Search New Jersey court records in 2026 using official Judiciary tools for public case lookup, civil and foreclosure records, PROMIS/Gavel criminal cases, municipal tickets and complaints, judgment search, copies, transcripts, expungement, New Jersey State Police criminal history requests, and federal PACER records.
Need New Jersey Court Records Right Now?
Start with the official NJ Courts Find a Case page. It links to public case databases, civil and foreclosure access, criminal case search, municipal court case search, judgment search, opinions, attorney discipline records, and record request tools. If you need a certified court record, use the Superior Court Clerk’s Office record request process instead of relying on a screenshot.
New Jersey Court Records Overview
New Jersey court records are official case records created by New Jersey courts. They may include docket numbers, case captions, party names, attorneys, filing dates, charges, complaints, motions, orders, judgments, hearing events, dispositions, transcripts, and public documents when access is allowed.
New Jersey court records are not searched from one single page for every case type. Civil and foreclosure cases, criminal cases, municipal tickets, judgments, family matters, probate records, Tax Court matters, appellate cases, and federal cases use different tools and offices. The fastest search starts by identifying the court level first.
Fast New Jersey court record lookup by record type
| Record Type | Best Starting Point | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Civil and foreclosure cases | NJ Courts Civil and Foreclosure Public Access | Registration or eCourts credentials may be required. |
| Criminal Superior Court cases | PROMIS/Gavel Public Access | Some criminal records are not available for public inspection. |
| Traffic tickets and municipal complaints | Municipal Court Case Search | Ticket number or complaint number may be needed. |
| Judgments | NJ Courts Judgment Search | Search by judgment details using required fields. |
| Certified copies and old closed files | Superior Court Clerk’s Office | Use the official record request form. |
| Federal cases | PACER | Federal cases are not found through NJ Courts state tools. |
NJ Courts Find a Case Search
The official Find a Case page is the safest starting point for New Jersey public court records. It links to civil and foreclosure case access, criminal case search, municipal court case lookup, judgment search, written opinions, attorney discipline records, and other public court databases.
How to use NJ Courts Find a Case for public lookup
- Open the official Find a Case page Go to njcourts.gov/public/find-a-case.
- Select the correct case category Choose civil and foreclosure, criminal, municipal, judgment, appellate, attorney discipline, or another listed search tool.
- Use the strongest search detail Docket number, indictment number, complaint number, ticket number, judgment number, or party name can help depending on the tool.
- Verify the record before relying on it Confirm court type, county, filing date, party role, attorney, disposition and docket status.
New Jersey Civil and Foreclosure Case Search
For New Jersey civil and foreclosure case records, use the official Civil and Foreclosure Public Access path. Users can search civil and foreclosure case jackets by party name or docket number after registering or using existing eCourts credentials when applicable.
How to search New Jersey civil case jackets
- Open Civil and Foreclosure Public Access Use Civil and Foreclosure Public Access.
- Register or sign in Follow the NJ Courts registration instructions. Attorneys may need to use attorney credentials or bar ID access.
- Search by docket number or party name Docket number is best. Party name search works, but verify county, docket type and filing date.
- Review the case jacket carefully A civil case jacket may include docket entries and documents such as complaints, motions, briefs, signed orders and notifications where access is allowed.
Common New Jersey civil court record searches
| User Search Intent | Likely Record | What to Review |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey civil lawsuit search | Law Division civil case | Complaint, answer, motions, orders, judgment |
| New Jersey foreclosure records | Foreclosure case jacket | Docket number, property, parties, final judgment |
| New Jersey landlord tenant case search | Special Civil Part or landlord-tenant matter | County, docket type, hearing status, judgment |
| New Jersey small claims records | Special Civil Part small claims | Claim amount, judgment, satisfaction and hearing |
| New Jersey judgment records | Judgment search or civil case jacket | Judgment number, debtor, creditor, status |
New Jersey Criminal Case Search: PROMIS/Gavel
New Jersey criminal Superior Court case information can be searched through PROMIS/Gavel Public Access. This public tool is designed for criminal case lookup, but some records are not available for public inspection under statutes and New Jersey court rules.
How to search New Jersey criminal court records online
- Open PROMIS/Gavel Public Access Go to Criminal Cases: PROMIS/Gavel Public Access.
- Select one search type Use defendant name, indictment or accusation number, complaint number, or another available search field.
- Enter details carefully Names can be entered differently across court systems. Try middle initials, spelling variations and county context where available.
- Check public access limits If the case is sealed, expunged, juvenile, confidential or restricted, it may not appear in the public search tool.
New Jersey Municipal Court Case Search
New Jersey municipal courts handle many traffic tickets, local ordinance cases, parking tickets, disorderly persons offenses, petty disorderly persons matters, and municipal complaints. The official Municipal Court Case Search helps users look up municipal traffic, parking and complaint information online.
How to search a New Jersey traffic ticket or municipal complaint
- Open Municipal Court Case Search Go to Municipal Court Case Search.
- Use ticket or complaint information The search may ask for ticket number, complaint number, license plate, driver information or court details depending on the search option.
- Review case status Check the municipal court, complaint number, charge, payment eligibility, court date and case status.
- Follow court instructions before paying Paying a ticket or resolving a municipal matter can affect points, driving record, fines or plea status.
New Jersey Judgment Search
The New Jersey Judiciary provides a public Judgment Search tool for judgment records. This is useful for users searching “New Jersey judgment search,” “NJ judgment lien search,” “civil judgment lookup,” or “verify judgment satisfaction.”
How to search New Jersey judgments online
- Open Judgment Search Use NJ Courts Judgment Search.
- Choose the right tab Search by the judgment details required by the system, such as name, docket or judgment information.
- Confirm debtor and creditor details Look carefully at names, dates, docket number, judgment number and satisfaction information.
- Request official copies if needed For official proof of judgment or satisfaction, follow court record request procedures.
Search New Jersey Court Records by Docket or Case Number
A docket number or case number is the strongest way to search New Jersey court records. It is usually printed on court notices, complaints, summonses, judgments, orders, traffic tickets, foreclosure papers, divorce documents and attorney letters.
Common New Jersey case identifiers users search
| Identifier | Common Use | Best Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Civil docket number | Civil lawsuit, foreclosure or special civil case | Civil and Foreclosure Public Access |
| Indictment or accusation number | Superior Court criminal case | PROMIS/Gavel |
| Complaint number | Criminal or municipal complaint | PROMIS/Gavel or Municipal Court Case Search |
| Ticket number | Traffic or parking matter | Municipal Court Case Search |
| Judgment number | Civil judgment lookup | Judgment Search |
| Federal case number | U.S. District Court case | PACER |
- Copy the number exactly Use letters, numbers and year exactly as shown on the official notice.
- Select the correct search tool Civil, criminal, municipal, judgment and federal records are not searched in one single database.
- Check party details After opening a result, confirm names, county, case type, attorney and filing date.
- Request copies through the right office Use NJ Courts record request tools for state court records and PACER for federal documents.
Search New Jersey Court Records by Name or Business Name
Name search is useful when you do not know the docket number. People search this as “New Jersey court records by name,” “NJ criminal case search by defendant name,” “New Jersey civil case search by party,” and “New Jersey public records court search.” Name-only searching must be handled carefully because many people and businesses share similar names.
Micro steps for New Jersey court records name search
- Use the legal name first Search last name and first name as they may appear on the court filing.
- Try name variations Use middle initials, maiden names, former names, hyphenated names, nicknames and common spelling variations.
- Search business names multiple ways Try the full legal entity name, trade name, abbreviation, punctuation-free version and “LLC” or “Inc” variations.
- Confirm the record before relying on it Check court level, county, filing date, party role, docket type and other identifiers.
New Jersey Divorce and Family Court Records
New Jersey family court records may involve divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, domestic violence, adoption, juvenile matters, guardianship-related family issues and other sensitive cases. Some docket information may be public, but many family and juvenile details are restricted.
How to request New Jersey divorce records
- Identify the county and docket number Divorce records are usually tied to the Superior Court family division in the county where the case was filed.
- Use the Superior Court Clerk record request process For divorce decrees and closed family files, use Copies of Court Records.
- Provide names and dates Include both party names, approximate filing year, county and docket number if known.
- Ask whether certification is needed Name change, remarriage, immigration, benefit claims and legal filings often need certified copies.
New Jersey Probate, Surrogate and Estate Records
New Jersey probate and estate records often involve the county Surrogate’s Court rather than a general online statewide court search. Probate records may include wills, administrations, guardianships, estate filings, renunciations, inventories, bonds and certificates.
How to search New Jersey probate and estate records
- Identify the county surrogate Start with the county where the decedent lived or where the estate was opened.
- Search by decedent or estate name Use full legal name, former name, middle initial and spelling variations.
- Ask about certified probate documents Banks, title companies and agencies may need certified letters testamentary, letters of administration or surrogate certificates.
- Separate probate from civil lawsuits A contested estate lawsuit may appear in Superior Court, but routine estate filing is usually handled by the county surrogate.
New Jersey Tax Court and Appellate Records
Some New Jersey court records are not ordinary trial-court records. Tax Court cases, Appellate Division matters and Supreme Court matters may use separate search pages, opinions databases, clerk offices or e-filing systems.
When to search Tax Court or appellate records
| Record Need | Likely Court | Where to Start |
|---|---|---|
| Property tax appeal | Tax Court or county tax board path | NJ Courts Tax Court resources |
| Appeal from trial court | Appellate Division | NJ Courts appellate case resources |
| Published legal opinion | Appellate or Supreme Court | NJ Courts opinions database |
| Federal appeal | Third Circuit | PACER or federal court resources |
Copies, Certified Records and Transcripts
Online court search helps you locate a case, but official use often requires copies from the court. The New Jersey Judiciary provides a court records request process through the Superior Court Clerk’s Office. This request process is for court records; transcript requests are handled separately.
How to request New Jersey court records
- Open the court record copy page Go to Copies of Court Records.
- Use the official request form The records request form asks for case numbers, dates, names and the records requested.
- Describe the exact document List the complaint, order, judgment, decree, disposition, transcript, or other document name if known.
- Ask about certification For official proof, ask whether a certified copy is required and what fee or processing method applies.
Copies vs transcripts
| Need | Use | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | Superior Court Clerk record request | Use case number and document details. |
| Certified copy | Clerk’s Office request | Needed for many official uses. |
| Hearing transcript | Transcript request process | Not the same as a regular record copy request. |
| Federal court document | PACER or federal clerk | State court record request will not retrieve federal documents. |
New Jersey Expungement and Sealed Records
New Jersey expungement is the legal process used to remove eligible records from public access. The New Jersey Judiciary provides an eCourts Expungement System for applications. The Judiciary states that the system is free and users need a case number to begin.
How to start a New Jersey expungement request
- Find your case number first Use NJ Courts public tools or old paperwork to locate your complaint, indictment, accusation or docket number.
- Open the expungement help page Go to Expunging Your Court Record.
- Use eCourts Expungement if eligible Follow the Judiciary’s online instructions and gather required case details.
- Wait for court and agency processing After an order is granted, agencies responsible for removing or sealing records must process the order.
Records that may be restricted or unavailable online
- Expunged or sealed cases
- Juvenile matters
- Adoption records
- Certain domestic violence and family records
- Protected victim or witness information
- Confidential medical, mental health or financial filings
- Records restricted by statute, court rule or court order
New Jersey Court Records vs NJSP Criminal History
Many users search “New Jersey court records” when they actually need a criminal history record. These are different. Court records show case information from New Jersey courts. Criminal History Record Information for non-criminal justice purposes is requested through New Jersey State Police-related systems and approved processes.
Which New Jersey record tool should you use?
| Need | Use | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| Search civil or foreclosure case records | NJ Courts Civil and Foreclosure Public Access | Civil and Foreclosure Public Access |
| Search Superior Court criminal cases | PROMIS/Gavel Public Access | PROMIS/Gavel |
| Search traffic or municipal complaint records | Municipal Court Case Search | Municipal Court Case Search |
| Request criminal history information | NJSP criminal history request portal | Criminal History Record Request |
| Search federal court records | PACER | PACER |
Federal Court Records in New Jersey
Federal court records are not searched through NJ Courts state portals. Federal civil, criminal, bankruptcy and appellate records are accessed through PACER and the federal court where the case was filed. The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey has locations in Newark, Trenton and Camden.
How to search New Jersey federal court records
- Open PACER Go to pacer.uscourts.gov.
- Search the District of New Jersey Use the District of New Jersey if the federal case was filed in New Jersey.
- Use party name or federal case number Federal case numbers use a different format than state docket numbers.
- Use PACER Case Locator if unsure If you do not know the federal court, use PACER Case Locator to identify possible court locations.
| Federal Court Location | Address | Official Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Newark | Martin Luther King Building & U.S. Courthouse, 50 Walnut Street, Newark, NJ 07102 | District of New Jersey |
| Trenton | Clarkson S. Fisher Building & U.S. Courthouse, 402 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 | District of New Jersey |
| Camden | Mitchell H. Cohen Building & U.S. Courthouse, 4th & Cooper Streets, Camden, NJ 08101 | District of New Jersey |
New Jersey Courthouse Locations and Map
For state-level public record help, the New Jersey Judiciary website is the central starting point. For in-person records, local county courthouses, Superior Court Clerk’s Office functions, municipal courts, surrogate offices and federal courts may all matter depending on the record type.
Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex
25 Market Street, Trenton, NJ 08625
Main public resource: New Jersey Courts
Public case search start: Find a Case
Official New Jersey court record links
| Need | Official Resource |
|---|---|
| Public case databases | Find a Case |
| Civil and foreclosure cases | Civil and Foreclosure Public Access |
| Criminal cases | PROMIS/Gavel Public Access |
| Municipal cases | Municipal Court Case Search |
| Judgments | Judgment Search |
| Record copies | Copies of Court Records |
| Federal records | PACER |
Practical New Jersey Court Records Search Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search New Jersey court records online for free?
Start at the official NJ Courts Find a Case page. It links to civil and foreclosure access, criminal PROMIS/Gavel search, municipal court case search, judgment search, opinions and record request tools.
What is the official New Jersey court records website?
The official website is njcourts.gov. For public case search tools, use the NJ Courts Find a Case page.
Can I search New Jersey court records by name?
Yes, some New Jersey case tools allow name searches. Civil and foreclosure records may be searched by party name, criminal records may be searched by defendant name, and judgment searches may allow name-based lookup.
How do I search New Jersey criminal court records?
Use PROMIS/Gavel Public Access for Superior Court criminal case information. Search by defendant name, indictment or accusation number, complaint number or other available search details.
How do I search a New Jersey traffic ticket?
Use Municipal Court Case Search for traffic, parking and municipal complaint information. You may need the ticket number, complaint number or related case information.
How do I search New Jersey civil court records?
Use Civil and Foreclosure Public Access through NJ Courts. You may need to register or use eCourts credentials, then search by docket number or party name.
Are New Jersey divorce records public?
Some divorce case information may be accessible, but family records can contain restricted information. Certified divorce decrees and closed records should be requested through the official court record request process.
How do I get certified copies of New Jersey court records?
Use the NJ Courts Copies of Court Records page and submit the records request form with case numbers, dates, names and document details. Ask whether certification is required for your purpose.
Is a New Jersey court search the same as a criminal history check?
No. Court search shows case information. A criminal history record request is handled through New Jersey State Police-related criminal history processes for non-criminal justice purposes.
How do I search New Jersey judgments?
Use the NJ Courts Judgment Search portal. Search by the required judgment information and verify names, docket number, judgment number, status and satisfaction details.
Why can’t I find a New Jersey court record online?
The case may be sealed, expunged, juvenile, confidential, archived, in another court system, under a different name, or not available through public remote access. Contact the correct court office for verification.
How do I expunge a New Jersey court record?
Use the NJ Courts expungement help page and eCourts Expungement System if eligible. The system is free, and you need case details such as case number, complaint number or disposition information.
Are juvenile records public in New Jersey?
Juvenile records are often restricted or confidential. Access depends on the case type, law, court rule, court order and requester’s role.
Where do I find New Jersey probate records?
Many probate and estate records are handled by county surrogate offices. Search by county, decedent name and estate information, and request certified probate documents from the surrogate when needed.
How do I search New Jersey federal court records?
Use PACER for federal records. New Jersey federal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and related federal courts, not the NJ Courts state search portals.
Final Summary
For new jersey court records, start with NJ Courts Find a Case. Use Civil and Foreclosure Public Access for civil records, PROMIS/Gavel for Superior Court criminal records, Municipal Court Case Search for tickets and local complaints, Judgment Search for judgments, the Superior Court Clerk’s Office for copies, NJSP criminal history request tools for background records, and PACER for federal cases.
The best search method is docket number, complaint number, ticket number, judgment number or indictment number. Name-only searches can miss records or match the wrong person. For legal, employment, housing, immigration, licensing or official use, request certified records or use the required background-check process.