Search Indiana court records online in 2026 using MyCase, the official Indiana public access case search system. This guide explains free case lookup, party name search, case number search, citation search, attorney search, public court documents, criminal, civil, family, probate, small claims, traffic, protection order records, appellate docket search, copy requests, sealed records, expungement and federal PACER access.
Need Indiana Court Records Right Now?
For most public Indiana state court records, start with MyCase. MyCase is the official public access website for Indiana court case information and many public documents. You can search by case number, citation number, cross reference number, party name, business name or attorney information. Some older cases, confidential records and restricted documents may not be available online.
Indiana Court Records Overview
Indiana court records are official records created in Indiana courts. They may include the case number, party names, case type, filing date, court location, chronological case summary, hearing dates, orders, judgments, financial entries and public documents. The most useful official online starting point for state trial court records is MyCase.
MyCase is connected to Indiana’s Odyssey case management system. It lets the public search many non-confidential court cases and documents for free. It is helpful for criminal case lookup, civil lawsuits, small claims, family law, probate matters, traffic cases, protection orders and some appellate information. However, online access has limits. Some records are confidential, sealed, too old, not yet uploaded, or available only from the clerk’s office.
What can you usually search?
| Record Type | Where to Start | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Trial court cases | MyCase | Search by case number, party name, business name, citation number or attorney. |
| Public documents | MyCase document access | Many documents are available online, but availability depends on case type and access rules. |
| Criminal cases | MyCase case search | Check charges, hearings, filings, orders and case events when public. |
| Civil and small claims | MyCase case search | Useful for lawsuits, collections, landlord-tenant matters and judgments. |
| Appellate docket | Indiana appellate docket search | Use for Indiana Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Tax Court docket details. |
| Federal cases | PACER | Federal district and bankruptcy cases are not searched through MyCase. |
MyCase Free Public Case Search
MyCase is the main official search system for Indiana state court records. It is used for public access to many non-confidential case details and court documents. Anyone may search MyCase for public case information. Many documents are available online without charge, although some documents and older cases may not be available remotely.
MyCase search options
| Search Method | Best For | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Case search | Finding a known case | Case number, citation number or cross reference number |
| Party search | Searching a person or business | Business name, or last name plus first name, middle name or date of birth |
| Attorney search | Finding cases connected to an attorney | Attorney number, or attorney last name plus first or middle name |
| Document access | Viewing available public filings | Correct case number and document availability |
- Open the official MyCase website Go to mycase.in.gov. Always use the official Indiana Judicial Branch search site before trusting private background-check pages.
- Choose a search method Use case number if you have it. If not, use party name, business name, citation number or attorney search.
- Enter accurate details For party searches, use the person’s legal last name and at least one other detail such as first name, middle name or date of birth when available.
- Open the correct result Check county, court, case type, party role, filing date and case number before assuming the record belongs to the correct person.
Search by Case Number or Citation Number
A case number search is the cleanest way to find Indiana court records. A case number is also called a cause number in Indiana. It usually appears on court papers, hearing notices, charging documents, traffic tickets, orders, judgment papers or attorney letters.
Step-by-step case number lookup
- Find the case number Look at the top of your court notice, ticket, complaint, order, summons or judgment. Indiana case numbers may include court, year and case-type details.
- Open MyCase Go to MyCase Indiana and select the case search option.
- Enter the number carefully Type the case number, citation number or cross reference number exactly as shown on your document.
- Review the case summary Check the court, county, party names, case type, filing date, hearings, chronological case summary, orders and available documents.
Search by Party Name or Business Name
If you do not know the case number, use the party search option in MyCase. This helps with searches like “Indiana court records by name,” “Indiana criminal case lookup by name,” “Indiana civil case search,” “Indiana divorce records search” and “Indiana small claims lookup.”
How to search by person name
- Start with the legal name Use the person’s last name and first name. Add middle name, middle initial or date of birth if you have it.
- Try common variations Search married name, maiden name, hyphenated name, nickname, business spelling, initials and alternate spellings.
- Use filters carefully Narrow by county, court, case type or date range when possible.
- Verify before relying on the record Compare county, case type, party role, age or date of birth if displayed, and filing date. Do not rely on name match alone.
Access Public Court Documents Online
Indiana MyCase may show public documents online for many case types. Document access depends on the case category, access level, filing type and confidentiality rules. Some documents are online, some are available only at the clerk’s office, and some are restricted from public access.
How to find available documents
- Find the case first Search by case number, citation number, party name or attorney information.
- Open the case summary Review the chronological case summary and document list if available.
- Click only public documents Documents that are available online may open directly. Restricted, confidential or sealed filings will not be visible to the public.
- Contact the clerk for missing documents If a public document is not online, request it from the clerk’s office in the county where the case was heard.
Indiana Criminal Court Records
Indiana criminal court records may include charges, case events, hearings, warrants listed in the case, bond-related entries, plea details, sentencing information, probation events, orders and public filings. MyCase is the official place to begin searching public Indiana criminal court cases.
How to search Indiana criminal court records
- Use MyCase first Open mycase.in.gov and search by case number, citation number, defendant name or attorney.
- Confirm the county and court Indiana criminal cases are filed in local trial courts. Confirm the county, court name and case type.
- Review the chronological case summary Check charges, filings, hearings, orders, disposition, sentencing and any public documents.
- Request certified copies if needed If you need official proof for court, employment, licensing, immigration or school purposes, contact the county clerk for certified copies.
Civil, Small Claims, Family & Probate Records
Indiana civil court records may include lawsuits, collections, contracts, personal injury cases, landlord-tenant matters, judgments and small claims. Family court records may include divorce, custody, child support and protection-related filings. Probate records may include estates, guardianships, trusts and related orders.
Common Indiana civil court searches
| Search Query | Best MyCase Method | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana civil court records | Party name or case number | Case type, county, filing date, docket events and judgment |
| Indiana small claims records | Party name or case number | Claim amount, hearing date, judgment and payment entries |
| Indiana divorce records | Party name or case number | Family case type, decree availability and restricted details |
| Indiana probate records | Estate name, party name or case number | Estate filings, representative, orders and public documents |
| Indiana eviction records | Party name or case number | Landlord-tenant case type, filings, hearing date and judgment |
Traffic Citation and Infraction Search
Indiana traffic cases may be searchable through MyCase by citation number, case number or party name. Traffic records may show the case, citation, court date, disposition, fines, fees and payment information when public.
How to check an Indiana traffic case
- Find your citation number Look on the ticket, officer-issued citation, mailed notice or court paper.
- Search MyCase Use the citation number or case number search at MyCase.
- Review the court and due date Check hearing date, response deadline, payment status, case events and court location.
- Contact the court if unsure If payment, driver’s license status or hearing attendance is unclear, contact the county clerk or court shown on the case record.
Protection Order and Restricted Records
Indiana public record tools may include search access for certain protection order information, but sensitive personal details can be restricted. Domestic violence, child safety, address confidentiality, victim information, juvenile matters and protected-party details may have special access limits.
What to know before searching
- Protection order records may be available in official public search tools depending on record type and access level.
- Confidential addresses and victim safety details are often protected.
- Juvenile and child-related records may be restricted by law or court rule.
- Sealed or confidential filings will not appear the same way as ordinary public civil or criminal cases.
Indiana Appellate Docket Search
Indiana appellate records are different from trial court records. Appellate cases involve review by the Indiana Supreme Court, Court of Appeals or Tax Court. The Indiana Judicial Branch provides appellate docket search help for finding cases by litigant name, case number or other available information.
How to search appellate dockets
- Start with appellate docket help Use the Indiana Judicial Branch appellate docket search guidance.
- Use simple search first Search by one strong detail such as litigant name or appellate case number.
- Check the docket entries Look for filings, briefs, orders, oral argument details, decisions and transfer activity.
- Use official opinions page for decisions For published opinions and appellate decisions, use the official Indiana appellate decisions page.
Copies and Certified Court Records
MyCase is useful for viewing information, but many official uses require a court copy or certified copy from the clerk’s office. Certified copies are commonly needed for immigration packets, name changes, licensing, school records, government benefits, probate matters, appeals, background review and legal filings.
How to request Indiana court records
- Identify the correct county Find the case number, county, court name, party names and document title from MyCase.
- Contact the clerk’s office Generally, request court records from the clerk’s office in the county where the case was heard.
- Ask for plain or certified copy Tell the clerk whether you need a regular copy, certified copy, transcript or another official record.
- Confirm fees and payment method Copy and certification fees can depend on the document, county and request method. Confirm the exact amount before mailing or visiting.
| Copy Need | Best Place to Request | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Regular case copy | County clerk where case was heard | Use case number and document title if possible. |
| Certified copy | County clerk | Ask for certification if the record is for legal or official use. |
| Transcript | Court reporter or court office | Request hearing or trial transcript from the proper court contact. |
| Appellate record | Clerk of the Appellate Courts | Use appellate case number and document name. |
| Federal record | PACER or federal clerk | Federal documents use the federal court system, not MyCase. |
Sealed, Confidential and Non-Public Records
Not all Indiana court records are public online. Indiana access rules limit public access to certain confidential, sealed and restricted court records. Some information may be hidden from public view even when the case itself appears in MyCase.
Records that may be restricted
- Juvenile records in many situations
- Adoption records and certain parentage-related records
- Medical, mental health and treatment information
- Victim, witness and protected-party information
- Confidential addresses and personal identifiers
- Sealed criminal, civil, family or probate filings
- Documents restricted by Indiana court access rules
Expungement and Record Sealing
Expungement is a legal process that can limit public access to certain criminal records. Indiana expungement rules are detailed and depend on the case outcome, offense type, waiting period, prior record, prosecutor response and court order. If you are looking for an old criminal case, remember that an expunged or sealed case may not appear like an ordinary public case.
Basic expungement preparation steps
- Find your case information Search MyCase for the case number, county, charge, disposition and sentencing details.
- Get certified copies if needed Request certified records from the clerk if your attorney, court form or agency requires proof.
- Review official forms and self-help resources Use Indiana Legal Help or the court’s official forms and instructions.
- File in the correct court Expungement petitions usually must be filed in the proper Indiana court connected to the conviction or arrest record.
Federal Court Records in Indiana
Federal court records are not searched through MyCase. Indiana has federal district courts and bankruptcy courts. Federal civil, criminal and bankruptcy records are searched through PACER or the appropriate federal clerk’s office.
- Use PACER for federal cases Go to pacer.uscourts.gov to search federal court records.
- Choose the correct federal court Indiana federal cases may be in the Northern District of Indiana, Southern District of Indiana, or related bankruptcy court.
- Search by party or case number PACER allows searches by party name, case number and court when available.
- Contact the federal clerk if needed For certified federal copies or case-specific questions, contact the correct federal court clerk’s office.
Indiana federal court quick links
| Federal Court | Official Link | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Northern District of Indiana | innd.uscourts.gov | Federal cases in northern Indiana divisions |
| Southern District of Indiana | insd.uscourts.gov | Federal cases in southern Indiana divisions |
| PACER Find a Case | PACER Find a Case | Nationwide federal case search |
| Federal Courts in Indiana | Indiana federal court directory | Official state directory of Indiana federal courts |
Indiana Court Locations and Contacts
Indiana trial courts and clerks are organized by county. For case copies, certified records, public terminal help, old files, payment questions or missing online documents, contact the clerk’s office in the county where the case was heard. Do not guess a county website from search results; use the official Indiana court directory.
Indiana Office of Judicial Administration
251 N. Illinois Street, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-232-2542
Main public resource: Indiana Judicial Branch
Find county courts and clerks: Courts & Clerks Offices
Indiana Supreme Court and Appellate Clerk
315 Indiana State House, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-232-2540
Clerk of the Appellate Courts Main Office: 317-232-1930
Records: 317-232-7225
Useful official court links
| Need | Official Page |
|---|---|
| Search Indiana court cases | MyCase |
| Learn how to search MyCase | Searching MyCase |
| Find county court and clerk contact | Courts & Clerks Offices |
| Request public records | How to Request Public Records |
| Search appellate docket | Appellate docket help |
| Find legal help | Indiana Legal Help |
Practical Search Tips for Indiana Court Records
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search Indiana court records online for free?
Go to mycase.in.gov and search by case number, citation number, cross reference number, party name, business name or attorney information. MyCase is the official Indiana public access case search system.
What is MyCase Indiana?
MyCase is Indiana’s official public access website for many non-confidential state court case records and documents. It is connected to the Indiana Odyssey case management system.
Are Indiana court records public?
Many Indiana court records are public, but not all records are available online. Juvenile, adoption, sealed, confidential, victim-related, medical, financial and protected information may be restricted by law or court rule.
Can I search Indiana court records by name?
Yes. MyCase supports party searches by person name or business name. For a person search, use the last name plus another detail such as first name, middle name or date of birth when available.
How do I search Indiana court records by case number?
Open MyCase, choose case search, and enter the case number, citation number or cross reference number. Case number search is usually more accurate than name search.
Are Indiana criminal court records on MyCase?
Many public Indiana criminal court records can be searched on MyCase. Some records may be sealed, confidential, restricted, too old or not available online.
Can I view Indiana court documents online?
Many public court documents are available online through MyCase, but document availability depends on case type, access rules and filing status. Some documents must be requested from the clerk’s office.
How do I get certified copies of Indiana court records?
Contact the clerk’s office in the county where the case was heard. Provide the case number, party names and document title, and ask for a certified copy if the record is for official use.
Where do I request Indiana court records that are not online?
Generally, request missing records or documents from the clerk’s office in the county where the case was heard. Use the official Indiana Courts & Clerks Offices directory to find the correct contact.
How do I search Indiana appellate cases?
Use the Indiana Judicial Branch appellate docket search guidance. You can search by litigant name, case number or other available appellate case details.
Are Indiana juvenile court records public?
Many juvenile court records are restricted or confidential. Public access depends on the case type, law, court rule and requester’s role.
Can I search Indiana divorce records online?
Some public divorce case information may appear in MyCase under family court records. However, sensitive documents and details may be restricted. Certified divorce records should be requested from the clerk’s office where the case was filed.
How do I search Indiana traffic tickets?
Use MyCase and search by citation number, case number or party name. Review the court, due date, hearing information, payment status and case events.
Why can’t I find an Indiana court record online?
The record may be sealed, confidential, restricted, too old, filed in another county, entered under a different name, not yet uploaded, or available only from the clerk’s office.
How do I search Indiana federal court records?
Use PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov. Federal district and bankruptcy cases in Indiana are not searched through MyCase.
Is MyCase the same as a background check?
No. MyCase is a court case record search system. A legal background check may require fingerprint-based records, law enforcement records, FBI records or another authorized screening process.
What is the official Indiana court records website?
The official court records search website is mycase.in.gov. The main Indiana Judicial Branch website is in.gov/courts.
Can I use Indiana court records for employment or housing screening?
Be careful. A name-only search can be wrong or incomplete. For employment, housing, licensing or official screening, follow the correct legal background-check process and verify records through certified copies when required.
Final Summary
For indiana court records, the best starting point is the official MyCase website. Use MyCase for public case lookup, case number search, party name search, citation search, attorney search and available public documents. For records that are not online, contact the clerk’s office in the county where the case was heard.
Always confirm the case number, county, court, party identity, case type and official source before relying on any result. If a record is missing online, it may still exist but be sealed, confidential, restricted, older, filed in another county, or available only from the court clerk. For federal cases in Indiana, use PACER instead of MyCase.