'Public records' is all information on record about people and companies, held by government and private institutions, on paper or in databases, which is available to and accessible by the public. This information belongs to the public domain (you) and is accessible by the public without the subject of the inquiry knowing (with few exceptions).

Records exist for birth (age verification), adoption, death, marriage and divorce ('vital records'), civil and criminal proceedings, tax, credit, debt and criminal history, bankruptcy and (limited) financial status, property ownership, contact information, marital status, occupation, current and past employment, education and professional certifications, social security, driving record, down to reputation and public opinion.

There is information which is not accessible without written authorization by the subject, such as their FBI file, medical records and credit reports, but the amount of information and the content of the information that is available is generally enough to make sound moral judgments about a prospective mate, employee or business partner.

Background Check Gateway - Enables visitors to conduct free background checks and people searches, using easily-accessible public records. No background-checking or people-searching experience needed to use the site.

Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission - official website of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission containing information regarding access to public records in Connecticut and links to other related FOI sites.

DEA Freedom of Information Act - The federal Freedom of Information Act applies to documents held by agencies in the executive branch of the federal government. The executive branch includes cabinet departments, military departments, government corporations, government controlled corporations, independent regulatory agencies, and other establishments in the executive branch.

EPIC Freedom of Information Act - EPIC makes frequent use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain information from the government about cryptography and privacy policy. Public disclosure of this information improves government oversight and accountability. It also helps ensure that the public is fully informed about the activities of government.

FBI Freedom of Information Act - In early 1975, the FBI assigned a handful of employees the task of handling an anticipated influx of Freedom of Information Act requests due to new legislation. Although the Freedom of Information Act had been in effect since 1967, it did not apply to investigatory files compiled for law enforcement purposes, thus generally exempting FBI files from public access.

Freedom of Information Act Kit - The following files are for individuals or organizations who wish to make an FOIA application to a federal agency. Please read the file before making your application. There are 5 files; FOIA Instructions, FOIA Application; FOIA Fee Waiver; FOIA Appeal; selected Federal FOIA Addresses; and FBI Offices nationwide.

Student Press Law Center - automated open records law letter generator used over 45,000 times to assist student journalists and other citizens obtain access to public records maintained by state or local government officials.

Great Britain Public Records Office - The Public Record Office is the national archive of England, Wales and the United Kingdom. It brings together and preserves the records of central government and the courts of law, and makes them available to all who wish to consult them. The records span an unbroken period from the 11th century to the present day.

Great Britain Hospital Records Database - This database provides information on the existence and location of the records of hospitals in the U.K. Currently over 2,800 entries can be found by searching the database using the following simple enquiry screen.

Illinois Using FOIA to obtain Personnel Records - Except for "confidential" records, all Personnel Department records are public records and are available for inspection on request to the Director of Personnel. Exceptions include: personal employee history, medical records, examination results, salary survey results, pending but uncompleted transactions and referrals.

Indiana Public Records - Indiana's Public Access Laws: A Handbook prepared by the Office of the Attorney General and Office of the Public Access Counselor.

New York Department of State Committee On Open Government - How to obtain records, access to records of the state legislature, access to court records, sample request letter, sample appeal letter.

New York State Insurance Department - The Insurance Department is responsible for supervising and regulating all insurance business in New York State. The Department’s mission is to: Ensure the continued sound and prudent conduct of insurers’ financial operations; Provide fair, timely and equitable fulfillment of insurer obligations; Protect policy holders from financially impaired or insolvent insurers; Eliminate fraud, other criminal abuse and unethical conduct in the industry; and Foster growth of the insurance industry in the State.

Privacy Act Issuances 1995 and 1997 Compilations - The Privacy Act Issuances, 1995, 1997 and 1999 Compilations Online via GPO Access contain descriptions of Federal agency systems of records maintained on individuals and rules agencies follow to assist individuals who request information about their records.

Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General - It is the policy of the Department of the Attorney General that all public records maintained by the Department of the Attorney General be made available for public inspection and/or photocopying.

South Carolina Office of Public Information - Requests for agency records under the S.C. Freedom of Information Act should be addressed to James E. Knight, Public Information Director, SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 11329, Columbia, SC 29211. Release of records is governed by the state FOIA and the agency's public information policy.

Texas Office of the Attorney General - This area includes viewable and downloadable versions of open government handbooks, required forms, and articles. Note that beginning January 3, 2000, all governmental bodies are required to display a public information sign. This area provides a link to the sign at the General Services Commission's website.

Your Right to Federal Records - This brochure provides basic guidance about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act of 1974. A question-and-answer format is used to present information about these laws in a clear, simple manner to assist members of the public in exercising their rights. This publication is not intended to be a comprehensive treatment of the complex issues associated with the FOIA and the Privacy Act.