Uncovering Your Address History: A Detailed Guide
Need to look up a previous address or residence for a background check, job application, long lost friend search or other important reason? Tracking down your address history used to be difficult, but not anymore.
With the rise of people search engines and background screening services, accessing your previous addresses and rental history is easier than ever. But with so many options to choose from, where do you start? Which address search services can you trust?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore:
- The value and common uses for address history searches
- An introduction to the background screening industry
- The top 5 best services for finding your old addresses
- Step-by-step instructions for using these address search tools
- Expert tips for protecting your privacy during searches
- And much more
By the end, you’ll have in-depth knowledge of the best methods for uncovering your elusive residential history along with key insights into protecting your personal data in the process. Let’s dive in!
The Growing Importance of Accessing Your Address History
Your previous addresses say a lot more about you than you may realize. Documenting where you lived in the past can serve many important purposes in life such as:
- Employment Background Checks – Over 90% of employers now conduct criminal and residential history screening as part of the standard hiring process. Providing an accurate account of your past home addresses is often mandatory when applying for jobs.
- Apartment Rental Applications – Landlords routinely verify your address history to confirm identity and assess overall risk before approving leases.
- Credit and Loan Applications – Mortgage lenders and credit card companies want to validate where you’ve lived to reduce fraud and determine creditworthiness.
- Legal Proceedings – Your former addresses can provide pivotal evidence and confirmation of residency in lawsuits, criminal cases, and custody disputes.
- Genealogy Research – Tracing your family lineage depends heavily on accessing relatives‘ address histories to pinpoint locations and reconstruct ancestry.
- Finding Lost Friends and Family – Trying to locate an old classmate, co-worker, or distant relative? Accessing their previous residence information is key to tracking them down.
- Nostalgia and Personal History – Documenting all the places you’ve lived over the decades provides a nostalgic walk down memory lane while preserving your personal history.
According to data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, over 80 million Americans move each year. That means a typical person will live at 11 or more different addresses throughout their adult lifetime.
With so much relocating, it‘s easy to lose track of previous addresses. Yet quick access to your full residential history is more important than ever. Conducting regular address history searches ensures you have the critical information needed for life‘s important moments.
Insights Into the Background Screening Industry
The growth in address searches and background checks reflects a booming industry. Here are some key stats:
- There are over 2,000 background screening companies operating in the U.S. alone
- The global background check industry is projected to surpass $7 billion by 2027
- Nearly 5 million background reports are conducted each year in the United States
- Upwards of 95% of large U.S. companies routinely perform background checks and address history verification on all job candidates
- More than 9 in 10 renters report their landlord did a rental history screening prior to approving their lease
This proliferation of background checks in employment, housing, lending, volunteer work, and many other areas makes access to your complete residential history more important than ever.
Understanding The Top 5 Address Search Services
When it comes to finding your previous home addresses, you have numerous options. Here we take an in-depth look at 5 of the top address history search services with overviews of their key capabilities and limitations.
- Truthfinder
With its meticulously researched reports and intuitive website, Truthfinder has earned its reputation as a top choice amongst professional background screeners and everyday consumers.
Features include:
- Extremely detailed address history spanning decades which includes actual street numbers and apartment info rather than just city/state
- Interactive map visually plots out all your old addresses on an easy-to-read timeline
- Allows searching by exact date ranges to pinpoint addresses lived at during specific periods
- Compiles data from over 10 billion public records and proprietary sources for maximum accuracy
- Clean, user-friendly website interface to view and export your reports
- Truthfinder is fully compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and maintains strict protocols for ensuring information is current and correct
Sample Address History Report:
04/2005 – 02/2007
123 Main St Apt 5, Springfield, IL 62701
10/2003 – 04/2005
789 Oak Rd, Springfield, IL 62701
08/2001 – 10/2003
456 Elm St Unit 2, Springfield IL 62701
Limitations:
- Primarily focused on U.S. searches
- Requires paid subscription for full access to detailed reports
With TruthFinder‘s combination of robust features, high transparency, and focus on data accuracy, it remains a top choice of many seasoned investigators and savvy consumers alike.
- Intelius
Boasting “more precise search options” as their slogan, Intelius gives you enhanced ability to customize and filter address history searches compared to competitors.
Key features include:
- Choose to filter by city, state, or exact street address to pinpoint specific locations
- Wide date range options or search by decade lived only during the 60s, 70s, etc
- “Address Lookup” tool enables searching a property‘s owner history
- View neighborhood demographic data like average income and home prices
- Compiles data from over 20 billion public and proprietary records
- Intelius exceeds FCRA compliance standards and was among the first to implement extra identity checks
Sample Address Report:
12/2019 – Present
456 Park St Unit 1, Glenview IL 60025
08/2017 – 12/2019
789 Washington Ave Apt 3E, Chicago IL 60601
06/2012 – 08/2017
123 Michigan Ave Unit 4, Chicago IL 60601
Limitations:
- Website navigation and design not as intuitive as some competitors
- Requires subscription for complete access to records
With robust filtering capabilities ideal for pinpointing specific addresses from your past, Intelius is uniquely equipped to track down your residential history.
- Spokeo
Spokeo stands out with its budget-friendly pricing and sleek, user-friendly website. While offering more limited information than some pricier competitors, it’s an affordable starting point for basic address lookups and introductory background checks.
Features include:
- Low-cost basic membership tier makes it among the most budget-friendly options
- Attractive, easy-to-navigate website design perfect for beginners
- Reverse phone lookup option helps track individuals down by connected numbers
- Integrates with Gmail and Outlook for easy searching from your email contacts
- Developed early reputation for lax privacy protocols but has since updated to align with FCRA
Sample Address History:
Current
Julie Smith
123 Main St, Springfield, IL 62701
Former
Julie Smith
456 Oak Rd, Springfield, IL 62701
The tradeoff for Spokeo’s low pricing is less comprehensive reporting compared to pricier competitors. But for basic address checks on a budget, it certainly fits the bill.
- Instant Checkmate
As the name promises, Instant Checkmate delivers blazing fast turnaround on background checks and address searches, usually within minutes. The site is also notable for its well-designed mobile app.
Features include:
- Lightning-fast report generation with results in the time it takes most sites to just process your payment
- Modern, neatly organized website design makes browsing records simple
- Android and iPhone apps with full functionality of desktop site
- Integration with Google Chrome extension enables one-click checks from your browser
- Geared primarily towards U.S. searches
- Free trial option available to test service
- Firm policy not to display social security numbers further protects privacy
Sample Address Report:
Current Address
John Smith
123 Main St, Springfield, IL 62701
Previous Addresses
- 456 Oak Rd, Springfield, IL 62701
- 789 Elm St, Springfield, IL 62701
When you need incredibly fast results, nothing tops Instant Checkmate for high-speed address history lookups on desktop or mobile.
- BeenVerified
The affordability leader, BeenVerified offers a scaled down but functional people search tool and background checker at an unbeatable entry-level price point.
Features include:
- Low cost basic subscription tier starting at just $9.99 monthly
- Simplified reporting focuses on key address history, phone, email, and record basics
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android provide easy access on the go
- "Reverse Address" feature searches property records by location
- Mostly centered on public records rather than more extensive proprietary data sources
- Geared towards U.S. based searches
- Free trial option and Chrome extension available
Sample Address Report:
John Smith
Current Address:
123 Main St, Springfield, IL 62701
Previous Addresses:
- 456 Oak Rd, Springfield, IL 62701
- 789 Elm St, Springfield, IL 62701
The tradeoff for BeenVerified‘s ultra-low pricing is streamlined features. But for basic address checks on a strict budget, it gets the job done affordably.
Evaluating Your Address History Search Needs
With numerous options for uncovering your previous addresses, how do you choose the right service? Here are key factors to consider:
- Affordability – If budget is a top concern, LeanVerifed or Spokeo offer the most wallet-friendly options. For more robust data access, TruthFinder and Intelius offer free trials to test options before committing to paid plans.
- Feature Needs – What specifically do you want to search for? Those needing customizable filters like date ranges should consider Intelius. For super fast turnarounds, Instant Checkmate is ideal. Identify must-have tools and pick accordingly.
- Data Accuracy – Services relying more on public records like BeenVerified may have higher error rates versus TruthFinder‘s massive proprietary database. Weigh data quality vs affordability tradeoffs.
- Ease of Use – Prefer simple navigation and clean interfaces? Opt for user-friendly sites like Spokeo and Instant Checkmate. Those less tech-savvy will appreciate the most intuitive options.
By evaluating your budget, must-have functionality, and design preferences, you can zero in on the address history search service that aligns with your unique needs and preferences.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Address Search Sites
Once you’ve selected the ideal search service, how do you go about using it to pull your full address history report? Here is a step-by-step walkthrough using TruthFinder as an example:
- Visit TruthFinder‘s website and click “Start Search”
- Enter your complete first and last name and current state of residence, then click “Continue”
- On the next page, confirm your identity by entering details like current address, age range, names of relatives, recent employers, etc. Providing accurate identifying information is crucial for matching your identity and retrieving the correct records.
- Select either the “Address History Report” or upgrade to a full Unlimited Search to access all background check features. Choose your preferred membership level based on needs and budget.
- In 1-2 days after placing your order, you’ll receive an email link to view your complete address history report along with any other reports selected.
- Carefully review the address history results. Do they align accurately with where you’ve lived over the years? Take note of any incorrect or outdated entries.
- Use the interactive map feature to visually browse pins of all your old addresses on an adjustable timeline. This gives helpful geographic context.
- Download, print, or export a PDF copy of the report to retain for future reference and use. Reports expire after 30 days on the site.
Following these steps correctly ensures you get the detailed residential history information you need from your chosen people search site quickly and easily.
Common Address Search Questions Answered
For many exploring address history sites for the first time, several key questions arise. Let’s explore some top areas of concern:
Are these sites legal to use?
Yes, it is 100% legal to use a background check service to look up your own address history when used for lawful purposes. Conducting unauthorized searches on others without consent is strictly prohibited.
How accurate is the information provided?
Top services make reasonable efforts to maximize accuracy by compiling from various public records, government databases, and proprietary sources. However, no database is infallible so a small margin of error is possible. Always verify results against your personal documentation for confirmation.
Do I have to pay to get my full history?
Most sites offer limited complimentary searches, but access to complete detailed reports requires a paid subscription. Cost-saving options like introductory free trials are available to try a service first before committing.
Can I get my record corrected if errors exist?
Absolutely. All reputable people search sites provide protocols for disputing and correcting any outdated or inaccurate personal information in their systems just like traditional credit bureaus.
Should I use a VPN for extra privacy protection?
Yes! Using a trusted virtual private network (VPN) when conducting any background check or address search online adds an important extra layer of privacy protection through data encryption and IP address masking. VPN use is considered a smart best practice for all sensitive online searches.
Follow these guidelines and tips to gain maximum value from your chosen address history provider while also taking prudent steps to safeguard your personal data.
Why a VPN Provides Critical Online Privacy Protection
We mentioned using a VPN during sensitive searches as an optional best practice earlier. Given rising privacy vulnerabilities, it’s worth exploring this concept more.
When you conduct address lookups or internet searches through your standard home internet connection, your devices‘ IP address and physical location are fully exposed. The website (and savvy hackers) can pinpoint your identity through these digital fingerprints.
A trusted VPN masks your IP address and encrypts traffic between your devices and the internet, blocking your exact geolocation and identity from being tracked. This adds invaluable privacy protection, especially when accessing sensitive personal data via online people search sites and public records.
Here are key benefits that make VPNs vital for privacy:
- Encrypts internet traffic end-to-end, hiding your online activities from prying eyes
- Masks your IP address with shared IP, preventing tracking of your device location
- Allows changing your virtual location to any city worldwide to obscure where you really are
- Maintains anonymous internet access by not recording user logs or usage data
- Protects across all devices like desktop, laptop, tablets, and smartphones
- Defends against advertisers, cybercriminals, and other threats seeking your private data
With online privacy risks so prevalent in today‘s digital landscape, harnessing a premium VPN for address searches and general web use is more beneficial than ever.
In Closing: Accessing Your Residential History with Confidence
Like wading through boxes of old photos and memorabilia in the basement, reminiscing about your previous addresses provides a nostalgic walk down memory lane. More importantly, quick access to your full personal address history is becoming vital for navigating life‘s important moments.
With this guide, you now have expert insights into the essential tools and services that enable looking up your old addresses with ease and confidence. Follow our tips to ensure you choose the ideal search platform based on your budget and needs. Then utilize step-by-step instructions for conducting efficient and successful address history lookups. By mastering address searches, an important piece of your background is readily available.
Just remember, always pair people search tools with a trusted VPN for uncompromising protection of your sensitive personal data. Your home addresses may be public record, but your privacy still deserves defending. Get started uncovering your residential history today!
