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Public Records

What are public records?

Public records provide information about businesses and individuals, are on file with government entities and are (though sometime difficult to find) accessible to the public. 

Examples include:

People Businesses
bankruptcies, liens & judgments bankruptcies, liens & judgments
real property ownership & transfer real property ownership & transfer
aircraft & water registrations corporations & limited partnerships
campaign contributions & voter registrations environmental site records
criminal records fictitious business names ("DBAs")
drivers' licenses & motor vehicle registrations UCC liens
professional licenses
Terrorist Watchlist
*From http://libguides.law.smu.edu/content.php?pid=305037&sid=2500168*

Public Records Databases

Internet Resources: State & Local

Internet Resources: Federal

Books on Public Records Access