Keep your case moving with current contact information
Professional Skip Tracing Services
Whether you’re preparing for service of process, trying to reach the right party in a collections matter, locating a property owner, or conducting due diligence, our skip tracing services help you move forward with confidence.
What Is Skip Tracing?
Skip tracing is the process of locating someone’s current contact information when they have moved, changed numbers, or left without updating their details. The term “skip” refers to someone who has “skipped out” from their last known location.
It’s more than a simple online search. Professional skip tracing uses multiple data sources and verification methods to identify accurate, up-to-date contact information.
Flexibility of Service Level
We offer a choice of levels and types of service:
- Quick Skip (unverified)
- Pinpoint Skip (verified, in-depth)
- Employment Search
- Heir Search
Proceed Skip Tracing Features
- Delivery of phone numbers, physical and mailing addresses, and email addresses (for Pinpoint Skip)
- Searches across multiple independent sources that include public records, lawfully available contact and location indicators, and social media (for Pinpoint Skip)
- 24-hour turnaround in most cases for Quick Skip
- Searches conducted in accordance with applicable laws and permissible purpose requirements
How Skip Tracing Works
1. Information Input
Provide the person’s full name and last known city and state. Additional details, such as a previous address, date of birth, phone number, email, or relatives’ names, can improve both speed and accuracy.
2. Multi-Source Search
For verified results, we simultaneously search across multiple independent sources that include publicly available records, lawfully obtained identity and location data, social media profiles, professional licenses, and licensed data services and verification tools. Advanced matching tools help filter out false positives.
3. Cross-Reference & Verification
We verify contact details when requested by comparing multiple sources. Phone numbers are checked for validity and status. Addresses are validated against USPS and publicly available property records. Email addresses are screened for deliverability.
4. Results Delivery
Unverified results are typically delivered within 24 hours. Depending on the level of search, your report would include current contact information, known associates, property data, and historical address information where available.
5. Batch Processing (Optional)
Batch processing for high-volume needs is available. Results include downloadable summaries and record-level status indicators—ideal for legal, recovery, investigative, and real estate professionals working at scale.
Who Uses Our Skip Tracing Services
Attorneys and process servers
seeking alternative addresses after an unsuccessful serve
Collections and recovery professionals
seeking updated contact details for lawful outreach
Real estate professionals
locating current property owners or verifying occupancy information where publicly available
Investigators and compliance teams
conducting due diligence or location verification
Skip Tracing FAQ
How long does skip tracing take?
A single, unverified search can typically be returned within 24 hours, though this may take up to 48 hours, depending on circumstances. A verified search may take up to 72 hours or more. Batch processing for high-volume searches may take longer.
Is skip tracing legal?
Yes. Skip tracing is legal when conducted for lawful, legitimate purposes and in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.
Common permissible uses include service of process, litigation support, lawful outreach related to recovery matters, fraud prevention, due diligence, and other legitimate business investigations.
Skip tracing may not be used for unlawful purposes such as harassment, stalking, identity theft, or any activity that violates applicable law. Certain regulated uses, such as employment screening, credit eligibility determinations, insurance underwriting, or other consumer decisioning, are governed by separate legal frameworks and require appropriate consumer reporting compliance.
What information do I need to start skip tracing?
At minimum:
- Full name
- Last known city and state
Additional information, such as date of birth, previous address, phone number, or known associates, can improve accuracy and speed.
What's the difference between skip tracing and a background check?
Skip tracing answers one question: Where is this person now?
Background checks answer a different question: What is this person’s history?
They serve different purposes and are subject to different compliance requirements depending on the intended use.
Do I need special permission to use skip tracing?
In most states, requesting skip tracing services does not require a special license. However, certain professions—such as private investigators or bail enforcement agents—may be subject to state licensing requirements.
When using our services, you will be required to certify that your intended use is lawful and permissible.
Can I do skip tracing myself?
Yes, you can search public records, social media, and online directories. However, professional skip tracing services provide:
- Access to licensed data services and proprietary matching and validation methods
- Simultaneous cross-referencing across multiple independent and lawfully obtained sources
- Data validated through structured verification processes
- Significant time savings compared to manual searches
You will likely see accuracy improve with professional skip tracing. For firms that require consistent and scalable results, professional services typically deliver greater efficiency and return on investment.
What databases do skip tracers use?
Professional skip tracing leverages multiple lawful data sources and verification tools.
These may include publicly available records such as property ownership, court filings, voter registration, professional licenses, and bankruptcy records. Services may also incorporate licensed and lawfully obtained data sources that provide identity and location indicators, along with subscription-based services where permissible.
Digital sources, including social media profiles, online directories, and professional networks, help supplement and validate available information. Advanced matching and verification processes are used to cross-reference independent sources and improve reliability.
Data availability and update frequency vary by source, and professional services are designed to incorporate updated information where lawfully available.
Is skip tracing confidential?
Search activity is treated as confidential and is not shared except as required by law or necessary to provide services.
In most cases, individuals are not notified that a search has been conducted. However, if you use skip tracing results for outreach or other regulated activities (such as debt collection), you are responsible for complying with all applicable federal and state laws governing those communications and uses.
What if skip tracing doesn't find the person?
If the initial skip trace doesn’t locate the party, you have options.
You can:
- Submit additional identifying information for a follow-up search
- Request enhanced or manual research services (additional cost may apply)
- Hire a licensed private investigator
- Pursue lawful remedies, such as court-ordered information disclosure
Why Choose Proceed?
Proceed combines access to a broad range of lawfully obtained data sources, automated cross-referencing, and human review to deliver contact information you can use with confidence.
Our reports are built for real-world applications, whether you’re serving process, supporting lawful outreach and case progression, conducting investigations, or performing real estate research.
If an initial serve was unsuccessful and you need a verified new address, we’re ready to help.
