Public records are records that are maintained by government agencies and that can be accessed by the public.  Public records include business records, court records, and motor vehicle records. 

Business Records
Each state maintains basic information about businesses that register with them; the amount of information collected by government agencies varies from state to state.  Businesses file corporation records that include the date of incorporation, status, type, registered agent, and sometimes, officers or directors.  The agency that oversees corporation records usually maintains files for trademarks and/or trade names.  The federal government controls copyrights and patents.  Public companies are required to file financial and other material information with the Federal Securities and Exchange Commission.

Court Records
Criminal record information at the courthouse is generally open to the public.  Of those states that will release records to the public, many require fingerprints or signed release forms.  In states where records are not released, the best place to search is at the city or county level with the county or district court clerk.  Litigation and civil judgments under federal laws are found at US District Courts; those at the state level are found within the state court system at the county level. The local court system offers other records types, such as probate, juvenile, eviction, and domestic relations.

Motor Vehicle Records
Driving history records, vehicle ownership, registration, VINs, titles, and liens are found at the state level, and on occasion, are accessible at the county level.  Accident reports are found at the state or local level. Information must be released in accordance with the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).