History

Genealogy FAQs

Does the U.S. Census Bureau have census records online?

The National Archives and Records Administration is responsible for making census records publicly available. Records are available at National Archives facilities and many large public and university libraries. Although the National Archives does not have census records online, several commercial websites offer a subscriptions service to view census records online. Many public libraries allow their patrons to access these records free-of-charge using their library cards.

The 1940 through 2000 census records are on microfilm and can be accessed only by the person
named on the record or their legal heir. The 1940 records are scheduled for release to
the public April 2, 2012.