The Most Commonly Searched Public Records

Public Records Searches

Public records are documents or information that is not considered confidential. A marriage license, for example would be considered a searchable public record, as would birth and death certificates. When doing a background check for employment purposes you could be interested in records such as credit records, civil judgements, driving records and several others.

Here’s a list of the most commonly searched public records:

Sex Offender Registries

While the National Sex Offender Registry can be searched through the National Criminal Records Database, it is also possible to search each individual state registry. This search will reveal the offense, aliases, the date and state of conviction, current address and current employer.

Motor Vehicle Records Check (MVR)

A Motor Vehicle Record is a report of your candidate’s driving history. The information comes from the Department of Motor Vehicles in each state and can usually be accessed instantly. Results include records of violations, convictions, accidents, suspensions and any disciplinary actions.

Credit Report Check

A credit report check reviews a candidate’s credit history. Results come from the national credit bureaus and can include payment histories, bankruptcies, judgments, current debt and any liens on the applicant. This search is usually reserved for applicants in positions of financial responsibility like CFOs, auditors and accountants.

Healthcare Sanctions Report (HSR)

A Healthcare Sanctions Report identifies candidates that have been excluded from participating in Medicare, Medicaid or other federally funded healthcare programs. This is relevant when hiring doctors, nurses or other healthcare professionals.

Workers Compensation Records

This search finds any workers compensation claims a candidate may have filed. This search is not available in all states and needs to be conducted with full compliance with the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Civil Records Search

This county based search will reveal any civil lawsuits filed against your applicant. Usually this type of suit revolves around someone not fulfilling the terms of a contract. You might find out that your applicant is less than reliable, or that they make a habit of filing lawsuits. This search is usually used to judge someone’s character.