:: Step 4-Begin Your Search

Begin with a few basic tools

First the US Postal Service.

Most government agencies are zealous in protecting people’s privacy and will be hesitant to give up information. You will need to make them aware that you only want to contact this person and not invade their privacy.

The mailing device which allows you to do this is called a letter of inquiry. Many agencies will not respond to a phone call from someone trying to find a person but most will accept and answer your letter of inquiry.

Sample letters are provided in our tools to help you begin to create an inquiry kit. This is what you will send to various agencies.

Many of these records are now online and links are provided on our resources page.