Public Records
How To View Public Records
Start with official court, property, business, and corrections portals for searchable indexes, then use a public records request for items not online or when certified copies are required.
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Quick Overview
view public records online first
First Source To Check
Official agency websites and court portals hosting searchable indexes for routine records.
Commonly Viewable Online
Court dockets and calendars; party/index searches; property deed and lien indexes; business registry filings; inmate rosters and status.
Usually Requires a Request
Police reports, certified vital records, closed investigations, bulk data, older archives, or documents with sensitive identifiers.
Typical Identifiers Needed
Full name, jurisdiction, date range; case or docket number; parcel/APN; business name or ID; inmate/DOC number when available.
Start Online
- Start with official agency portals for the record type; search indexes before submitting a request.
- Search court dockets and calendars by name or case number for open case details and dispositions.
- Check county recorder or land records portals for deed, mortgage, and lien indexes; note copy-order options.
- Use the state business registry for entity filings, status, and registered agents.
- Verify custody or release status using state corrections locators or county jail rosters.
Route by Record Type
- Court case status and filings → Trial court docket or e-filing portal.
- Recorded deeds, mortgages, liens → County recorder or land records portal.
- Business registrations and officers → State business entity registry.
- Inmate custody status and location → State DOC locator or county jail roster.
- Vital record verification or index entry → State vital records office verification tool or public index (non-certified).
Common Search Inputs
- Jurisdiction (state/county/court)
- Record type/category
- Person or business name
- Case or docket number
- Parcel or APN
- Date range
Where to Look First
| Where To Check | Best For | How To Search | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official agency website or records portal | Routinely published records by category (courts, property, business, corrections) | Online index/search; account or captcha may be required | Fastest first check; avoids unnecessary requests when indexes or documents are already posted. |
| Trial court docket/case search | Case dockets, calendars, parties, basic filings | Name or case number lookup; document viewing varies by court | Active case status and final dispositions are commonly listed even when documents require separate access. |
| County recorder / land records portal | Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats (indexes and some images) | Grantor/grantee, parcel/APN, book/page; copy ordering options vary | Chain-of-title and lien checks typically start with the recorder’s index. |
| State business entity registry | Entity formation documents, status, officers/agents | Business name or ID; downloadable filings vary | Business filings are routinely searchable and often provide official status information. |
| State DOC locator / county jail roster | Inmate custody, facility location, release/parole notes when provided | Name or DOC/inmate ID | Custody checks are typically available through corrections portals rather than courts. |
| Public records request process (FOIA-equivalent) | Records not posted online, or certified copies | Submit a written request to the custodian; identity/eligibility may be required | Formal channel for non-indexed records and for obtaining certified or verified copies. |
Access Questions
What should I check online first to view public records?
Use official agency and court portals for searchable indexes by record type. Select the correct jurisdiction and filter by name, date range, or known identifiers.
Why do some searches show only an index and not the document?
Some documents are not digitized, are limited due to privacy rules, or must be ordered separately. Index visibility does not guarantee online document access.
When should I file a public records request?
If the record is not posted online or you need a certified or verified copy, submit a request to the custodian with specific identifiers to narrow the search.
Can I obtain certified copies online?
Availability varies. Courts may allow clerk-ordered certified copies; vital records usually require eligibility and a request. Many certifications are not delivered instantly online.