Public Records Free Directory Blog

The internet is a treasure trove of public record information.  Great sources for such information are national and state archives. Archives often store valuable geneology material such as vital records, military records and naturalization records, as well as historic photos, maps, land records, surveys, and voter and political records.

A number of the archives offer some of their collections for online review, while other items must be reviewed in person. For example,  the National Archives offers for online viewing photos from World War II, historic documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, as well as census records and some military records.  The Michigan State Archives not only provides information about available records in their archival collection, but also provides links to the other state archives as well.

Of course, archival records are generally historic in nature and often one needs more current public records. The Free Public Records Directory not only has links to the national and state archives, but also to thousands of other public record resources. Links are organized by category such as property records or jail records,  or records may by be found by state, city or zip code.

The Free Public Records Directory has links to many public records including property, tax, foreclosure, recorded documents, business licenses and inmate records. Along with inmate records, many police and sheriff departments provide other valuable public information including sex offender records,  daily arrest logs, current warrants, and call logs.

Call logs, showing activity of the police, fire or emergency services, have always been popular viewing material. Some counties and towns now have live police, fire and ems scanner feeds available online. Links to such scanners are available on The Free Public Records Directory and new links are being added as they become available.  We welcome suggested links as well!

Each year millions of dollars of unclaimed property are turned over to state offices by businesses. Unclaimed property can include cash, stocks, bonds, securities, and can originate from places such as bank accounts, utility and phone company deposits, uncashed payroll checks, and safe deposit boxes. Most property is considered abandoned after three years. All states and some counties and cities have offices such as treasury departments or departments of revenue that handle such property. These governmental agencies have databases where this unclaimed property may be searched by the public. These databases are free to use and are most often searchable by individual or business name. Additionally, these agencies include forms and instructions for claiming such property.

When searching, be sure to review searching guidelines provided. One wants to be sure to enter the name correctly to avoid missing any records. If one has a prior name, such as a maiden name, be sure to search under that name as well. Additionally, it is important to search under both legal names and nick names – while most items will be under legal names, it is possible that something could be found under a nick name.

Try using the Free Public Records Directory to locate these unclaimed property databases. One can search by state or simply use the category of unclaimed property to begin your treasure hunt.