Api Lookup
Public Records Database Api
Determine which public-record categories expose searchable datasets or APIs, what identifiers they require, and when programmatic queries must defer to portal searches, requests, or certified copies.
Trending:
Public Records
Court Records
Property Records
Api Access
Page Guide:
Quick Overview
identify public-record categories with API or bulk access
First Source To Check
Identify the exact record class first (court cases, recorded land records, business filings, vital events), then look for the official portal or published datasets for that class.
Often Searchable Online
Case indexes, docket summaries, party/caption data, property/grantor–grantee indexes, basic business entity registries, and selected open-data extracts.
Usually Requires A Request
Document images, certified copies, restricted case materials, sealed records, and vital certificates typically require requests and eligibility or ID checks.
API Reality Check
Some portals offer JSON/CSV endpoints or bulk downloads; many provide web-form search only. Certified documents are not issued via API.
Choose A Data Path
- Start with clarifying the record category you need before selecting any API or dataset.
- Check the official portal for that category to see if it lists bulk downloads or developer endpoints.
- Search available open-data catalogs for datasets tied to the same record class and jurisdiction level.
- Verify whether document images or certified records require a formal request instead of programmatic retrieval.
- Use record-specific identifiers (case number, parcel/APN, entity ID) to reduce rate and match issues.
Record-To-Source Mapping
- Court case indexes -> Judicial case-search portal or bulk docket feed
- Recorded land/property index -> Recorder/Register of Deeds portal or open-data extract
- Business entities -> State business registry search or published registry API
- Vital event verification -> Vital records office request system (no API for certified copies)
Common API or Dataset Fields
- Record category (court cases, property index, business registry, vital events)
- Jurisdiction level (state, county, court)
- Name (person or business)
- Case/docket number
- Parcel or APN
- Filing or registration number
Where To Query Or Request
| Where To Check | Best For | How To Search | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial case search portal | Case indexes, docket summaries, party names | Web-form lookup; some courts publish bulk or API-style feeds | Case metadata is often queryable; filings and orders may require portal viewing or requests. |
| Recorder/Register of Deeds portal | Grantor–grantee/property index and instrument references | Index search; occasional CSV exports; document images often controlled access | Indexes may allow programmatic retrieval; certified copies and images usually need a request or fee. |
| State business registry | Entity status, officers/agents, filing history snapshots | Entity search; some registries publish JSON/CSV endpoints or bulk files | Structured records are frequently available; certified documents and good-standing certificates require requests. |
| Government open-data portal | Published datasets tied to courts, property, or licensing | Download or API access to curated datasets with metadata | Provides machine-readable extracts suitable for integration; coverage and refresh rates vary. |
| Vital records office request system | Birth, death, marriage, divorce certifications or verifications | Request workflow with identity or eligibility checks; no certificate issuance via API | Vital events are controlled records; programmatic access is generally limited to verification workflows. |
API-Specific Considerations
Which record types most commonly expose an API or bulk dataset?
Court case indexes, business registries, and some property indexes are more likely to offer feeds or bulk files than police reports or vital certificates.
Can I retrieve certified documents through an API?
No. Certified copies typically require a formal request, identity or eligibility validation, and an agency-issued delivery method.
What identifiers improve programmatic match rates?
Use specific keys when available: case or docket number, parcel/APN, filing or entity number, and date ranges; add name and DOB for person-matched indexes.