Public records are government documents that are available for public access and inspection. These records provide valuable information about individuals, businesses, and government agencies. In the United States, there are various types of public records that citizens can access, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, divorce records, criminal records, property records, bankruptcy records, court records, voter registration records, and business records.
- Birth Certificates
Birth certificates are documents that record the birth of a person. These records typically include information such as the date and place of birth, parents’ names, and sometimes the attending physician. Birth certificates are usually issued by the state or local government where the birth occurred. To obtain a copy of a birth certificate, you can contact the vital records office in the state where the birth occurred or use an online service that specializes in obtaining vital records.
- Death Certificates
Death certificates are documents that record the death of a person. These records typically include information such as the date and place of death, cause of death, and sometimes the names of surviving family members. Death certificates are usually issued by the state or local government where the death occurred. To obtain a copy of a death certificate, you can contact the vital records office in the state where the death occurred or use an online service that specializes in obtaining vital records.
- Marriage Certificates
Marriage certificates are documents that record the marriage of two people. These records typically include information such as the date and place of marriage, the names of the bride and groom, and the names of witnesses. Marriage certificates are usually issued by the county clerk’s office where the marriage took place. To obtain a copy of a marriage certificate, you can contact the county clerk’s office in the county where the marriage took place or use an online service that specializes in obtaining vital records.
- Divorce Records
Divorce records are documents that record the dissolution of a marriage. These records typically include information such as the date and place of the divorce, the names of the parties involved, and sometimes the terms of the settlement. Divorce records are usually issued by the county court where the divorce was granted. To obtain a copy of a divorce record, you can contact the county court where the divorce was granted or use an online service that specializes in obtaining court records.
- Criminal Records
Criminal records are documents that record an individual’s criminal history, including arrests, convictions, and sometimes even traffic violations. Criminal records are usually maintained by law enforcement agencies and courts. To obtain a copy of a criminal record, you can contact the law enforcement agency or court that maintains the record or use an online service that specializes in obtaining criminal records.
- Property Records
Property records are documents that record information about real estate, such as ownership, property taxes, and liens. Property records are usually maintained by county or city governments. To obtain a copy of a property record, you can contact the county or city government where the property is located or use an online service that specializes in obtaining property records.
- Bankruptcy Records
Bankruptcy records are documents that record information about an individual’s bankruptcy case, including the filing date, the type of bankruptcy, and the outcome of the case. Bankruptcy records are usually maintained by the federal bankruptcy court in the district where the case was filed. To obtain a copy of a bankruptcy record, you can contact the federal bankruptcy court or use an online service that specializes in obtaining bankruptcy records.
- Court Records
Court records are documents that record information about court cases, including civil and criminal cases, and may include transcripts of hearings, orders, and judgments. Court records are usually maintained by the court where the case was heard. To obtain a copy of a court record, you can contact the court where the case was heard or use an online service that specializes in obtaining court records.
- Voter Registration Records
Voter registration records are documents that record information about a person’s voter registration, including their name, address, and voting history. Voter registration records are usually maintained by the state or local government where the person is registered to vote. To obtain a copy of a voter registration record, you can contact the state or local government where the person is registered to vote or use an online service that specializes in obtaining voter registration records.
- Business Records
Business records are documents that record information about a business, including its formation, ownership, financial status, and legal disputes. Business records are usually maintained by the state or local government where the business is registered. To obtain a copy of a business record, you can contact the state or local government where the business is registered or use an online service that specializes in obtaining business records.
Public records provide valuable information about individuals, businesses, and government agencies. The types of public records available in the United States include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, divorce records, criminal records, property records, bankruptcy records, court records, voter registration records, and business records. To obtain a copy of a public record, you can contact the appropriate government agency or court or use an online service that specializes in obtaining public records. However, it’s important to note that some public records may be restricted or require a court order to access.