dc public records: myths, facts, and my first search

As a first-time user, I wanted certainty, not rumor. Here's what I found, quickly yet carefully.

Myth vs fact

• Myth: Everything requires fees. Fact: Many datasets are free via the portal and how to file a DC FOIA request is only for non-public items.
• Myth: It's all scattered. Fact: Searches for Washington DC property records, District of Columbia court records, and DC business license lookup live in distinct, well-marked places.
• Myth: Vital records are open. Fact: Access to DC birth certificate search is restricted to eligible requesters.

Confidence through comparison

At a U Street coffee shop, I pulled parcel data and compared it with a permit record; results matched, and I'm fairly sure the timestamps aligned. I think it took under five minutes - fast enough to trust, slow enough to verify.