view public records confidently and within the rules

What counts as public records?

Public records are documents created or kept by government bodies that the public can inspect, such as property deeds, court dockets, business registrations, meeting minutes, and some vital record indexes. Availability varies by jurisdiction, and sensitive details may be redacted for privacy.

How to get started

Begin at the source: county recorder, clerk of court, state archives, or a city open data portal. Many offices offer free indexes online with pay-per-document downloads; others require in-person requests or mailed forms. If a file is missing, ask about retention schedules and alternate record series.

Practical tips for efficient searches

• Use precise identifiers: parcel numbers, case numbers, or license IDs outperform names.
• Try variant spellings: include middle initials, hyphenated surnames, and prior business names.
• Filter by date range: narrow to filing or recording windows to reduce noise.
• Check jurisdiction: city, county, and state systems rarely sync in real time.
• Know fees and limits: some offices charge per page and restrict bulk downloads.

When records are sealed or exempt, request a written citation to the statute and ask whether a redacted or summary version is available.