FAQ
Have questions on what a public records search is? Or how to complete one? Just read below to find the answers to some commonly asked questions.
What is a public records search?
A public records search simply gathers any and all public information on a particular individual so that the searching party can gather information about the individuals' whereabouts or history. Many documents are public record and can therefore be viewed by the public to gain information. Public record searches gather information from the following type of documents: birth and death records, marriage and divorce records, property ownership records, criminal records, bankruptcy records, tax lien records, lawsuit records, arrest records, and more.
Do I need to pay a service provider to search public records?
Not necessarily. You can search sites such as Yellow Pages, White Pages, Google, and Yahoo to gather information. You can also try to access public records yourself by using free sites. However, if you are not finding the amount of information you need, you may wish to pay a service provider to complete the records search for you.
Does it matter which service provider I use?
Absolutely. It is important to read reviews from customers that have used the service. Some providers are known for providing inaccurate or incomplete information. Also, be sure the type of information you need will be provided in the report you are paying for. Some providers only offer names, addresses, and address history. Others provide information from all public records.
How much does a public records search cost?
The amount varies depending on the amount of information requested and the provider. Many providers will offer contact information (name, address, address history, phone number, date of birth, etc.) rather inexpensively. Rates usually range from $0.95 to $3.95. For a more complete report that includes a search of all public records, sites usually charge between $29.95 and $49.95.