There are many reasons you might need to conduct a public records search.
Maybe you’re conducting background research on a potential business partner, or you’re just trying to find out more about your neighborhood.
Whatever the reason, conducting a public records search can be time-consuming and frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be.
There are many online services that offer free public records searches. And while not all of these services are created equal, they can all be helpful in one way or another.
Read on to learn about the top five free public records search services.
What Is a Public Records Search Service?
A public records search service is a company that provides customers with access to government-held records.
These services can be used to obtain information about individuals, businesses, and property.
Customers typically use public records search services to conduct due diligence investigations, background checks, or property research.
Public records search services are generally divided into two categories: online and offline.
Online services allow customers to search for records through the internet, while offline services provide customers with access to physical records repositories.
Both types of services have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Online public records search services are generally faster and more efficient than offline services.
Customers can typically conduct a search from anywhere in the world and receive results within minutes.
Additionally, online services often offer more comprehensive results than offline services.
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5 Best Free Public Records Search Services
There are many free public records search services available online.
The five services listed below are some of the best in terms of speed, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
1. Spokeo — Best Overall
If you need to conduct a public records search, Spokeo is one of the best services available.
With Spokeo, you can search for records from anywhere in the world and receive results within minutes. Spokeo offers comprehensive results, and its search engine is fast and easy to use.
Spokeo is one of the most popular public records search services online, and for good reason. Its search engine is incredibly fast and easy to use, and it offers comprehensive results.
Spokeo is also one of the most affordable public records search services available, making it an excellent choice for budget-minded consumers.
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable public records search service, Spokeo is a great option.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free
- Quick results
- User-friendly website and mobile app
- Accurate checking using billions of sources
Cons
- Lacks FCRA law accreditation
- Only available in the US
2. Instant Checkmate — Best For Detailed Reports
Instant Checkmate works in the same way as other public records search websites in that it searches public records to help you identify someone.
The most notable difference is that it displays more locations and potential relatives in the first search for a person.
This kind of information might help you in narrowing down your search.
Signing up for a membership is required for full access to an individual’s profile, including contact information, social media accounts, information on ex-partners, criminal histories, and financial information (bankruptcies and liens).
To sign up, you just need to provide your name and email address. Then you may pay $35.12 for a one-month membership or $28.09 for a three-month subscription and get unlimited reports.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Extensive information via public records
- Five day trial for just $1
- Comes with a mobile app
Cons
- Free search only provides basic details
- Reports take a lot of time to load
3. Intelius — Best For Anonymous Searches
Intelius is a popular public records checker since it allows you to look up anybody. You can also use the service to see whether the individual has a criminal record.
One of the best advantages of the service is the ability to perform a reverse search function to find the owner of a phone number that called you.
Intelius runs completely anonymously and searches over 20 billion public and private data to uncover the information you want.
Additionally, you will be able to filter the data you are looking for. Searching for property data and retrieving your personal information is a useful Intelius feature.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Detailed reports with work, education, and criminal history
- Basic search is free
- Safe and anonymous search
Cons
- Constant upselling
- Customer service is available for a limited timeframe
4. SearchPeopleFree — Best Forever-Free Public Records Search
SearchPeopleFree is a secure and simple-to-use tool for all types of users, both technical and non-technical.
This way, individuals can conduct public records search and get reliable and factual data. Due to the fantastic features of SearchPeopleFree, users are attracted to the site and take advantage of the free background check services.
As previously mentioned, using SearchPeopleFree is simple, thanks to its user-friendly interface.
All you have to do is visit the site in your browser and use the “Background Search” feature.
After that, type the individual’s first and last name and click “Start Search.” It will then show the relevant files, which you can quickly access based on your preferences.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free
- Accurate and up-to-date information
- Excellent user experience
- Quick and efficient
Cons
- Limited data is provided
- Reports may take some time to load
5. Infotracer — Best For Fast Results
Infotracer offers same-day service for consumer reports, marriage and divorce records, vehicle records, and other information sources to develop a full picture of your target individual’s background.
Because the company relies on public data, its services are reliable but limited.
However, you can still find information such as professional certificates, political donations, licenses, social media profiles, financial holdings, and other comprehensive background information.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive reports
- Free basic version
- Quick results
- Friendly customer service
Cons
- Expensive paid version
- Lacks mobile app
How Do We Rank Free Public Records Search Services?
We looked at several different factors when determining the best free public records search services. These include:
- Ease of Use: We want the search process to be as simple and straightforward as possible.
- Accuracy of Results: We only want to recommend services that provide accurate results.
- Amount of Information Provided: We want to recommend services that provide a good amount of information in their reports.
- Customer Service: We want to recommend services that have good customer service in case you have any questions or problems.
- Pricing: We only want to recommend free public records search services.
Read: The Best Free Public Criminal Record Check — Our Top 5 Picks
Conclusion
Public records search services are a great way to find detailed information about someone.
The 5 best free public records search services listed here provide different levels of access and features, so it’s important to choose the one that fits your needs.
All of these services are safe and anonymous, making them a great choice for anyone looking for personal information.
FAQs
Are free public records search services legal?
Yes, free public records search services are legal. They are based on public data, which is collected by government agencies and made available to the public.
Can I find criminal records for free?
Yes, you can find criminal records for free using a public records search service. These services collect data from government agencies and make it available to the public.
Do I need a credit card to use a free public records search service?
No, you do not need a credit card to use a free public records search service. These services are free to use and do not require any payment information.
Amit Gupta is the founder of PublicRecordsSearch.org. Amit has spent half a decade learning about and working in the background screening industry. After completing his high school certification, Amit decided to focus on helping others make informed decisions by creating PublicRecordsSearch.org.