Find Mississippi Public Records
Is Mississippi a Public Records State?
Yes. The majority of records produced or maintained by the government in Mississippi are open and accessible to the public. The Mississippi Public Records Act ensures that public records created or held by government agencies are available for public inspection. However, these records are not centrally located or available for download online. Individuals must conduct a public data search to locate the desired record and then send a public records request to the appropriate public body. The Act allows anyone to perform a free public data search, regardless of their residency status.
What is Public Information in Mississippi?
Public information in Mississippi encompasses:
- Birth records
- Death records
- Criminal records
- Arrest records
- Marriage records
- Divorce records
- Property records
- Inmate records
- Court records
- Bankruptcy records
- Sex offender records
It is important to note that personal information about government officials is not included in public records.
How Do I Look Up Public Records in Mississippi?
To access public records in Mississippi, interested parties must contact the relevant state department responsible for maintaining such records. Public agencies are mandated by the Mississippi Public Records Act to provide access to public records upon request. The process may vary depending on the agency and the type of record. The following steps outline the process of obtaining a public record in Mississippi:
Identify the Type of Record
Determine the specific type of record needed, such as a vital record or a bankruptcy record. Providing detailed information helps facilitate the search process. A request may be denied if the description is unclear. Information required may include the requestor's full name, names of involved parties, case type, case number, and date range.
Contact the Appropriate Public Body
After identifying the record type, contact the public body responsible for maintaining it. Different agencies handle various records. For instance, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) manages the sex offender registry, while the Mississippi State Department of Vital Records & Statistics handles vital records.
Submit a Written Request
Many public bodies require written requests for records. A written request helps track progress and avoid confusion. It should include:
- Requestor’s full name and any aliases
- Contact information
- Type of record
- Date range of the record
- Detailed description of the record
- Names of parties involved
- Preferred delivery method
- Any other relevant information
Review and Submit the Request
Before submitting, review the request for accuracy. Requests can be submitted in person, by fax, mail, or online. Contact information for public bodies is typically found on their contact page.
Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Mississippi Public Records Obtaining
City Records
Public city records may be accessible via third-party websites. These platforms often provide tools for expansive searches. Users must provide sufficient information, such as:
- Name of the subject (must be over 18 or not a juvenile)
- Requestor’s address
- Case or file number (if known)
- Document or person’s location
- Last known or current address of the registrant
Since third-party sites are not government-sponsored, the availability and accuracy of records may vary.
Public Records
Third-party websites also offer access to public records. These sites provide non-geographically limited search services, making searches expansive and straightforward. Users need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- Name of the subject (not a juvenile)
- Last known location of the subject
As these are not government-sponsored services, the availability and accuracy of results can vary.
How To Look Up Public Records in Mississippi for Free?
Individuals can conduct a free public records search in Mississippi depending on the record type and the responsible public body. To inspect a public record, contact the record custodian. Public bodies often allow in-person inspections during business hours.
Electronic versions of records may also be available online. For example, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) maintains an online sex offender registry. Residents can search for sex offender information by providing details such as first name, last name, street, county, city, and zip code.
Additionally, county clerk or recorder offices can provide access to county-specific public records. This can be done in person, via telephone, or by mail.
Search Public Records in Mississippi
States