Public records in the United States constitute a vast treasure trove of information, encompassing a wide array of data ranging from vital records to legal documents, government transactions, and more. These records are maintained by various government entities at local, state, and federal levels and are made accessible to the public. The availability of these records plays a crucial role in upholding transparency, accountability, and the democratic process.
Public records are documents and information generated by government agencies in the course of their official duties. These records are considered public property and are made available to anyone who requests access, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and various state-level laws. It is important to study local laws pertaining to public records to see what regulations and rules for access to these public records are for researchers.
Common types of public records
There are some common types of public records every genealogist should know about and should be seeking for each of their ancestors.
- Vital records: These records pertain to birth, death, marriage, and divorce records and are maintained by vital statistics offices at the state or county level. Once these records have reached a certain age, they could also be available at a local archive in paper form, on microfilm or digitized.
- Land Records: Public land records include property deeds, mortgage documents, property tax records, and land ownership records and information. These records can be available at the local, state, or federal level.
- Court Records: Public court records encompass criminal courts, civil courts, bankruptcy courts, and other courts that generated public records relating to court cases between two individuals, businesses, or criminal charges.
- Government Transactions: Records of government contracts, grants, permits, and licenses are available for public access. These are going to be available at the local level, state level and federal level.
- Criminal Records: In addition to court records, there could also be additional criminal records available to the public. These could include arrest records, police reports and jail records.
- Business Records: These records cover information about the businesses themselves such as their business registration, corporate filings, charters, and licenses.
Accessing Public Records
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Access to public records is typically granted through government websites, public record repositories, local government offices, or online databases. Requests for records may be made in person, via email, or through designated online portals.
It’s important to note that while public records are accessible, certain restrictions and privacy concerns may limit the release of certain types of information.
Personal and sensitive details, such as Social Security numbers or medical records, are usually protected.
Be prepared to receive documents that have been redacted to protect sensitive information.
Steps to Researching in Public Records
There are some steps to take in how to conduct research in public records. Genealogists should take these steps to help make their research as successful as possible:
- Identify the type of record needed: Determine the specific type of information you are looking for, be it real estate transactions, court cases, or vital records.
- Locate the relevant authority: Identify the government agency or department responsible for maintaining the type of record you need. Different types of records are typically managed by different entities.
- Submit a record request: Depending on the agency’s guidelines, submit a formal request for the record you seek. Be sure to provide accurate and complete information to expedite the process.
- Paying fees: Some requests may require a fee to cover processing, copying, and retrieval costs. Fees can vary based on the type and amount of information requested.
Review and analyze the records
Once you have obtained the records, carefully review, and analyze the information to glean the insights or details you are seeking. It is also a good idea to transcribe the entire document, so you don’t miss any tidbit of information.
Technological advancements have transformed the accessibility and management of public records. Online databases such as MyHeritage and digitization efforts have made it easier for genealogists, family historians and other researchers to access and search for records remotely. Websites and platforms dedicated to aggregating public records can streamline the research process.
United States public records serve as an invaluable resource, fostering transparency and accountability within a society. Access to these records empowers individuals, researchers, and organizations to make informed decisions, conduct research, and contribute to a more open and informed society. As technology continues to evolve, so does the ease and efficiency of accessing these vital repositories of information, ensuring that knowledge remains within reach of those who seek it.
Explore more about U.S. public records
- U.S. Public Records Index at MyHeritage
- U.S. records collection at MyHeritage
- U.S. birth, marriage and death records at MyHeritage
- U.S. Property Owners Index and Maps at MyHeritage
- United States, Index of Court Cases, 1833-2018 at MyHeritage
- U.S. National Archives portal- Users can search for records online, order reprints and discover the location for facilities nationwide.
- Daniel’s Favorites: 5 Amazing Archives Well Worth a Visit on the MyHeritage blog
Research public records on MyHeritage