Public Record Searching Techniques
This nine-page primer provides insight on the basics of public record searching including how to evaluate and use online sources.
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Helpful Information About Public Record Searching
The copyrighted articles below may not be re-produced or distributed without specific consent from BRB Publications.
Eight Tips for Searching Court's Online Record Databases
This nine-page primer provides insight on the basics of public record searching including how to evaluate and use online sources.
Read MoreA Guide to Motor Vehicle Records
Sometimes motor vehicle records are public, sometime not. This six-page article examines how to access driving records, license status checks, monitoring systems, vehicle title and registration records, vessel title and registration records, accident reports, and liens.
Read MoreFederal Agency Sanctions and Watch Lists
This four-page article examines where to find public record databases of individuals and companies that have sanctions, violations, enforcement actions, or warnings initiated against them by one of nine different federal government departments with sanctioning ability.
Read MoreDisturbing Facts About the Accuracy and Currency at State Criminal Record Repositories
Many employers and state licensing boards depend on state criminal record repositories as a primary resource when performing a criminal record background check. What these entities do not realize is that a search of the state criminal record database may not be as accurate as assumed. This information comes direct from a 132 page DOJ Survey.
Read MoreSearching Recorded Documents Judgments, and Liens
Recorded documents, judgments and liens are among the most popular types of public records sought. This six-page guide examines the basics when performing these searches at the local level.
Read MoreOverview of the Washington (State) Court System and Changes to Online Access
Washington has a new online access system to court records. The old system remains in place, but all courts are not necessarily participating in the new system and/or not updating content into the older system.
Read MoreUseful Resources Related to Public Record Searching
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Alerts
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Orange County, CA - Online Portal Issues
The online search portal for reviewing public records in Orange County has been experiencing issues, resulting in intermittent service for users over the past week. However, it's important to note that these problems do not affect the public access terminals available onsite at the court. If you have work in this county and do not have a local researcher, please visit www.PRRN.us to find a researcher who can assist you onsite during this time.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Monterey County, CA Transitioned To A New Case Management System
On January 20, 2026, Monterey Superior court transitioned to a new case management system (eCourt). Due to this transition, their phone hours have been reduced to 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. from now until February 2nd, when they will resume normal phone hours. For more information, visit: https://www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/news/notice-temporary-changes-electronic-filing-and-phone-hour