Search US court records in 2026 using the correct official source for each court system. This guide explains federal PACER records, Supreme Court docket search, state court portals, county court records, criminal case lookup, civil lawsuits, bankruptcy filings, appellate dockets, probate records, traffic cases, certified copies, sealed records and older archived court files.
Need US Court Records Right Now?
There is no single website that searches every United States court record for free. Federal court cases are searched through PACER and the PACER Case Locator. State and county court records are searched through each state court website, county clerk, district clerk, circuit clerk, municipal court or local court portal. Start with the court system that actually handled the case.
US Court Records Overview
US court records are official records created by federal, state, county, municipal, tribal and territorial courts. A court record may include a docket sheet, complaint, indictment, petition, motion, order, judgment, sentence, hearing entry, transcript, exhibit list, notice, filing receipt, warrant-related court entry or other case document.
The first rule is simple: the United States has more than one court system. Federal cases are searched through federal court tools such as PACER. State and county cases are searched through state court portals or local clerk offices. A criminal case in a county court will not appear in PACER unless it is a federal criminal case.
Which US court records source should you use?
| Record Needed | Best Official Starting Point | Common Search Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Federal district, bankruptcy or appellate case | PACER or PACER Case Locator | federal court records search, PACER case lookup, federal docket search |
| US Supreme Court case | Supreme Court docket search | Supreme Court docket number, SCOTUS case search |
| State criminal or civil case | State court website or county clerk | state court records by name, county court case search |
| Divorce, custody or probate case | County court, family court or probate court | divorce records court lookup, probate case search |
| Traffic ticket or municipal case | Municipal court, city court or traffic court | traffic court lookup, citation search, ticket payment |
| Older federal court files | National Archives or federal clerk’s office | archived federal court records, old court case files |
Free US Court Records Search: What Is Actually Free?
Many people search for “free US court records” and expect one national public records database. That is not how US courts work. Some court records are free online, some require registration, some require per-page fees, and some require a clerk request or courthouse visit.
Free public records lookup vs paid document access
| Search Type | Usually Free? | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|
| Federal PACER account registration | Yes | Creating an account is free, but document access usually has usage fees. |
| Federal docket search | Not always | PACER charges per page for many searches and documents. |
| State court case lookup | Often free | Many states provide free case search, but document images may cost money. |
| County court name search | Varies | Some county portals are free, some are paid, and some require clerk requests. |
| Certified court copies | No | Certified copies normally require copy and certification fees. |
| Sealed or confidential records | No public access | Access may require party status, attorney status, court order or statutory permission. |
Micro steps before you pay any private records website
- Identify the court type Decide whether the case is federal, state, county, municipal, bankruptcy, appellate, family, probate or traffic.
- Search the official court website first Use the official court, clerk, PACER, Supreme Court or state court portal before paying a private people-search website.
- Use case number if available A case number search is more accurate than a name search and often avoids wrong-person results.
- Confirm the record source A public record from a private site is not the same as a certified court record from the clerk.
Federal Court Records Search by PACER
PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. It is the official system for many federal appellate, district and bankruptcy court records. Federal case files usually include a docket sheet and documents filed in the case, such as complaints, indictments, motions, orders, judgments, briefs and notices.
When to use PACER for US court records
- Federal criminal cases filed by the United States government
- Federal civil cases involving federal law, constitutional claims or federal agencies
- Federal bankruptcy cases filed in US bankruptcy courts
- Federal appeals in US courts of appeals
- Multi-district litigation and large federal civil matters
- Federal tax, patent, copyright, securities and civil rights cases
Step-by-step PACER case search
- Create or use a PACER account Go to pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. Choose a case search account if you only need to search federal records.
- Search the correct federal court If you know the district, bankruptcy court or appellate court, search that court directly through PACER.
- Use party name or case number Case number is best. If using a name, try business names, initials, spelling variations and date filters.
- Open the docket first The docket sheet shows the case timeline. Review it before buying or opening individual documents.
- Download only what you need PACER charges may apply, so open documents carefully and save PDFs when permitted.
Nationwide PACER Case Locator Search
The PACER Case Locator is useful when you do not know which federal court handled the case. It acts as a national index for many federal district, bankruptcy and appellate courts. It does not replace local state court searches, and it does not search every county court record in America.
How to use the PACER Case Locator for a national federal search
- Open the official Case Locator Go to pcl.uscourts.gov.
- Log in with your PACER account Use your PACER credentials. You may need to register first if you do not have an account.
- Search by party name or case number For individuals, use full name variations. For businesses, try legal entity names, DBA names and abbreviations.
- Open the case in the original court The Case Locator points you to the correct federal court. The detailed docket and documents are maintained by that court.
State Court Records Search by State
Most US court records are state and local records, not federal records. State courts handle most criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, divorce, child custody, probate, landlord-tenant, small claims, traffic, local ordinance and protection order cases. Each state has its own public access system and its own rules for online records.
How to find official state court records online
- Identify the state where the case was filed Court records are tied to the filing location. Search the state where the event, lawsuit, charge, divorce, estate or citation happened.
- Use the official state court website Start with the state judicial branch website, not a random background-check site.
- Check whether the portal is statewide or county-based Some states offer one statewide case search. Others require county-by-county lookup.
- Read access rules before relying on results Juvenile, sealed, domestic violence, family, adoption and confidential records may be restricted.
Common state court search phrases
| User Search Intent | What It Usually Means | Best Official Source |
|---|---|---|
| state court records by name | Search a person or business in state case index | State court portal or county clerk |
| criminal court records public search | Find public state criminal case details | State trial court or county criminal court |
| civil court case lookup | Find lawsuits, judgments or docket entries | State civil court portal or county civil clerk |
| divorce court records search | Find family case record or decree | County family court or clerk |
| probate court records online | Find estate, will, guardianship or conservatorship case | Probate court or county clerk |
County Court Records Lookup
County court records are often held by a county clerk, district clerk, circuit clerk, superior court clerk, probate clerk, justice court clerk or municipal court clerk. The exact title changes by state. For many everyday cases, the county office is the real record custodian.
When you must search at county level
- County criminal misdemeanor and felony cases
- Local civil lawsuits and small claims
- Divorce decrees and family court orders
- Probate, estate, guardianship and conservatorship files
- Eviction, landlord-tenant and housing cases
- Traffic tickets, municipal citations and ordinance violations
- Certified copy requests for local court documents
Micro steps for county court records search near me
- Search the county and state together Use a query like “Dallas County court records,” “Cook County case search,” or “Los Angeles Superior Court case search.”
- Open only official court or clerk websites Look for .gov, state court domain, county clerk domain or official judicial branch pages.
- Choose the correct case type Criminal, civil, family, probate, traffic and small claims may use separate search tools.
- Contact the clerk for old or missing files Older records may be offline, archived, microfilmed or available only by written request.
US Criminal Court Records Search
Criminal court records may show charges, court dates, plea entries, verdicts, sentencing, probation, fines, warrants in a case, and final disposition. But a criminal court record is not the same as a full criminal history report, FBI Identity History Summary, state police background check or fingerprint-based record.
Federal criminal court records vs state criminal court records
| Question | Federal Criminal Case | State or County Criminal Case |
|---|---|---|
| Who prosecutes? | United States Attorney | State, county, district attorney or local prosecutor |
| Where to search? | PACER | State court, county court or local criminal court portal |
| Case examples | Federal fraud, federal drug, immigration, tax, federal weapons, federal conspiracy | DUI, assault, theft, domestic violence, state drug charges, local offenses |
| Background check source | May appear in federal checks | May require state police, DOJ, FBI or local agency records |
How to search criminal court records safely
- Start with the court system Use PACER for federal cases and the state/county court portal for state cases.
- Search by case number first If you have a citation, complaint, indictment, warrant notice or court notice, use the case number.
- Confirm identity carefully Names can match multiple people. Use date of birth, county, case date and court location only when publicly available and legally appropriate.
- Check final disposition A charge is not the same as a conviction. Look for dismissal, plea, verdict, sentence, deferred judgment, diversion or expungement status.
US Civil Court Records Search
Civil court records include lawsuits between people, businesses, government agencies and organizations. They may involve contracts, debt collection, personal injury, property disputes, employment claims, civil rights, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, injunctions and money judgments.
How to search civil court records by name or case number
- Find the filing court Civil cases are usually filed where the defendant lives, where the business operates, where the dispute happened or where the contract requires filing.
- Search the state or county civil portal Use the court’s official case search and choose civil, small claims, landlord-tenant or general jurisdiction.
- Review the docket timeline Look for complaint, answer, motions, hearing dates, orders, judgment and satisfaction of judgment.
- Request documents if needed Some portals show only docket entries. You may need to purchase document images or request copies from the clerk.
Common civil record lookup topics
- civil lawsuit records search
- small claims court case lookup
- eviction court records search
- judgment search by name
- debt collection lawsuit lookup
- business litigation court records
- landlord tenant court records
Bankruptcy Court Records Search
Bankruptcy records are federal records. Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 cases are handled by US bankruptcy courts and searched through PACER. Bankruptcy dockets may include petitions, schedules, creditor lists, trustee filings, discharge orders, dismissal orders and adversary proceedings.
How to search US bankruptcy records online
- Use PACER or the PACER Case Locator Search by debtor name, business name, Social Security number where legally allowed, tax ID where allowed, or case number.
- Choose bankruptcy case type Filter for bankruptcy courts when using PACER Case Locator.
- Check the docket for discharge or dismissal The result is not complete unless you review whether the case ended in discharge, dismissal, conversion or closing.
- Contact the bankruptcy clerk for certified copies For official proof of bankruptcy discharge, request a certified copy from the bankruptcy court clerk.
US Supreme Court Docket Search
The Supreme Court of the United States provides an official docket search. Users can search by docket number, case name or other words and numbers included in a docket report. Supreme Court docket entries may include petitions, briefs, orders, opinions, distribution dates, argument dates and case documents when available.
How to search a Supreme Court case
- Open the official docket page Go to supremecourt.gov/docket.
- Search by docket number or party name Use docket number if known. The Supreme Court docket number format often uses a term year and number.
- Review filings and orders Open the docket to see case activity, filings, rulings and available electronic documents.
- Use case documents page for filings For filings, briefs and docket materials, also review the official case documents page.
Federal and State Appellate Records
Appellate records are different from trial court records. Appeals focus on reviewing lower court decisions. The appellate docket may include notices of appeal, briefs, appendices, transcripts, motions, orders, oral argument information and final opinions.
Where to search appellate court records
| Appeal Type | Where to Search | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Federal court appeal | PACER or the specific US Court of Appeals | Appeal case number, party name or lower-court case number |
| State court appeal | State appellate court portal | Appellate docket number or party name |
| Supreme Court appeal or petition | Supreme Court docket search | SCOTUS docket number or case name |
Family, Divorce, Probate and Estate Records
Family and probate records are usually state or county court records. They are not usually federal records. Access can be more restricted because these cases often contain children’s information, financial details, medical records, domestic violence facts, adoption issues, guardianship information and personal identifiers.
Where to search family and probate court records
- Divorce records: county family court, domestic relations court or clerk of court
- Child custody records: family court, often restricted online
- Child support orders: family court or state child support agency records
- Probate records: probate court, surrogate court, county clerk or estate court
- Guardianship and conservatorship: probate or family division, often partly restricted
- Adoption records: usually sealed or highly restricted
How to request a divorce decree or probate order
- Find the county where the case was filed Divorce records are usually held where the divorce was granted. Probate records are often filed where the deceased person lived or owned property.
- Search the official family or probate portal If online access is limited, use the clerk’s copy request instructions.
- Ask for the correct document A divorce decree, final judgment, letters testamentary, guardianship order or certified probate order are different documents.
- Request certification if needed For banks, passports, immigration, Social Security, property transfer or out-of-state use, certified copies may be required.
Traffic, Municipal and Local Court Records
Traffic tickets, parking cases, ordinance violations, code enforcement, minor misdemeanors and city cases are often handled by municipal, city, justice, magistrate or traffic courts. These records may not appear in statewide systems until later, and some never appear outside the local court portal.
How to search traffic court records by citation number
- Use the citation number first The citation number is usually printed on the ticket, notice or officer-issued document.
- Search the court listed on the ticket Do not guess. The ticket usually names the court, county, city or agency handling payment.
- Check payment and appearance options You may be able to pay, request traffic school, request a hearing, contest by declaration or appear in court.
- Save confirmation details Keep receipt numbers, payment confirmations, court dates and email notices.
Certified Copies and Court Clerk Requests
A certified copy is an official copy issued by the court clerk with certification, seal or court authentication. Many government agencies, employers, licensing boards, banks, title companies, schools, immigration attorneys and foreign authorities will not accept screenshots or unofficial docket printouts.
How to get certified US court records
- Find the exact court Identify whether the document is in federal, state, county, municipal, probate, family or bankruptcy court.
- Collect case details Write down case number, party names, filing date, document title, court location and judge if known.
- Use the clerk’s official copy request process Most courts allow in-person, mail, online or email requests depending on the record.
- Pay copy and certification fees Fees vary by court. Certified, exemplified and apostille-ready documents may cost more.
- Ask about processing time Old, archived or sealed files may take days or weeks to retrieve.
Sealed, Expunged and Confidential Records
Not every court record is public. Some records are sealed by law, some are sealed by court order, and some are confidential because of the case type. Even when a case number exists, the public online system may hide parties, documents, addresses, charges, exhibits or the entire case.
Records often restricted from public online lookup
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases
- Adoption records
- Some domestic violence and protection order information
- Sealed criminal records and expunged cases
- Grand jury materials and sealed indictments before public release
- Medical, mental health and civil commitment records
- Protected addresses, Social Security numbers and financial account details
- Trade secret documents and sealed civil filings
- Victim-identifying information and sensitive exhibits
How to access a sealed record if you are allowed
- Confirm your legal role Access may be limited to parties, attorneys, guardians, agencies or people with a court order.
- Contact the clerk before visiting Ask what identification, forms, motion, order or proof of authority is required.
- Do not rely on private databases Private websites may show outdated records that should be sealed or incomplete records missing final outcomes.
- Ask about expungement or sealing procedures Each state has its own process, waiting period and eligibility rules.
Old, Closed and Archived Court Records
Older court records may not be online. Some federal court records are transferred to the National Archives after the court retains them for a set period. Some state and county records are stored in archives, microfilm, off-site storage or older case management systems.
Where to search older court records
| Old Record Type | Likely Custodian | Best Action |
|---|---|---|
| Old federal district court case | Federal clerk or National Archives | Search PACER first, then ask the clerk or NARA. |
| Old bankruptcy case | Bankruptcy clerk or National Archives | Use PACER, then request archived files if needed. |
| Old county civil or criminal case | County clerk or state archive | Contact the county clerk with case number and year. |
| Old probate or estate file | Probate court, county archive or state archive | Search by decedent name, year and county. |
Micro steps for archived court record requests
- Collect the oldest known details Name, date range, court location, case type and case number help the archive find the file.
- Contact the original court first The clerk can tell you whether the record is online, onsite, offsite, destroyed, transferred or archived.
- Use the National Archives for federal historical records For older federal court files, start at archives.gov/research/court-records.
- Ask for retrieval cost and time Archived records may require retrieval fees, copy fees and several weeks of processing.
Practical Search Tips for US Court Records
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search US court records for free?
Start with the official court system that handled the case. Use PACER for federal cases, the Supreme Court docket search for Supreme Court cases, and the state or county court website for state and local cases. Some searches are free, but document access or certified copies may cost money.
Is there one national website for all US court records?
No. Federal court records are searched through PACER, but state and county records are managed separately by state courts, county clerks, municipal courts and local court systems.
What is the official website for federal court records?
The official federal court records website is the U.S. Courts court records page at uscourts.gov/court-records. Federal electronic case records are accessed through PACER.
What is PACER?
PACER means Public Access to Court Electronic Records. It is the official federal system for searching many federal appellate, district and bankruptcy court case records and documents.
Is PACER free?
PACER account registration is free, but accessing federal case information usually costs $0.10 per page, with a $3 cap for many individual documents. Some users may pay nothing if their quarterly usage stays under the fee-waiver threshold.
How do I search federal court records nationwide?
Use the PACER Case Locator at pcl.uscourts.gov. It is a national index for many federal district, bankruptcy and appellate cases. You need a PACER account to use it.
How do I search state court records?
Go to the official judicial branch or court website for the state where the case was filed. Some states have a statewide case search. Others require county-by-county court lookup.
How do I search county court records?
Search the county clerk, district clerk, circuit clerk, superior court, probate court or municipal court website for the county where the case was filed. Use the case number if you have it.
Can I search criminal court records by name?
Many federal, state and county systems allow name searches, but rules vary. A name-only search can return wrong-person results, so verify case number, date, location, party role and final disposition before relying on it.
Are arrest records the same as court records?
No. Arrest records are usually created by law enforcement. Court records are created by a court after a case is filed. A person can be arrested without being convicted, and charges can be dismissed.
How do I find civil lawsuit records?
Search the civil court portal for the state or county where the lawsuit was filed. Use party names, business names, case number, filing date or attorney name when available.
How do I search bankruptcy court records?
Bankruptcy cases are federal records. Use PACER or the PACER Case Locator and filter for bankruptcy court records. For certified discharge orders, contact the bankruptcy clerk’s office.
How do I search US Supreme Court records?
Use the official Supreme Court docket search at supremecourt.gov/docket. You can search by docket number, case name or keywords included in the docket report.
How do I get certified copies of court records?
Contact the clerk of the court that handled the case. Give the case number, document title, party names and filing date if available. Certified copies usually require copy and certification fees.
Why can’t I find a court record online?
The case may be sealed, confidential, too old, archived, filed in another court, indexed under a different name, not yet uploaded, or only available at the courthouse. Contact the clerk if the official portal does not show it.
Are sealed court records searchable?
Usually no. Sealed, expunged, juvenile, adoption, protected, confidential and sensitive records may be hidden from public search. Access may require legal authority or a court order.
Where are old federal court records stored?
Some older federal court records may be held by the original federal court clerk or transferred to the National Archives. Start with PACER, then contact the clerk or search National Archives court records guidance.
Can I use court records for a background check?
Court records can be part of background research, but they are not always complete background checks. For employment, housing, licensing, immigration or legal screening, follow the required federal, state and local background-check laws.
Final Summary
For us court records, start by identifying the correct court system. Use PACER for federal district, bankruptcy and appellate cases. Use the Supreme Court docket search for Supreme Court matters. Use state, county, municipal, probate or traffic court websites for local records. Do not expect one free website to search every court case in the United States.
For official use, get certified copies directly from the clerk. For older records, check with the original court and the National Archives where appropriate. For sealed, juvenile, adoption, expunged or confidential records, public online access may be unavailable even when a case exists.
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