Maybe you want to send a card or an invitation and you can't find the address. Or maybe you went to a friend's door unannounced and discovered that someone else lived there. There are several reasons why you might need an address from someone. Whether you're looking for lost addresses or trying to track down old friends, finding out where someone lives doesn't have to be difficult.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using the Internet to find an address
Step 1. Use tools to look up phone numbers
Internet sites can come in handy by entering a phone number and getting a potential address of the person you're looking for. Both Gouden Gids and White Pages offer this service.
When you search for someone's personal information online, you may be faced with issues of privacy. Locating someone's address and visiting uninvited could be perceived as stalking or an invasion of privacy
Step 2. Search the White Pages
The White Pages makes it possible to search if you know the person's name and the city or country where that person lives. By using this tool it is possible to find out the phone number. Using the phone number you can then contact the person and ask for the address.
- If you're looking for someone internationally, try White Pages International or Numberway. These provide details of search information in 6 continents and in more than 33 countries.
- When you search for someone online, you can also search for their name in other ways. Also try out nicknames, birth names and girl names.
Step 3. Use social media
Social media usually has a list of where people live. Many sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram use GPS to determine the location of someone sharing a post. While these social media may not reveal the exact address, they can make it possible to get in touch with the person you are looking for and ask them for their address themselves. Try sites like Facebook, Reunion.com, Batchmates, Classmates.com, Pipl.com, and Linkedin.
- Many social media websites require users to create an account and log in to view information from other users. Some of these sites, such as Facebook, require invitations from friends to be accepted by the individual before you can view his or her personal information.
- Searching for people on social media can be considered cyberstalking. Cyberstalking is defined as 'using the Internet or other electronic medium to harass, intimidate, threaten, control or make unwanted advances'. This includes emailing and interacting on social media sites, such as Facebook. In addition, covertly viewing or seeking information about a person can be considered cyberstalking. Many cyberstalkers start stalking their victims over the internet, often via social media. Be careful not to cross boundaries when looking for people on social media.
Step 4. Use sites to find lost friends
Sites like Lostfriends.org are specifically designed to reconnect people with those they've lost track of. You can post a message on the website or use the website to see if someone is looking for you.
Step 5. Pay someone to help you
If these free ways don't yield any results, then there are all kinds of sites that can provide a detailed report about a person for a small price. These sites include Public Libraries' Public Records, Intelius, People Finders, and Instant Checkmate.
Be careful when using these websites. These websites claim to use public data, but this level of research into someone's personal information could be considered a serious invasion of privacy
Method 2 of 2: Find an address without the Internet
Step 1. Use a phone book
Start your search in a local phone book to look up a name and address. Many people and companies can be searched by their telephone number and address. You can also use the phone number to call the person and confirm the address.
If you know where the person works, you can look up the address or phone number of the company. Perhaps this will allow you to contact the person at work to find out his or her address
Step 2. Use address books of former students
Contact your high school and/or university to find an address of a former student.
- Many schools also have an online database, message boards, social media groups, and email lists. Perhaps this way you will be able to obtain more information about the person you are looking for.
- Most sororities have representatives you can contact for information. Maybe they can point you in the right direction. If you were part of an organization with the person in question, try contacting this organization to see if they still have any relevant data.
Step 3. Ask around
One of the easiest ways to find out someone's address is to ask questions of mutual friends or relatives. Talk to people who still live in their hometowns or who interact with them frequently. They may be able to provide you with an address or a phone number where you can reach them.
Warnings
- Realize that you will come across as a stalker if the person doesn't know you.
- The laws regarding stalking are strict and each country has specific laws. While the laws vary widely, keep in mind that stalking is a crime. Never try to invade someone's privacy when you search for their address.
- Realize that it indicates a lack of respect if you violate someone's privacy by discreetly discovering their address while you are still in contact and/or the person is unwilling to give the address and/or other personal provide information to you.