Search US court records in 2026 using official federal, state, county, municipal, bankruptcy, Supreme Court and immigration court resources. This guide explains where to look for free public records, when PACER is required, how to search by name or case number, how to request certified copies, and why court records are not the same as a background check.
Need US Court Records Right Now?
There is no single free website that searches every court record from every federal, state, county and municipal court in the United States. For federal court cases, use PACER or the federal court where the case was filed. For state, county and local court cases, use the official state judiciary website or the local court clerk’s case search system.
US Court Records Overview
US court records are case records created by courts across the United States. They may include a case number, party names, docket sheet, filings, motions, orders, judgments, hearings, court calendars, transcripts, sentencing entries, bankruptcy schedules, appellate briefs, opinions and certified copies. The correct search website depends on whether the case is federal, state, county, municipal, bankruptcy, immigration or Supreme Court related.
The most important rule is simple: search the court system where the case was filed. Federal cases are searched through PACER or the specific federal court. State and local cases are searched through the state judiciary, county clerk, district court, municipal court or trial court website. Supreme Court dockets are searched directly on SupremeCourt.gov.
Which court record system should you use?
| Record Type | Best Official Source | Common Search Method |
|---|---|---|
| Federal district, appellate and bankruptcy cases | PACER | Party name, case number, court, date range |
| State criminal and civil cases | State judiciary or county court website | Name, case number, citation number, attorney |
| County court records | County clerk, district clerk or court clerk | Case number, party name, filing date |
| Municipal court records | City or municipal court portal | Citation number, defendant name, ticket number |
| Supreme Court records | SupremeCourt.gov | Docket number, case name, keyword |
| Immigration court status | DOJ EOIR ACIS | A-Number and nationality |
| Criminal history background check | FBI or state criminal history agency | Fingerprint-based identity history request |
Free Public Records Lookup — Quick Start
Many court records can be searched for free, especially if you know the case number. Fees usually appear when you need detailed federal documents, certified copies, clerk searches, older archived files, transcripts or paid name searches. The safest method is to begin with official court websites before using private public-record search engines.
- Decide whether the case is federal, state or local Federal cases usually involve federal law, bankruptcy, federal crimes, constitutional claims, federal agencies, patent issues or cases between parties from different states. Most traffic, divorce, eviction, probate, small claims and local criminal cases are state or local court records.
- Search by case number if possible A case number is more accurate than a name. Look on court notices, complaints, tickets, judgments, orders, hearing letters, attorney papers or payment records.
- Use the official court website Use PACER for federal cases and the state/county court website for local cases. Avoid entering personal information or payment details into lookalike websites unless you confirm they are official.
- Verify identity before relying on a record Name matches can be wrong. Confirm court, county, date of birth if shown, case type, filing date, party role and disposition before using the information.
- Request certified copies for official use A screenshot or online docket printout may not be accepted for legal, immigration, licensing, employment, school, passport, probate or government purposes.
Federal Court Records and PACER
Federal court case files are mainly accessed through PACER, which stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. PACER provides electronic access to federal appellate, district and bankruptcy case information. You can search a specific federal court or use the PACER Case Locator for a nationwide federal index.
What federal court records may include
- Docket sheet — the chronological list of case events and filings
- Complaints and petitions — opening documents in civil, criminal and bankruptcy matters
- Motions and responses — requests filed by parties and related opposition papers
- Orders and judgments — decisions, rulings and final court actions
- Bankruptcy schedules — debtor assets, liabilities, creditors and plans when public
- Appellate briefs and opinions — appeal records and decisions when available
How to search federal court records
- Create or use a PACER account Go to PACER Register for an Account. For searching only, choose a case search account.
- Choose nationwide or specific court search Use the Find a Case page. Search a specific court if you know where the case was filed, or use the PACER Case Locator for a nationwide index.
- Search by party name or case number Case number is best. If using a name, try spelling variations, company names, former names and date filters.
- Open the docket first Review the docket sheet before buying documents. It helps identify the exact complaint, order, judgment or motion you need.
- Download only needed documents PACER charges by page, so avoid opening many large documents without checking the docket description first.
PACER Fees, Free Access and Search Tips
PACER registration is free, but federal case access may generate fees. PACER pricing is currently based on pages viewed, downloaded or printed. Search results may also generate charges, even if the search returns no matches. This is why smart searching matters.
| PACER Item | Current Official Fee Rule | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic pages | $0.10 per page | Check docket entries before opening PDFs. |
| Single document cap | No more than $3.00 for most single documents | The cap usually equals 30 pages, but not all items are capped. |
| Audio files | $2.40 per audio file | Use only when a hearing recording is truly needed. |
| Quarterly exemption | Users are not billed unless charges exceed $30 in a quarter | Light users may pay nothing if they stay under the threshold. |
| PACER Service Center search | $30 per name or item searched | Do your own search first if possible. |
How to reduce PACER charges
- Use the exact case number whenever possible.
- Search by specific court instead of nationwide if you already know the court.
- Open the docket report first and identify the exact document number.
- Avoid broad name searches for common names.
- Use date filters, party filters and case type filters.
- Save PDFs after opening them so you do not pay again for the same document.
State Court Records Search
Most court cases in the United States are state court cases. These include many criminal cases, civil lawsuits, divorce, custody, probate, guardianship, eviction, landlord-tenant, small claims, traffic and local matters. State court records are not searched through PACER unless the case is federal.
How to find official state court records
- Start with the state judiciary website Search for the official state court website, state judicial branch, eCourts portal, online case search or court records search.
- Choose the right court level Some states have superior courts, circuit courts, district courts, county courts, justice courts, municipal courts, probate courts or magistrate courts. The name changes by state.
- Use the correct county State case search portals may require county selection. If you do not know the county, search where the person lived, where the event happened, or where the ticket or lawsuit was filed.
- Search by case number or party name Case number is best. For name searches, try middle initials, former names, business names and spelling variants.
- Contact the clerk for older or missing cases Some old records, sealed cases or archived files are not available online. Clerk staff can explain copy request procedures.
County and Municipal Court Records
County and municipal courts often handle local traffic tickets, ordinance violations, misdemeanors, evictions, small claims, civil limited cases, probate filings, marriage-related records, land-related lawsuits and local criminal matters. In many states, the county clerk, district clerk or clerk of court maintains the case file.
Common county court search terms
| Search Term | What It Usually Finds | Where to Look |
|---|---|---|
| County court records | Local civil, criminal, probate or family cases | County clerk or trial court website |
| District clerk case search | District court civil and criminal filings | District clerk portal |
| Municipal court citation search | Traffic and city ordinance tickets | City municipal court website |
| Small claims case lookup | Small money disputes | County, district or justice court |
| Probate court records | Estate, guardianship and conservatorship cases | Probate court or county clerk |
Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records may show charges, case events, plea entries, hearings, warrants in a case, judgments, sentencing, probation terms, fines and public orders. Access varies widely by state and county. Some criminal records are public online, some require a clerk request, and some are sealed by law.
How to search criminal court records
- Identify the court Find whether the case is federal, state, county, municipal, juvenile or tribal. Federal criminal cases use PACER; most local arrests and prosecutions use state or county courts.
- Search by case number or defendant name Use exact spelling, date of birth if allowed, county, filing date and case type filters.
- Check disposition carefully A charge may be dismissed, reduced, amended, pending or convicted. Do not treat an arrest or filing as a conviction.
- Use official criminal history for background checks For a national fingerprint-based identity history, use the FBI Identity History Summary process. For state checks, use the state criminal history agency.
Civil Court Records
Civil court records cover disputes between people, companies, agencies and organizations. They may include contract lawsuits, personal injury cases, debt collection, landlord-tenant disputes, civil rights claims, small claims, injunctions, business disputes and judgments.
What to look for in civil case records
- Complaint or petition — explains what the plaintiff is asking for
- Answer — defendant’s response
- Motions — requests for court action
- Orders — judge’s decisions during the case
- Judgment — final or enforceable outcome
- Satisfaction of judgment — record that judgment was paid or resolved
Family, Probate and Juvenile Records
Family and probate court records can be partly public and partly restricted. Divorce dockets, probate estates and guardianship filings may be searchable, but sensitive documents can be limited. Juvenile records, adoption records, child protection records and confidential family information are often restricted by law.
Typical access by record type
| Record Type | Common Public Access | Restriction Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce case docket | Often searchable by name or case number | Financial, child and sealed documents may be restricted. |
| Custody and child support | May show limited docket entries | Children’s information may be protected. |
| Probate estate | Often public | Medical, minor and protected-person details may be limited. |
| Guardianship and conservatorship | Varies by state | Medical and capacity-related details may be confidential. |
| Juvenile and adoption | Usually restricted | Often not available to the general public. |
Traffic and Citation Records
Traffic tickets and citation records are usually handled by municipal, county, justice, district or traffic courts. Many courts allow online searches by citation number, driver name, date of birth, license number or case number. Some traffic records are not visible in general civil/criminal portals and require a separate payment portal.
How to look up a traffic ticket
- Check the ticket first Look for the court name, citation number, violation date, officer information and due date.
- Open the official court payment portal Use the exact municipal, county or state court website listed on the citation.
- Review your options You may be able to pay, request traffic school, plead not guilty, request a hearing, ask for an extension or submit documents.
- Save proof Download receipts, confirmation numbers and court notices after payment or hearing requests.
Bankruptcy Court Records
Bankruptcy cases are federal cases. They are filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Courts and accessed through PACER. Bankruptcy records may include petitions, schedules, creditor lists, discharge orders, trustee reports, plans, motions and adversary proceedings.
How to search bankruptcy records
- Use PACER Bankruptcy records are searched through PACER or the specific bankruptcy court’s CM/ECF system.
- Search by debtor name or case number For individuals, use full legal name and possible former names. For businesses, use legal entity name.
- Review the docket and discharge status Look for filing chapter, trustee, creditors meeting, discharge, dismissal or conversion entries.
- Request certified copies when needed For mortgage, immigration, licensing, tax or financial proof, contact the bankruptcy court clerk for certified copies.
Supreme Court Records
The Supreme Court of the United States provides docket search and case document access on its official website. Users can search by docket number, case name or other words included in a docket report. Many docket pages include links to filings and case documents.
How to search Supreme Court dockets
- Open the official docket search Go to Supreme Court Docket Search.
- Search by docket number or case name Use the docket number if known. Supreme Court docket numbers often use a term-year format such as 24-123.
- Review proceedings and orders The docket may show petitions, responses, briefs, orders, distributions, grants, denials and decisions.
- Open available case documents Use the case documents section for filings and orders made available by the Court.
Immigration Court Case Status
Immigration court cases are handled by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice. The official Automated Case Information System allows certain immigration court and Board of Immigration Appeals case status details to be checked online.
How to check immigration court case status
- Open EOIR ACIS Go to EOIR Automated Case Information.
- Enter required information The system asks for an A-Number and nationality.
- Review hearing and decision details The system may show next hearing information, court decision details, motion information, BIA information and court contact details.
- Use official notices as final authority EOIR online information is helpful, but official notices and documents from immigration court or BIA are the controlling records.
Certified Copies and Clerk Requests
Certified court copies are official copies issued by the court clerk with certification, seal or authentication. They are often required for legal filings, immigration packets, professional licensing, school records, passports, name changes, divorce proof, probate, real estate and government applications.
How to request official court copies
- Identify the exact court Know whether it is federal, state, county, municipal, bankruptcy or Supreme Court.
- Find the case number Most copy request forms require case number, party names, document title and filing date.
- Choose plain, certified or exemplified copy Plain copies are usually for personal review. Certified or exemplified copies are for official use.
- Contact the clerk Use the official court clerk website for copy fees, payment methods, mailing address and processing time.
- Confirm if apostille is needed For international use, you may need an apostille or additional authentication after getting a certified copy.
Sealed, Expunged and Confidential Records
Not all court records are public. Some records are sealed by statute, court order, privacy rule or case type. Expunged, sealed, juvenile, adoption, victim, mental health, medical, financial and sensitive family records may not be available online or to the general public.
Common restricted record categories
- Juvenile court records
- Adoption records
- Sealed criminal records
- Expunged cases
- Victim and witness information
- Medical and mental health details
- Confidential financial identifiers
- Protected family law documents
- Grand jury materials
- Confidential immigration and asylum details
Court Records vs Background Checks
A court records search is not the same as a full background check. Court records show filings and events in specific courts. A background check may use fingerprint records, state repositories, FBI records, sex offender registries, corrections records, driving records and legally regulated screening rules.
| Need | Use | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Find a federal lawsuit or criminal case | PACER | Federal court records only. |
| Find state criminal case information | State or county court website | May not show complete criminal history. |
| Get personal FBI rap sheet | FBI Identity History Summary | Fingerprint-based personal review process. |
| Screen tenant or employee | Legally compliant screening process | Follow federal, state and local law. |
| Get certified case proof | Court clerk certified copy | Official court copy is usually required. |
Insider Search Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search US court records for free?
Start with the official court website where the case was filed. For federal cases, use PACER Find a Case. For state or county cases, use the state judiciary or local court clerk website. Many searches are free when you have the case number, but documents, certified copies and broad name searches may cost money.
Is there one national US court records search?
No. PACER provides federal court access, but state, county, municipal, tribal, immigration and Supreme Court records are maintained in separate systems. You must search the correct court system for the case type.
What is PACER?
PACER means Public Access to Court Electronic Records. It is the official federal court records system for U.S. appellate, district and bankruptcy court case information.
Are PACER records free?
PACER registration is free, but usage may generate fees. The standard electronic access fee is $0.10 per page, with a $3.00 cap for many single documents. Users are generally not billed unless they exceed $30 in a quarterly billing cycle.
How do I search federal court records by name?
Use PACER Case Locator or search the specific federal court where the case was filed. Search by party name, business name, attorney, case number or date range when available.
How do I search state court records?
Go to the official state judiciary website or the county court clerk website. Search by case number, party name, citation number, business name, attorney name or filing date depending on the portal.
Can I search criminal court records online?
Often yes, but access varies by court. Federal criminal cases are searched through PACER. State and local criminal cases are searched through the state court or county court website. Some records are sealed, expunged, juvenile or otherwise restricted.
Are court records the same as background checks?
No. Court records are case records from specific courts. A background check may use state criminal history repositories, FBI fingerprints, corrections data and legally regulated screening procedures.
How do I get certified copies of US court records?
Contact the clerk of the court where the case was filed. Provide the case number, party names, document name and filing date. Ask whether you need a plain, certified, exemplified or apostilled copy.
How do I search bankruptcy records?
Bankruptcy records are federal records. Use PACER or the specific U.S. Bankruptcy Court where the case was filed. Search by debtor name, case number, business name or filing date.
How do I search Supreme Court records?
Use the official Supreme Court docket search at SupremeCourt.gov. You can search by docket number, case name or keywords included in a docket report.
How do I check immigration court case status?
Use the DOJ EOIR Automated Case Information System. It requires an A-Number and nationality and may show hearing, decision, motion, BIA and court contact information.
Why can’t I find a court record online?
The case may be sealed, restricted, archived, too old for the online portal, filed in another court, filed under a different name, pending data entry, or available only through a clerk request.
Can I use private public-record websites?
You can, but official court websites are safer for accuracy. Private sites may be outdated, incomplete, mixed with other people’s data, or missing sealed and corrected records.
What information do I need before searching?
The best information is the case number. If you do not have it, collect the full legal name, business name, date of birth if appropriate, county, state, court name, filing year, attorney name and case type.
Are juvenile court records public?
Juvenile records are often restricted or confidential. Access depends on state law, case type, party status and court order. They are usually not available through general public case searches.
Can a sealed or expunged record still appear online?
Sometimes private websites may still show outdated information. Official court access should reflect sealing or expungement rules, but correction procedures vary. Contact the court clerk or an attorney if an old sealed record is still appearing.
What is the safest way to search US court records?
Use official court websites first, search by case number when possible, verify identity carefully, read the final disposition, and request certified copies for official use.
Final Summary
For us court records, first identify the court system. Use PACER for federal appellate, district and bankruptcy cases. Use state judiciary and county clerk portals for most criminal, civil, divorce, probate, traffic and local court records. Use SupremeCourt.gov for Supreme Court dockets and DOJ EOIR ACIS for immigration court status.
Always search by case number when possible, verify identity before relying on a name match, and request certified copies from the clerk for official use. If a record is missing online, it may be sealed, restricted, archived, filed in another court or available only through a direct clerk request.