These guides explain how to search public records, research people online, and confirm identity using name-based searches and public information sources.
Search Specific Public Records
These guides explain how to search different categories of public records tied to a person's name.
Criminal Record Search
Look for criminal case history tied to a name.
Arrest Record Search
Check for arrest history associated with a person.
Court Record Search
Search court filings and legal case records.
Warrant Search
Learn how warrant-related records appear in public sources.
Mugshot Lookup
See how mugshot records appear in public record searches.
Death Record Search
Explore obituary references and public records tied to death notices.
Military Record Search
Learn where military service records may appear in public sources.
Research and Background Investigation Guides
These guides explain how to research a person online using public information and identity clues.
How to Find Information About Someone
Start here if you want a broad overview of researching a person.
How to Research a Person Online
Learn how online searches can narrow identity clues.
How to Check Someone's Background
Understand the types of public records used in background research.
How to Identify Someone Online
Use name, location, and related clues to narrow the correct person.
Find Public Records About a Person
Learn where public records tied to individuals may appear.
How to Find Someone's Address
Understand how address clues fit into people searches.
Research Someone Before Meeting
Understand how identity clues can help verify who someone is.
Identity Investigation Guides
These guides help when you have partial information about someone and need to confirm identity.
Find Someone by Name and City
Use location clues to narrow the right person.
Look Someone Up Online
Start broad before moving into specific records.
Find Someone's Middle Name
Use identity clues to separate similar names.
Find Someone's Relatives
Family connections often confirm the right person.
Confirm Someone's Identity
Cross-check identity clues before trusting a match.
How to Find Someone by First and Last Name
Use a complete name as a stronger starting point and narrow the correct person with supporting clues.
Start with the public record search guide
If you are new to researching public records, start with our public record search guide. It explains how criminal records, court records, and other public record sources connect together.
Search by State
These guides explain how public record searches work inside specific states.
County Search Guides
Some public record searches become much easier once the correct county is known. These county guides explain how local court and public record systems work.
Browse all county guides: People Search by County
