Want to know about the importance of public records & how to find them? Keep reading!
Whether hiring a new employee, buying a used car, or researching your family tree, public records are an important part of our lives.
These records provide information that is vital to making informed decisions. But what exactly are public records, and what can you find in them?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the definition of public records and some of the most common types of information you can find in them.
We’ll also share two of the best online resources for searching public records.
What Is A Public Record?
A public record is any document or information made available to the public by a government agency.
This can include everything from birth and death certificates to building permits and property records.
Public records are created by government agencies at all levels, including local, state, and federal. In most cases, these records are available to anyone who requests them.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however. For example, information that is considered confidential or classified is not typically released to the public.
This can include things like medical records, social security numbers, and criminal histories.
Also Check Out 10 Best People Search Services
Types Of Public Records
Although public records have existed for a long time, how they are currently maintained and accessible has evolved.
Some public records checks can be made on your own laptop, while others may require you to contact or write to a specific government agency or office to obtain hard copies of information.
This may take more time, and there could be additional costs associated with reproduction.
Some examples of public records include:
- Court records
- Birth certificates
- Records of deaths
- Marriage registers
- Record licensing
- Statistical information
- Meeting minutes
- Voting history
- Correspondence
- Budgets
Public Records For Consumers
Gone are the days when one had to wait in long lines or drive to the courthouses to obtain paper records.
The accessibility of public records has changed, too, with the advancement in all other things in general.
You can access public records online right from your phone or computer in the comfort of your house.
Be it vehicle information, birth certificates, etc., everything can be searched online and can be stored right within your phone.
The easy availability of public records has made it possible for people to get in touch with their lost ones to buy and sell vehicles, among other things.
Public Records For Businesses
Public records are most beneficial for property investors and real estate agents. Now they can look up all the details of a property online by simply putting in an address.
This offers peace of mind, as one can determine all one needs to know about a property before cashing out their money.
Public records can also help other businesses to access information on potential employees. By hiring the right people, a business can grow in the right direction regardless of the size.
How Can You Find Public Records?
There are many other ways to find public records, but one of the safest and simplest is to use an online background check service, which will provide you with all the information you want.
Here are two of the best background check services for finding public records:
TruthFinder
Truthfinder can do thorough background checks using only the most basic data. Simply enter your name and address onto the webpage.
You’ll get criminal records, credit checks, consumer information reports, and more based on that.
Truthfinder is entirely in compliance with privacy laws, and you will not be prosecuted if you use the site in violation of any state or federal restrictions.
Instant Checkmate
Instant Checkmate can provide you with a comprehensive report about someone’s background.
To develop complete, color-coded reports, the business may scan criminal arrest records, private social media accounts, phone numbers, email addresses, and other sources.
They offer free, downloadable copies of each employee’s background report as part of their background check services.
Here it out from Reddit users:
Best free website for public records?
by u/SmokeThemYeah in OSINT
Wrapping Up
Public records can be beneficial when you’re making important life decisions.
Whether hiring a new employee or buying a used car, it’s always a good idea to do your research and access the public records available to you.
Now that you know a little more about public records and how to find them, you can use them to your advantage.
People Also Ask For
Are public records reliable?
Public record sites do not have to legally comply with FCRA, so the information you obtain might not always be accurate.
Can I get my information removed from public records?
You can request to get certain sensitive information, like social security numbers, phone numbers, etc., removed.
However, do not expect to get other information, such as criminal record, marriage record, credit record, etc., wiped out.
Will I get notified when someone looks into my publicly available data?
No, the public records websites do not allow the person on who the search is being done to get notified.
So no, you will not get notified when someone looks you up, and vice versa.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
ARTICLE SOURCES
The US Workforce has a policy of producing high-quality content that follows industry standards by using primary sources, such as white papers and government data, alongside original reporting from reputable publishers. We also follow an editorial style where appropriate information about the topic can be found with due credit given when applicable.