How to Lookup Public Records
How to Lookup Public Records
Finding public records, especially those of other people, might feel like the domain of a private investigator or police officer but it’s not. The Freedom of Information Act makes most US government collected records, on it’s citizens, public domain. With the advent of the internet and smartphones, finding public records that you’re looking for is easier than ever. Using a public records website is a good starting place, it’s convenient and anonymous. Learning how to lookup public records just got a whole lot easier.
Are you looking for public records of your own, trying to find information a family member or trying to find out about someone else public record? While a background check is slightly different and more detailed, obtaining public records can help you find the information that you’re after. There are a multitude of public records available so if you know what you’re looking for specifically it will help you to locate the information you’re looking for. A great resource for locating someone’s public record is to use a privately run resource, like SearchQuarry.com, where you can enter a first and last name and search nationwide. These types of online public record resources are accessible by anyone and are intended for reference and unofficial purposes only.
What Are Public Records?
Public records are government collected records that are deemed public domain, and therefore available to the general public. An example of a public record might be a marriage record marked public by the couple getting married. That means that that particular marriage record would be searchable by the general public and part of a system of records that everybody can obtain. This can be researched by anyone with third party public record websites like SearchQuarry.com, for online reference only. State agencies will typically only allow you to lookup your own records and not those of others.Court records are also commonly public. These can include driving records, traffic citations, criminal records, incarcerations, judgments, liens, civil records and jail and prison records.
Different Types of Public Records Include
- Vital records are a part of the public records domain. Vital records, like a person’s birth record, death record or marriage record. These are all life events that are recorded as public vital records
- Court records are also considered public record and can be viewed by anyone online. A variety of different court records are available to the general public, ranging from criminal records, felonies, misdemeanors and infractions. Some of the exclusions for public court records are juvenile court records and military court records as they are not public domain.
- Criminal records. In many cases, criminal records are made public and available for anyone to find. While some details of a criminal case may vary as to what is considered public. You can often look up a particular case or find out if a person was arrested and convicted of a crime. Felonies, misdemeanors and infractions are all part of the public court record system.
- Driving records. Records of accidents, traffic citations, driver’s license information and proof of auto insurance may be available to the public. However, some of this information may be hidden to protect the privacy of the individual. For example, you may be able to find a person’s driving record and verify vehicle records, but some information may be limited according to the DPPA.
How To Find Someone’s Public Record
A very popular way to find someone else’s public record is to use a privately run public record website. These online resources offer people the ability to resource publicly recorded information on anyone with a simple name search. There are billions of public records available and many people with the same first and last name so it’s a good idea to also know their middle name, age, DOB or other identifying information that you can cross-reference to make sure you’ve found the right record for the correct person. These privately run public record websites are different that government agencies, where you typically cannot lookup records on other people with state run or federally run agencies. That being said, these third party resources are usually for reference and verification only and cannot be used for official purposes.
How Can I Lookup My Public Records?
- Use state government websites. For example, you can find a wide range of California public records via the state website here.
- Find court records through the United States Courts’ records. Here, you can find a wide range of public court records going back many years via the PACER system.
- Consider looking up records via a third-party website. Third-party websites can be particularly helpful when you’re searching for records quickly. Offering a range of different public records, a third-party site is also ideal if you’re not quite sure what you’re searching for.
Looking up public records online can be a relatively simple process if you know where to begin. These are a few of the most common way to lookup public records online. It’s important to note that you can only lookup your own public record through state and federal government agencies, not those of other people. That means that if you’re only looking up your public record, this could be a good option for your, especially if you need official copies of your own records.
Can anyone lookup public records?
Yes, anyone can lookup public records in the United States. The Freedom of Information Act of 1966 makes most government collected information public domain which anyone can access.Leave Reply - See responses below:
Responses to “How to Lookup Public Records”
Last Updated: 2019-11-12
Please be aware that the information obtained using SearchQuarry.com searches may not always be accurate and up to date as we do not create, verify, or guarantee the accuracy or the amount of information provided through our service. Data availability is largely dependent on various public sources from which the information is aggregated. SearchQuarry.com is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by Fair Credit Reporting Act and should not be used to determine an individual’s eligibility for personal credit or employment, or to assess risk associated with any business transactions such as tenant screening. By using the services offered through this website you agree to comply with all of the conditions set forth in our terms and privacy disclosure. The information obtained from our searches is not to be used for any unlawful purposes such as stalking or harassing others, or investigating public officials or celebrities. Violators may be subject to civil and criminal litigation and penalties. All searches are subject to our terms and applicable laws.
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You can lookup names and phone numbers that are public record in our member’s area. We offer unlimited searches with our trial. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance with your public record search
I need to get the names of residents of my neighbors behind to report a water damage issue.
I have address but need the names.
I would like to find the date of my divorce. We were divorced in South Bend, IN (St. Joseph County)
the marriage between Lisa Anne Meers my husband was Timothy Allen Janowiak
Kari, we would like to help you with your public record search inquiry. Can you explain what a tool ticket is so we can better assist you?
I NEED TO LOOK UP A PLATE. MY HUSBAND GOT A TOOL TICKET IN THE MAIL AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TAG IT IS I KNOW ITS NOT HIS BUT IT WAS SENT TO US CAN YOU HELP?
Linda, only the married couples can access official copies of their marriage certificates. That being said, Hawaii marriage records are public domain that you can lookup for verification purposes
Need to find marriage certificate for
Donald Cory Petersen and Laurie Kim Shaw
Married in Maui, Hawaii in September 2015
Tracy, we couldn’t find the Alabama marriage record for the people you mentioned. Since this was very recent, there may be a delay in the reporting of this public record. You can also check with the clerk of the courts where the marriage certificate was filed.
Need to know if Joshua Lee Hawkins and Emily Hope Kimbrell were married in Alabama in August of 2022.
Katina, what public record are you looking for with the VIN of the 5th wheel?
47CF10N2XT3074285 vin on a 1998 signature ltd 5th wheel Nez Perce plates from 2012.
Rochelle, please refer to our license plate lookup and VIN search resources and read through our terms of search before conducting your inquiry. Each state has a separate set of rules on what is allowed to be looked up via specific privacy laws. Please reach out if you have any additional questions about how to search public records
My truck was stolen. We had a contract. I’m trying to find out if it’s still in my name or his. Definitely need this for law enforcement.
I have vin and plate.
Raymond, if you can provide us with your full name and date of birth we are happy to dig into your inquiry about how to lookup your public record
I cant find myself on any record when i search my name and state. Help!
Sam, to obtain a copy of this person’s Texas public death record or TX death certificate you will need to contact the Texas Department of State Health Services directly. They manage public vital records for the state of Texas. Their direct phone number is 888-963-7111
I am attempting to obtain a death record for Virginia Martin, who died 12-30-2010 in Houston, TX. My father was married to her when he died, state law specified that she would be allowed to live on their property until her death. Now, her name is still attached to the property but I own it (and pay property taxes on the land). I would like to obtain the death certificate in order to get clear title to the property.
Robby, you will want to contact your local DMV directly to inquire about changing the vehicle title into your name. Typically a bill of sale is sufficient but you’ll want to double check this with your local DMV office
Lost the title to vehicle just bought. Have bill of sale. But the person bought from title jumped and sold. Found info on owner to get duplicate title and registration. Have insurance and new emissions but cant get plates or registration without the titke. And after contacting owner he merely just ignores call. Police took title. Said only need to provide bill of sale for return. Now they cant find it. Done kitsch of research have lots of info but not sure what to do.
Gayle, we show a couple traffic citations and an arrest record from a few years ago in San Diego county. If you sign up with our premium membership you can view these in detail and run unlimited public record searches
Gale, we’re happy to help you out with a public record search but we’ll need a little more information first. Can you specify what state you’d like us to perform the criminal record, court record and arrest record searches.
Criminal, court & arrest records, please. San Diego County.
Criminal, court & arrest records, please.
Gayle, we are happy to help you with a public record lookup. Can you provide us with what type of public record you are looking for. Below are some types of public records that we can assist you with.
Types of Public Records That Are Available
・Criminal Records
・Court Records
・Incarceration Records
・Sex Offender Records
・Lien Records
・Bankruptcy Records
・Driving Records
・Vital Records
・Marriage Records
・Divorce Records
・Birth Records
・Death Records
・VIN Vehicle Records
・License Plate Records
・Property Records
・Phone Records
・Email Records
Gayle A Townsend, 03/06/73, California (Oceanside/San Ysidro)
Randy, we are happy to run a free public records search for you. To begin, give us the full name of the person, their age and state of residence. Our public record database quickly searches over 2 billion records to give you all the information you need about someone. Public records include criminal history, driving records, vital records, court records, incarcerations, liens, bankruptcies and much more.
Guess public records aren\’t free. Freedom of information act isn\’t either.