If a public record shows up on your credit report, it can crush your credit score and cost you big—on everything from mortgage approvals to security deposits. Even one entry can make lenders think twice, and the damage can stick around for years. But not all public records are treated the same, and some can even be removed if they don’t belong there.
This guide breaks down which public records actually appear on your credit report today, how they affect your credit score, and what you can do to clean them up.
What counts as a public record today?
Most public records no longer appear on credit reports. The credit bureaus updated their policies after regulatory pressure and lawsuits. Today, only a few types still show up:
- Bankruptcies – These are still reported and can do serious damage to your credit score.
- Foreclosures – Often reported through negative tradelines, foreclosures can still show up and impact your credit report.
Other records—like civil judgments and tax liens—were removed from credit reports in 2018 due to accuracy concerns. If one of these still appears on your credit report, it may be an error worth disputing.
How Public Records Affect Your Credit
Each type of public record affects your credit score differently, and the damage depends on how serious the event was and how recent it is.
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy: Stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. It can drop your credit score by 100 points or more and may scare off lenders altogether.
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Remains for 7 years from the filing date. Slightly less damaging than Chapter 7, but still a major negative item.
- Foreclosure: Typically shows up as a derogatory tradeline and stays on your credit report for 7 years. It can significantly lower your credit score and make it harder to qualify for a mortgage again.
The older these records get, the less they impact your credit score—but they can still hold you back until they fall off completely or are removed early.
When You Can Remove a Public Record From Your Credit Report
Removing a public record from your credit report is possible, but only under specific circumstances. If the record is accurate and still within the legal reporting window, it will likely stay put. But if there’s an error—or it’s close to aging off—you may have options.
Here’s when removal may be possible:
- The public record is inaccurate – If the bankruptcy, foreclosure, or other item has incorrect details (wrong dates, amounts, or even the wrong person), you can dispute it with the credit bureaus.
- The record shouldn’t be there at all – Civil judgments and tax liens are no longer allowed on credit reports. If one is still showing up, it’s outdated and should be removed.
- The reporting period is nearly over – You may be able to request early exclusion from the credit bureaus once the record is within six months of falling off your credit report.
If the public record is correct and still within the reporting timeline, credit bureaus won’t remove it just because you ask. But you can still take steps to lessen its impact while you wait it out.
How to Dispute Inaccurate Public Records
If you spot a public record on your credit report that looks wrong, here’s how to handle it. Keep it simple and follow these three steps:
1. Review Your Credit Report Closely
Get a free copy of your credit report from all three credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for any public records that have incorrect dates, amounts, case numbers, or other errors.
2. File a Dispute With Each Credit Bureau
You’ll need to send your dispute separately to each credit bureau that shows the incorrect public record. You can file online, by mail, or by phone, but written disputes with supporting documents tend to be the most effective.
Include:
- A brief explanation of what’s wrong
- A copy of your credit report with the error highlighted
- Any court records, letters, or receipts that support your case
3. Follow Up and Track the Outcome
The credit bureaus have 30 days to investigate. They’ll contact the source of the record—often a court or lender—to verify the info. If they can’t verify it, or if they agree it’s inaccurate, they’ll remove or correct the item. You’ll get a written update with the results.
If your dispute is denied but the record is still wrong, you can either refile with more evidence or go directly to the source (like the court) to correct the record.
How to Request Early Exclusion
If a public record is close to reaching its expiration date, you may be able to get it removed early. This process is called an “early exclusion,” and it’s something you have to request directly from the credit bureaus.
Here’s how it works:
- Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Eligible for early exclusion up to 6 months before the 7-year mark.
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy: Some bureaus will consider early exclusion around 9 years and 6 months.
- Foreclosures: May be considered for early exclusion a few months before the 7-year reporting limit.
Contact each credit bureau individually and ask for early exclusion based on the record’s upcoming expiration. Not all requests are granted, but it’s worth a try—especially if the negative item is holding back your credit score and you’re just a few months from it falling off anyway.
When to Contact the Court or Agency
In rare cases, the problem isn’t with the credit bureau—it’s with the source of the public record itself. If a court record is wrong, outdated, or was filed under the wrong name, you may need to go directly to the courthouse or government agency that issued it.
You should consider this step if:
- The case number or name doesn’t match your records
- The status of the case is incorrect (for example, it shows as unpaid when it’s been resolved)
- You’ve already disputed the record with the credit bureaus and they refused to make changes
Bring any documentation you have and ask how to correct the record. Once it’s updated at the source, it will usually be reflected in your credit report after the next update cycle.
Should you hire a credit repair company?
If you’ve tried disputing a public record on your own and hit a wall, hiring a credit repair company might be worth it. A good company can help organize your documents, handle the back-and-forth with the credit bureaus, and stay on top of deadlines.
If you go that route, start with a free consultation from Credit Saint. They’ve helped many people challenge inaccurate public records and offer a straightforward process with no false promises.
Just remember—disputing errors is something you can do yourself for free. A credit repair company can save you time, but it won’t have any special access to remove accurate information.
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Final Thoughts
Public records are some of the most damaging items that can show up on a credit report—but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them forever. Inaccurate or outdated records can be removed, and even accurate ones lose their sting over time.
Whether you handle it yourself or get help, the key is knowing what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to push back when something doesn’t belong. Take action where you can, and don’t let an old public record hold you back from your next financial move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a paid public record still hurt my credit score?
Yes. Paying off the debt tied to a public record—like completing a Chapter 13 repayment plan or settling a foreclosure—won’t erase the entry from your credit report. It may look better to lenders than an unpaid item, but the public record itself can still lower your credit score until it falls off or is removed due to an error.
How do I know when a public record will fall off my credit report?
Each public record has a time limit for how long it can stay on your credit report, starting from the date of the filing or event—not the date it was paid or closed. You can check the expiration date by reviewing your credit reports from all three credit bureaus. They’ll usually list when the item is expected to be removed.
Will removing a public record instantly raise my credit score?
If the public record was hurting your credit score, and it gets removed, you could see a score increase. But how much depends on your overall credit profile. Removing a bankruptcy from an otherwise clean credit report can have a big impact, while removing it from a report with other negative items might not move the needle as much.
Can public records show up again after being removed?
If a public record was removed due to a successful dispute and later gets verified by the original source, it could reappear. This is rare but possible. If it does show up again, you have the right to dispute it again—especially if it’s still inaccurate or incomplete.
Do public records affect getting approved for a mortgage?
Yes. Even if your credit score is high enough, many mortgage lenders review your full credit report for red flags. A bankruptcy or foreclosure can make it harder to qualify, limit your loan options, or require a larger down payment. Removing a public record—when possible—can improve both your credit score and your overall approval odds.
