Searching 1940 and Later U.S. Census Records

The Forthcoming 1940 Census

The 1940 U.S. federal census will be released to the public by the National Archives (NARA) on 2 April 2012

You can see what was asked for each person in the 1940 census here:
Questions Asked on the 1940 Census Form

1940 Census Records - Information from the National Archives

For some help with census records before 1940 see:
US Census Records - The Basics - a simple guide for researching in census records 1790-1930

Searching 1940 and Later U.S. Census Records

The U.S. federal decennial census records are released to the public 72 years after the census was taken. So the 1940 census will be available in 2012. You can have the Census Bureau search the 1940 and later censuses for a fee. There are restrictions and requirements:

"The Census Bureau provides an 'age search' service to the public: We will search the confidential records from the Federal population censuses of 1910 to 2000 and issue an official transcript of the results (for a congressionally mandated fee). NOTE: Information can be released only to the named person, his/her heirs, or legal representatives." (Quoted from the Census Bureau's website.) For more information see:

U.S. Census Bureau Age Search Service

Be sure to note the details, fee, restrictions and requirements listed there. The fee is presently $65 "for a search of one census for one person only" - the fee is subject to change.