Property and Public Records
The single most common source of a home address online is a public record. Some can be limited; some cannot.
Property records
Deeds and property tax records are public in every state. People-search sites copy them. Options include:
- Address confidentiality programs in states that apply them to property records.
- Redaction programs some counties offer for certain public servants, such as law enforcement officers and judges. Eligibility depends on state law.
- Ownership structures, such as trusts, which some people use to keep their name off a deed. These have legal and tax consequences; consult an attorney before using one.
Court records
Court records are generally public. Some courts allow redaction of personal identifiers, and some states allow sealing in limited circumstances. Requests to court-record aggregator websites to suppress records from search engines are sometimes successful, especially when there is a documented safety concern.
Voter records
Voter registration information is public in many states, but rules vary widely, and many states offer confidential voter status to participants in address confidentiality programs.
Business filings
Business registrations often list a registered agent and principal address. Using a commercial registered agent, rather than a home address, keeps the home address off the record.
Professional licenses
Licensing boards often publish addresses of record. Ask whether a business or mailing address can be used instead.