Public record is a term that covers a vast number of records that are, for the most part, public information, but does not necessarily mean it's free.
Common examples, among other, of public records include:
Birth and death certificates
Marriage licenses and certificates and divorce decrees
Deeds, mortgages, and other related property records
Driving records
Vehicle records
Voter registration and election records
It’s easier than ever to research information on the Internet, but should be wary about trusting everything we read online.
When searching for public records online (if you are not using a state agency), your best bet is to use an actual third-party company that specializes in searching public records.