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Maine Court Records | Free Public Search 2026
Find the right Maine court-record path without guessing. Use re:SearchMaine for public electronic case records where available, the Judicial Branch Service Center for paper-record searches, the Violations Bureau for traffic tickets, Maine State Police SBI for criminal history checks, MaineProbate.net for probate, and PACER for federal cases.
Quick answer: For a free Maine court records search in 2026, start with re:SearchMaine. It is the Maine Judicial Branch online search tool for public electronic case records where eFiling is available. If the record is older, paper, closed, inactive, criminal-case copy related, not remotely available, or you need an official copy, use the Maine Judicial Branch Court Records request process or contact the clerk where the case was heard.
I Want To…
Start with your exact task. Maine has electronic court records, paper records, traffic records, probate records, transcripts, criminal history reports, and federal records. They are not all searched in one place.
Search a Maine case
Use re:SearchMaine for public electronic records where Maine eCourts/eFiling is available.
Open re:SearchMaineGet a court copy
Use the Judicial Branch record-search request process for paper, older, or non-remote records.
Open request formPay or contest a ticket
Use the Violations Bureau for Maine traffic infractions, online payment, and contesting options.
Open traffic helpCheck criminal history
Use Maine State Police SBI. A court docket is not the same as an official criminal history report.
Open CHRI requestWhich Maine Court Records Source Should You Use?
| User need | Use this official source | Prepare this first |
|---|---|---|
| Public electronic case search, Registry of Actions, eFiled cases | re:SearchMaine | Account registration, name, case number, court, case type, email address. |
| Paper record, legacy case, older file, closed/inactive case, record not online | Maine Judicial Branch Court Records | Record Search Request form, docket number, party names, court, year, self-addressed stamped envelope. |
| Traffic ticket payment, ticket lookup, contesting a traffic ticket | Maine Traffic Violations | Ticket number, name, date, payment card, email address if using Guide & File. |
| Official criminal history background check | Maine Criminal History Request | Name, date of birth, payment method, notarization need if applicable. |
| Estate, guardianship, trust, adult name change, county probate case | MaineProbate.net | County, case number, last name, first name, business name, party type. |
| Transcript or audio recording | Office of Transcript Operations | Case number, hearing date, court location, transcript/audio request form. |
| Federal case in Maine | U.S. District Court, District of Maine | PACER account, federal case number, party name, Portland or Bangor court location. |
How to Search Maine Court Records Online in 2026
Use re:SearchMaine for electronic public court records where Maine eCourts and eFiling are active. Public users may be able to view the Registry of Actions and certain public records that the court makes remotely accessible.
Open the official search page
Start at re:SearchMaine. This replaced the Maine eCourts Odyssey Portal for online case record searches.
Create or sign into an account
Public search registration is required. Use an email address you can access, especially if you are a party trying to match a court-file email.
Search by name, case number, or court details
Use exact spelling first. If the case does not appear, try fewer words, alternate spelling, party names, docket number, court location, or case type.
Check if the case is electronic or paper
Maine’s transition from paper to electronic records is court-by-court and case-type-by-case-type. Records before November 2020, except traffic infraction cases, remain paper files.
Use a courthouse Public Access Computer if needed
At courthouses where eFiling is available, Public Access Computers may allow access to public electronic court records that are not remotely available.
How to Request Maine Court Records and Certified Copies
Many Maine Judicial Branch court records are still kept in paper files. If a record is not available online, use the Record Search Request form or contact the clerk’s office where the case was heard or is pending.
Mail paper record requests to
Judicial Branch Service Center
P.O. Box 266
Lewiston, ME 04240
FedEx / UPS:
250 Goddard Road
Lewiston, ME 04240
Copy questions
Judicial Branch Service Center: 207-753-2901
Use this for record-search and copy-process questions when mailing a request.
Use the Record Search Request form
Complete the official Request for Records Search form. Follow the form’s fee and instruction page.
Give enough identifying details
Include docket number if known, party names, case type, court location, year, and the specific document or record you need.
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
The Judicial Branch records instructions say to mail the completed form with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Ask if certification is required
Plain copies, certified copies, docket sheets, transcripts, and criminal history reports are different. Ask the receiving agency what it needs before paying.
Call the clerk if the case location is clear
If you know the court where the case was heard, contact that clerk. Some clerk offices may not be able to handle phone requests, so be ready to use the form.
Maine Traffic Ticket Records, Payments, Contesting and Scam Warnings
The Maine Judicial Branch Violations Bureau handles traffic tickets for the entire state through a centralized process. Traffic violations are non-criminal offenses, also called traffic infractions.
| Traffic task | Official action | Important rule |
|---|---|---|
| Pay a ticket online | Maine eCourts Traffic Pay | Official page says online card payments are available 24/7; fees may apply. |
| Pay by phone | Call 1-866-729-8499 | Use the official phone pay number, not a number from a text message or ad. |
| Pay by mail | Mail check or money order to Violations Bureau, P.O. Box 480, Lewiston, ME 04243-0480 | Do not send cash. Make payment payable to “Treasurer, State of Maine.” |
| Contest a ticket | Use ticket instructions or Maine Guide & File | Verify the ticket is in the system before trying to take action online. |
| Ticket not found | Check again later or call the Violations Bureau | Handwritten tickets may take time to appear online or by phone. |
| Traffic question | Call 207-783-5422 | Helpline hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm. |
Maine Criminal Court Records vs Criminal History Checks
Criminal court records and Maine criminal history checks are not the same. The Judicial Branch maintains court case records. Official criminal history requests should be made to the Maine State Police State Bureau of Identification.
Use Maine court records for
- Case docket events
- Criminal case filings
- Charges shown in a court case
- Court orders and dispositions
- Certified court documents
- Case-specific copies
Use Maine SBI for
- Official criminal history record information
- Public conviction/adjudication search
- Pending cases less than one year old when included
- Notarized background checks
- Record review and challenge process
- Agency or licensing requests when required
| SBI item | Official detail |
|---|---|
| Online CHRI request | Maine Criminal History Record & Juvenile Crime Information Request Service |
| Main SBI phone | 207-624-7240 |
| TDD | 207-287-3659 |
| Mailing address | State Bureau of Identification, State House Station #42, Augusta, ME 04333-0042 |
| Challenge process | SBI says a person may contact the bureau in person or by mail to request amendment or correction of their criminal history record. |
Maine Probate Court Records
Maine Probate Courts are county-administered. Probate records are not searched the same way as every Maine Judicial Branch court case. Use MaineProbate.net for probate search, then contact the correct county Register of Probate for official copies or restricted records.
Choose the county
Probate searches usually start with the county where the estate, guardianship, trust, name change, or other probate matter was filed.
Search by case number or name
Search by case number, last name, first name, middle name, business name, or party type where available.
Review the case details
Results may include case number, case name, party type, filing date, county, appointment date, creditor claim due date, and status.
Contact the county probate court for copies
For certified documents, sealed items, or official probate copies, contact the appropriate county Register of Probate.
Maine Court Transcripts and Audio Recordings
Transcripts are not regular court-record copies. The Maine Judicial Branch handles transcript and audio requests through the Office of Transcript Operations and related court forms.
Office of Transcript Operations
Address:
Penobscot Judicial Center
78 Exchange Street, Suite 200
Bangor, ME 04401
Transcript contact
Phone: 207-991-6322
Email: OTO@courts.maine.gov
TTY: Maine Relay 711
Maine Court Forms and Filing Rules
Use current Maine Judicial Branch forms. The court forms page says forms are revised from time to time, and an outdated version of a required form may be returned as incomplete.
Use official forms for
- Family matters
- Small claims
- Protection from abuse
- Protection from harassment
- Civil filings
- Appeal-related forms
Before filing
- Check current form version
- Confirm court location
- Confirm filing fee
- Confirm eFile or paper filing
- Keep copies
- Save confirmation
Why this matters
Wrong forms, old forms, missing signatures, wrong court, and wrong fee are common reasons filings get delayed or returned.
Maine Court Records That May Not Be Public Online
Many Maine court records are public, but some case types are confidential by law or restricted by court rule. Some public records may be available only at a courthouse Public Access Computer, not remotely.
Often confidential
- Child protection cases
- Adoptions
- Most juvenile case records
- Guardianships of minors
- Name changes for minors
Also restricted by law
- Mental health civil commitments
- Medical malpractice screening panels
- Extreme weapon protection orders
- HIV/AIDS testing proceedings
- Minor settlement proceedings
What to do
If a record is sealed, impounded, confidential, or nonpublic, access may require court permission. Do not assume a record is public just because you know the case exists.
Checklist Before You Call, Visit, Pay, or Mail a Request
Case details
- Docket number
- Party names
- Case type
- Court location
- Filing year
- Hearing date if known
Request details
- Document title
- Plain or certified copy
- Mailing address
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment method
- Phone/email for questions
Travel details
- Confirm courthouse
- Check court alerts
- Confirm clerk window hours
- Bring ID if needed
- Ask about access limits
- Save receipts
Judicial Branch Service Center Map for Court Record Requests
For paper record requests, the Maine Judicial Branch lists the Judicial Branch Service Center mailing address as P.O. Box 266, Lewiston, ME 04240. For FedEx or UPS, it lists 250 Goddard Road, Lewiston, ME 04240. Use the official form instructions before mailing.
Phone Script for Maine Court Records Help
Use this when calling a clerk or service center
“Hi, I’m trying to locate a Maine court record. The case may be in [court/city/county]. The party name is [name], the docket number is [number if known], and the filing year is [year]. I need [plain copy / certified copy / docket / divorce judgment / transcript / traffic help]. Can you tell me if this record is electronic, paper, archived, confidential, or handled by another office?”
| Need help with | Official contact | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Records search request | 207-753-2901 | Paper record request and copy-process questions. |
| Electronic court access | ecourtshelp@courts.maine.gov | Access issues with electronic court records. |
| eFiling technical support | 800-297-5377 | Tyler eFileMaine technical support. |
| Traffic violations | 207-783-5422 or 1-866-729-8499 | Traffic ticket questions and phone payment. |
| Transcripts | 207-991-6322; OTO@courts.maine.gov | Transcript and audio recording requests. |
| Criminal history | 207-624-7240 | SBI criminal history questions. |
Common Maine Court Records Mistakes
Expecting every case online
Many older and legacy cases remain paper files. Electronic access depends on court, case type, and date.
Using a docket as a background check
Use Maine State Police SBI for official criminal history checks.
Missing the traffic delay
Handwritten traffic tickets may not appear immediately online or in the phone system.
Ordering transcript the wrong way
Transcripts and audio requests go through the Office of Transcript Operations, not ordinary copy requests.
Submitting old court forms
Outdated required forms may be returned as incomplete. Use current official forms.
Clicking fake traffic texts
The Judicial Branch says it does not demand immediate payment by text. Use official links and phone numbers.
Maine Court Record Not Found? Try These Fixes
Try fewer search terms
Use last name only, case number, or a wider date range, then narrow carefully.
Check paper status
The case may be a paper record, older legacy case, or record stored outside online access.
Use the courthouse
A Public Access Computer at a courthouse may show records that are not remotely available.
Check another office
Probate, criminal history, traffic, federal, transcript, and vital-record tasks use different systems.
Check confidentiality
Sealed, impounded, juvenile, adoption, child protection, and other nonpublic cases may not appear.
Ask the clerk
If the record matters legally or financially, call before paying, mailing, or traveling.
Maine Federal Court Records Are Separate
Federal cases are not searched through re:SearchMaine, Maine Probate, or Maine traffic portals. Use the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine and PACER for federal case records.
| Federal office | Address / phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Portland federal courthouse | 156 Federal Street, Portland, ME 04101; 207-780-3356 | Federal District of Maine cases, PACER, federal filings and calendars. |
| Bangor federal courthouse | 202 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME 04401; 207-945-0575 | Federal District of Maine cases, PACER, federal filings and calendars. |
Maine Court Records: Short Answer for 2026
Maine court records are searched through re:SearchMaine for public electronic case records where eFiling is available. Older, closed, inactive, paper, or non-remote records may require the Maine Judicial Branch Record Search Request form or a clerk contact. Traffic infractions are handled through the Violations Bureau. Official criminal history checks are handled by Maine State Police SBI. Probate records are searched through MaineProbate.net. Federal cases are searched through PACER.
Official Maine Court Records Links
Accessing electronic records
Official rules for remote access, courthouse PAC access, and legacy case limits.
Open electronic access helpCourt Records Help
Official paper records, criminal case records, divorce record and copy request guidance.
Open records helpOnline Services
Pay fines, get forms, find a court, order transcripts, and access court tools.
Open online servicesTraffic Violations
Pay, contest, and understand Maine traffic infractions and delays.
Open traffic helpMaine Probate
County probate search for estates, guardianships, trusts, and name changes.
Open probate searchInternal links were not added because no relevant court-records.org sitemap URL could be safely verified for this post.
Maine Court Records FAQs
How do I search Maine court records online for free?
Use re:SearchMaine to search public electronic case information where eFiling is available. Registration is required, but public search registration is free.
What is re:SearchMaine?
re:SearchMaine is the Maine Judicial Branch online platform for electronic court record searches. It is replacing the older Maine eCourts Odyssey Portal for online case record searches.
Are all Maine court records online?
No. Many Maine court records are still paper files. Records created before November 2020, except traffic infraction cases, remain paper files, and some records must be requested from a courthouse or the Judicial Branch Service Center.
How do I request paper court records in Maine?
Use the Maine Judicial Branch Request for Records Search form and mail it with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Judicial Branch Service Center, P.O. Box 266, Lewiston, ME 04240. For FedEx or UPS, use 250 Goddard Road, Lewiston, ME 04240.
What is the phone number for Maine court record copy questions?
For Judicial Branch Service Center copy questions, call 207-753-2901.
What if I cannot access electronic Maine court records?
For questions or issues accessing electronic court records, contact ecourtshelp@courts.maine.gov. If a Public Access Computer is not available at a courthouse with eFiling, ask a court clerk for help.
Are Maine criminal case records the same as a criminal history check?
No. Criminal case records are maintained by the Judicial Branch. Official Maine criminal history requests should be made to the Maine State Police State Bureau of Identification.
How much does a Maine criminal history search cost?
Maine State Police SBI lists an online public criminal history record search at $31. If a notarized background check is desired, the listed charge is $41. Verify current fees before payment.
How do I pay a Maine traffic ticket online?
Use Maine eCourts Traffic Pay through the Maine Judicial Branch traffic violations page. You can also pay by phone at 1-866-729-8499 or by mail to the Violations Bureau.
What if my Maine traffic ticket is not found online?
Many tickets are issued by hand, so there may be a delay before the ticket appears in the automated phone system or online portal. Check again or contact the Violations Bureau at 207-783-5422.
Does the Maine Judicial Branch send traffic payment demands by text?
No. The Maine Judicial Branch warned in 2026 that it does not send enforcement notices or demands for immediate payment by text. Do not click suspicious links or scan QR codes from traffic-payment texts.
Where do I find Maine probate records?
Use MaineProbate.net and choose the correct county. Probate Courts are county-administered and manage their own records for estates, guardianships, trusts, name changes, and some adoption matters.
Are transcripts included in Maine court records?
No. Transcripts and audio recordings are handled through the Office of Transcript Operations, not regular court-record copy requests.
Where do I search Maine federal court records?
Use PACER and the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine. Federal cases are separate from Maine state court records, re:SearchMaine, Maine Probate, and traffic systems.
Best Next Step
Start with re:SearchMaine for free public electronic case lookup. If the record is older, paper, closed, inactive, not remotely available, or needs certification, use the Maine Judicial Branch record search request process. Use the Violations Bureau for traffic tickets, Maine State Police SBI for criminal history checks, MaineProbate.net for probate, Office of Transcript Operations for transcripts, and PACER for federal cases.
Official-source check completed July 14, 2026. Court portals, access rules, fees, forms, implementation status, phone numbers, mailing addresses, scam warnings, and deadlines can change. Verify directly with the Maine Judicial Branch, Maine State Police SBI, Maine Probate, or federal court before payment, filing, travel, or official use.