City Records

Public Libraries

Public Libraries are the place to begin searching city records. 
Reference librarians are fountains of knowledge and it is wise to form a relationship with them, particularly at your main branch.  They are helpful and able to help you navigate your way around the records they can supply you with and best of all, this is a free resource.

Take advantage of the cardholder library, while a librarian would be hesitant to supply you with information held in their files, most are happy to address and mail a stamped postcard regarding your search. 

Keep in mind that most libraries are computerized now and this gives you access to library records across the country.

Law Libraries

Law Libraries are located near most courthouses and provide access to current literature on state and federal adoption and child relinquishing laws which may be of use to you and are another free resource.  Some of this information may be available on the internet but in this case, going to the source provides more up to date information.

Police Departments

Law enforcement departments are tied into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computers in Washington DC.  Some of this information is available to you due to the Freedom of Information Act (Public Law 5 USC 552A) and the Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 5 USC 552B)  Copies of both acts are available at your public library. 

Read them and don’t be afraid to cite either or both when needed.  (see our sample letters page for help with this)

City/County Permits and Licenses
Many businesses require either a permit or a license and some of these are at the city level, some at the county level and some at the state level.  At the city/county level, you might find building permits, parade permits, dog licenses, vendor licenses etc. 

Each state has a licensing bureau and most of the information regarding which types of businesses require permits or licenses is online. Go to the state governmental website and look for this information. 

City/county requirements vary greatly and a phone call to the city/town office should tell you which, if any of these types of city records you might be able to access

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