Have you ever looked at your own public records? If not, you probably should. It is not uncommon for public records to be incorrect. If they are you would want to fix incorrect public records as soon as possible. Having bad data attached to your public records could cause some issues for you down the line. Are you looking to get a new job? If so it is not uncommon for employers to search for your background. You would want to have any incorrect public records fixed before this happens.

This guide will explain how to fix incorrect public records and the process that should be followed afterward. Let’s get started.

Are public records always accurate?

No, they are not. Remember even though most records are now digital they still require someone to physically input this information. When this is the case there are always chances of human error. Because of this, there will be errors that occur.

This is why we recommend that you check your public records from time to time. It is not uncommon to have a wrong birth date, address, or other types of information that could affect different areas of your life.

How often are public records updated?

This question is not a cut and dry answer. This will depend on a few things. For one depending on the county that is providing the public record data. Each county can update information differently some more frequently than others. Also, it depends on the type of public records that are being updated. Tax assessments, for example, are typically updated on an annual basis.

Other types of mortgage records like foreclosures and deed data are updated more frequently. Search services like the one we use updates the data usually every 24 hours.

Ho to fix incorrect public records

Time needed: 10 days.

Find your public record

Run public records search to locate your public records
This step is important and a must. You have to first view your public records. The easiest way to accomplish this is to you a search service to locate all your public records in one search. keep in mind that it is possible for some records not to show for reasons like the record has not been published, etc. To start a search use the search box below.
Locate and view your records
Once you have found your public records view them thoroughly to locate any errors there may be. Markdown any issues that you find. If any.
Start the issue of correcting the public record
If you find errors you will want to visit the correct city or town public records clerk of courts. This could also be a DMV office, Courthouse, etc.
Fill out the correct forms to correct
Fill out the germane form to correct the issues or errors
Follow up to ensure correction
You will want to follow up to make sure your errors have been corrected. This could mean searching for your public records again and following up with the proper clerks.

Can you fix incorrect public records when talking about property records?

Lenders will double-check most everything before they filing a mortgage record. But make no mistake about it, mistakes still happen in property records. Because this is a human interaction when someone is inputting data into a system mistakes can and do take place. Some of the more common mistakes would be misspelled names. It is also not uncommon for improper notarization to happen causing issues down the line.

Correcting a mortgage record error

Once a mortgage record has been filled this cannot be unfilled. You must correct the issue and then resubmit the data. Depending on what state you reside in the state may allow the property owner to file an affidavit for correction or a scrivener’s affidavit for errors.

How to find public records to see if errors are on your report?

Like we stated above the first step in the process of fixing incorrect public records is to first find your public record data so you can search for errors. The most efficient way and quickest way to accomplish this is to use a service that specializes in located public record data. The search box below will allow you to search from one of the best services in the industry. All that is needed is the first and last name to start a search.

Public Records Search

BeenVerified background check service searches through billions of records and dozens of databases.

Helpful websites to in fixing incorrect public data

Federal Trade Commission: Disputing errors on credit reports
Birth, divorce, and marriage errors correcting
Identity error correcting