Wildcard matching involves the use of "wildcard" characters, the asterisk (*) and the question mark (?), to set a pattern for field matching without specifying the exact field values. These two wildcard characters may be used in the following manner:
An asterisk (*) is used to match zero or more characters, including spaces, in the specified position(s).
A question mark (?) is used to match only one character, including a space.
A combination of the two, but never next to each other.
The wildcard characters, '*' and '?', can be used to set a pattern for field matching without specifying the exact field values.
A. The '*' Wildcard Character
In the last name field, the "*" wildcard character cannot be an input in any of the first three positions in the field.
Example: Using the "*" wildcard
Field Valid Invalid
Name ROB* R*B, *OB
B. The '?' Wildcard Character
The '?' character is used to match only one character, including a space.
In the last name field, the "?" wildcard cannot be an input in any of the first three positions of the field.
Example: Using the "?" wildcard
Field Valid Invalid
Name ROB? R?B, ?OB
C. Combining Wildcard Characters
The '*' and '?' characters cannot be an input next to each other in a field.
Multiple '*' wildcard characters cannot be an input next to each other in a field, but a field may have more than one '*' wildcard character.
Multiple '?' wildcard characters can be an input next to each other in a field, and a field may have more than one '?' wildcard character.
Example: Combining wildcards
Field Valid Invalid _________
Name ROB*S?N R?BS*N
JOHNSON*JOHNSON CO*
Wildcard characters may be entered in the following search fields:
First Name and Spouse fields on the General Names tab screens of Property searches, and on Grantor/Grantee, or General Name searches when the Nickname option is set to No.
Individual Last or Company name (for General Name, Grantor/Grantee, and Property Searches) when the county does not use Soundex.
Instrument Type (for any search, except the Instrument Number, Case Number and the Reference Search).
Mining Claim name (for Mining Claim Search).
Role (The codes for the role mask are county specific. Some counties name the role mask field "Party").
Party Last field for the Party name qualifier on Property searches.
Also see,