Definition: Part of your credit report lists public records. These are entries that are also on file with a local, county, state, or Federal court. Public records that can appear on your credit report include eviction, foreclosure, repossession, bankruptcy, lawsuit judgment, or a tax lien. These entries are also the worst types of entries to appear on your credit report because they show a serious delinquency.
Credit Reporting Time Limit for Public Records
Most public records can remain on your credit report for seven years. Bankruptcy, however, can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years. In California, tax liens can stay on your credit report up to 10 years from the date the lien was filed.Removing Public Records From Your Credit Report
If a public record is on your credit report in error, you can use the credit report dispute process to have it removed. You also have the right to dispute the error with the court who provided the entry if the credit bureau doesn't remove the error.
Despite credit repair agencies that claim otherwise, it can be difficult and nearly impossible to remove legitimate public records from your credit report. These can almost always be verified with the court.
