can mail or drop off requests at:
Maine Center for Diseases Control and Prevention
Vital Records
220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Phone: (207) 287-3771
Fax: (207) 287-1093
Death Records
A death certificate is an official document stating a deceased person’s name, gender, age, date and time of death, and cause of death. For 25 years from the death date, Lincoln County death records are only open to the decedent’s spouse, registered domestic partner, parents, guardian, or attorney. However, anyone can purchase non-certified copies of death records after 25 years. The first certified copy of a Lincoln County death record costs $15.00, while additional copies cost $6.00 each. All non-certified death records cost $5.00.
Interested persons can order Lincoln County death certificates via mail by completing the Application for a Search and Certified Copy of a Vital Record. Requestors should include fees, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, proof of relationship to the deceased, and a photocopy of a valid ID. All parties should mail requests to:
Maine Center for Diseases Control and Prevention
Vital Records
220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Phone: (207) 287-3771
Fax: (207) 287-1093