How to Find Family Records Online

Family Records are valuable for many reasons. They can give you clues to your heritage, provide medical information and even give you proof of ancestry. Finding Family Records online is actually quite easy, and there is no initial costs involved.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet Access
• Library Card

1. Birth Certificates are Family Records

   Start with the Family Records that you already posses or have access to. Record a Family tree with the information you already know. This will give you maiden names, changed spelling in names and geographical locations that will be helpful.

2. Start a Family Records search on the internet. Use Google to search the surnames and locations that you are looking for. Depending on the name, it could provide several thousand links. Be as specific as possible to help limit the amount of links returned.

3. Start sifting through the information. It may be a LONG process!

4. Family Records such as Military service history will be helpful.

   Register for an online account to your public library. Many libraries offer free access to genealogical and census records. These are perfect for finding military, birth, death, and other family records.

5. After all other avenues have been exhausted, there are fee based services where certain family records can be purchased.

Tips & Warnings

• Military records are available to family members online. You will need the service member's service number or social security number and it will take several weeks or months to arrive.

• Do not pay for a service unless you are absolutely sure it is legit.

• Do not provide your credit card number to a service unless it is legit.

Resources

• Ancestry.com Free Pages
• Family Records Website