What Can You Find Through a Public Records Search?
Entities in law enforcement, finance, public administration, and the judicial system collect extensive records on citizens. Add what's available through social media and online profiles, and the public has access to everything they need to know about an individual.
However, compiling a comprehensive rundown on a person can be burdensome. Each Federal Agency has a different request process, and pertinent personal details are often spread across multiple online accounts.
Inteligator's public records search tool compartmentalizes countless hours of research into easily digestible documents. Our engine digs into billions of records kept in private and public databases, returning everything you're searching for, along with facts you forgot to ask about.
Our sources are routinely updated, providing you with the most current and valuable data. Some common queries involve learning about a person's contact information, criminal history, financial status, or professional qualifications.
There's no limit to what you can discover through public records.
Types of Public Records
Thanks to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the public enjoys access to most records the government collects. FOIA's purpose is to increase transparency into the government's actions but also allow people to check up on new neighbors, employees, colleagues, and more.
There are various public records and just as many reasons to search for them. It can be wise to employ a public records search if you're wondering about any of the following:
- Whether someone has the qualifications listed on their resume
- If a potential business partner is in financial distress
- Where an old friend or relative resides
- If your new neighbor is dangerous
- And much more!
Criminal Records
Criminal records are official documents covering a person's involvement with law enforcement. These records are typically kept by the state's Department of Public Safety and include details on previous charges, arrests, and convictions.
Depending on the state, criminal records may also include the subject's photo, known aliases, and fingerprints. Criminal records are most often referenced during background checks for jobs or housing.
Court Records
Court records are among the most important public records because they allow anyone to check for possible corruption and abuses of power. These documents are created at all judicial levels, from municipal courts to the Supreme Court.
These include detailed information about the legal proceedings and decisions made in court, such as filings, motions, evidence, testimonies, and judgments. In most cases, criminal court records will be open to public scrutiny. However, family court records are more likely to be locked due to sensitive circumstances.
Bankruptcy Records
Bankruptcy records contain information on people and businesses who could not handle their debts. These records report what chapter they filed for and essential details on the subject's financial standing leading up to the filing, such as income sources, assets, and creditors owed.
These records are kept at the managing clerk's office or in online databases. This information is valuable for potential business partners, employers, and lending institutions.
Property Records
Title ownership is managed by the county recorder's office where the property resides. Related documents cover deeds, mortgages, value assessments, property boundaries, existing liens, and tax information.
Probate Records (Wills)
Wills become part of the public record once the case is closed and filed with the court. However, Wills are only included once the testator passes away.
Managing a Will involves using the estate to pay off creditors and taxes. Heirs only get their share after all the testator's debts are paid. Probate records are made publicly available as proof that assets were distributed correctly and are usually requested during a contest.
Vital Records
Vital records documents signify life events such as birthdays, death dates, and nuptial events. These records are used for legal identification, marital proof, and as indicators for public health.
Marriage and divorce records are the most useful examples of vital records. Marital records assist in insurance claims, ensuring the company that you're not running a scam. Additionally, most states require divorcees to present their divorce records when applying for a new marriage license.
Vital records are also used in genealogical research when family members or historians want to understand lineages better.
Campaign Contributions
Campaign contribution records display who donated to a political candidate. These records are a check against seedy political financing, allowing voters to know what potential influences affect a candidate's platform.
Knowing who or what a person financially supports gives a clear picture of their ideals. Our search tool uses a person's name to learn the donated amount, the date of the contribution, and the contributor's address.
Degrees and Professional Licenses
Employers want to ensure that whoever they hire has the right skills for the job. Inteligator's search results will display an applicant's professional background, including where they went to school and what licenses they possess.
Checking this information weeds out potential lies on a resume and ensures a business isn't violating any laws. Many jobs, such as general contractors, social workers, and doctors, require minimum qualifications.
Social Media Accounts and Online Profiles
Nearly everyone has multiple social media accounts, and people tend to overshare. Online profiles can reveal photos, relationship status, political stances, location, and contact information.
A public records search can gather the subject's various social media accounts, including forgotten profiles and dating sites. Our tool may also reveal alternate email addresses connected with hidden accounts.