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.

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Putting It All Together

Now that you know what agencies to use, the question becomes, what tools  do I use to contact them. 

Remember that you must respect your subject’s right to privacy in all correspondence. 

You have the right to search for someone, and they have the right not to be found. Their personal information should never be divulged to the people you talk to during your search. 

One of the best tools are a letter of inquiry along with an inquiry kit. 

Decide which public or private agency might have information and choose one of our sample letters.

These agencies could include:

• Veterans Administration
• Social Security Administraton
• a state vital statistics office
• an insurance company
• licensing bureau

 Most government agencies will not give you any information directly, but will usually forward to the subject the stamped postcard you will provide them with. 

• Write a short, clear letter of inquiry (*see sample letters) addressed to the director or supervisor of the agency.
• Enclose a copy of your subject profile and any information that would relate directly to the agency you are contacting, such as military background for the Veterans Administration.
• Enclose a plain, stamped postcard with  a short, clear message to your subject.  Include your contact information including phone number and leave the front of the card blank so that the agency can fill in the address. 

The letter of inquiry a subject profile and postcard make up an inquiry kit. 

It is best if you handwrite or print your letter and postcard because it will get the attention of the agency official quicker than printed material will.  Make sure it is legible. 

Handwritten letters seem more heartfelt and this will highlight the personal nature of your search.

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