Find US Public Records

Is the U.S. a Public Records State?

Yes, the United States is a public records country, with federal and state laws ensuring public access to government records. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), enacted in 1967, is the primary federal law that mandates the disclosure of public records held by the executive branch of the U.S. government. This law, along with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 1996, establishes the right of any person to request access to federal agency records or information. Similarly, each state has its own public records laws, often called open records or sunshine laws, which govern the accessibility of state and local government records.

What is Public Information in the U.S.?

Public information in the United States generally refers to any records or data held by government agencies not exempt from disclosure under federal or state laws. This can include a wide range of documents, such as:

• Government meeting minutes and agendas

• Public employee salaries and benefits

• Contracts and expenditures

• Crime reports and arrest records

• Court records and legal filings

• Property records and assessments

• Business licenses and permits

• Environmental reports and inspections

However, specific categories of information may be exempt from public disclosure, such as classified national security information, personal privacy data, trade secrets, and confidential law enforcement investigations. The specific scope of public information can vary between states due to differences in their respective laws regarding public records.

How Do I Look Up Public Records in the U.S.?

To look up public records in the United States, you can follow these general steps:

1. Identify the specific records you need and the government agency likely to hold them.

2. Visit the agency's website or contact them directly to learn about their public records request process. Many agencies provide online request forms, email addresses, or physical addresses for submitting requests.

3. Submit a formal public records request specifying the documents or data you seek. Some agencies may require proof of your identity or a statement of purpose for the request.

4. Wait for the agency to respond to your request. Most public records laws specify a timeframe within which agencies must acknowledge and fulfill requests, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks.

5. Review any documents or data provided by the agency. Be prepared to pay reasonable fees for copying or processing the records, if applicable.

If you need help determining which agency holds the necessary records, contact the relevant city, county, or state government offices for guidance. In some cases, public records may also be available through online databases, such as court case management systems or property appraisal websites.

How To Look Up Public Records in the U.S. for Free?

While some public records may require fees for copying or processing, there are several ways to look up U.S. public records for free:

1. Government agency websites: Many federal, state, and local government agencies provide free online access to certain public records, such as property assessments, campaign finance reports, and legislative databases.

2. Public libraries: Local public libraries often have subscriptions to commercial public records databases, which patrons can access for free. Some libraries also maintain their collections of local historical documents and newspapers.

3. National Archives: The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) offers free online access to a wealth of historical public records, including military service records, naturalization records, and selected court records.

4. Court websites: Many federal and state courts provide free online access to case dockets, opinions, and other court records through their websites or dedicated public access portals.

5. Volunteer-run websites: Some websites, such as the Chronicling America newspaper archive and the USGenWeb Project, use volunteers to digitize and make historical public records available online.

States