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US Court Records | Free Public Search Online
Use this guide to search US court records the right way. Federal cases are searched through PACER or the courthouse where the case was filed. State, county, municipal, probate, family, traffic and local criminal records are usually searched through the state judiciary, county clerk, court clerk, municipal court or specialized court portal.
Direct answer: There is no single free database for every US court record. Use PACER for federal appellate, district and bankruptcy cases. Use the official state judiciary, county clerk, district clerk, court clerk, municipal court, probate court or traffic court website for state and local cases. Use the National Archives for many older federal court records. Use the FBI Identity History Summary route when you need your own federal rap sheet review, not just a court docket.
Who Should Use This US Court Records Search Guide?
This page is for people who need a practical route to public court information without guessing which website is official. It is written for regular users, not just attorneys.
Self-represented users
Find a case, court date, docket, judgment, traffic citation, eviction case, probate matter or document-copy route.
Families and seniors
Understand whether to call the court clerk, visit the courthouse, search online, or request a certified copy.
Employers and agencies
Understand the difference between a court docket, a criminal-history check, a certified record and a background report.
Homeowners and tenants
Look up eviction, small claims, landlord-tenant, foreclosure, lien, judgment or local civil records using the correct court.
Researchers and journalists
Find federal filings through PACER, older federal files through NARA, and state records through official court systems.
Complaint or correction users
Learn what to save, who to contact, and how to challenge wrong identity or incorrect criminal-history information.
Where to Search US Court Records Online
The biggest mistake is treating “US court records” like one database. Court records are divided by court system, state, county, case type and access rules. Start with the court that actually handled the case.
Use PACER for federal appellate, district and bankruptcy court case and docket information.
Use the state judiciary website or the county/district/circuit/superior court clerk portal.
Use the municipal, justice, magistrate, city or county court where the ticket or claim was filed.
Request certified copies from the clerk or records office that maintains the file.
| If you need this | Best official starting point | Search by | Important warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal civil, criminal, bankruptcy or appeals docket | PACER Find a Case | Party name, case number, federal court, nationwide index or court-specific search. | PACER registration is required and document access may have fees. |
| State criminal or civil case | DOJ State Court Resources | State, county, party name, case number, court type or clerk office. | Every state uses different courts, clerks and access rules. |
| County court records | County clerk, district clerk, circuit clerk, superior court clerk or court of record. | County, case type, party, docket number, filing year. | Land records, probate and court records may be held by different offices. |
| Municipal, traffic, small claims or eviction record | City court, municipal court, justice court, magistrate court or local clerk. | Citation number, case number, party, court date or address. | Parking tickets may be handled by a parking agency instead of the court. |
| Immigration court case status | EOIR Automated Case Information | A-Number where applicable. | Court notices are the official source for hearing status. |
| U.S. Tax Court case | U.S. Tax Court Find a Case | Petitioner name or docket number in DAWSON. | Tax Court records are not searched through county courts. |
| U.S. Supreme Court docket | Supreme Court Docket Search | Docket number, case name or words in the docket report. | Supreme Court docket numbers use a term-year format such as 21-471. |
| Old federal court records | National Archives Court Records | Court, date range, district, case title, record group or archive location. | Older files may require archive research, not instant online lookup. |
Federal US Court Records: PACER, District Court, Bankruptcy and Appeals
Federal court records are usually searched through Public Access to Court Electronic Records, known as PACER. The federal court system explains that federal case files contain docket sheets and documents filed in a case, and PACER is the main online route for federal appellate, district and bankruptcy case records.
Decide whether the case is federal
Use PACER for federal district court, federal bankruptcy court and federal court of appeals cases. Do not use PACER for most state, county, municipal, divorce, probate, eviction or traffic cases.
Register or sign in to PACER
PACER requires an account to search federal court records online. Registration is separate from state court portals.
Search the correct court or nationwide index
If you know the district or circuit, search that court directly. If not, use the PACER Case Locator to search a nationwide index.
Open the docket before buying documents
Review the docket sheet first so you know which document number, filing date or order you actually need.
Contact the courthouse for paper or local records
Electronic and paper court records kept at the court can usually be viewed at the courthouse; printing may cost money.
State, County and Local US Court Records
State court systems handle the majority of everyday court records: criminal cases, civil lawsuits, family cases, divorce, probate, guardianship, small claims, landlord-tenant, evictions, traffic, juvenile matters and local ordinance cases. Each state has its own court structure and online access rules.
State judiciary website
Best for statewide appellate dockets, court directories, rules, forms, e-filing, case search portals and official court resources.
County or district clerk
Best for trial court case files, civil and criminal records, certified copies, judgments, filings and local record requests.
Municipal or city court
Best for city tickets, local traffic cases, small claims, ordinance violations and some misdemeanor records.
| State/local record type | Likely office | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Felony criminal case | County/district/circuit/superior court clerk depending on the state. | Case number, defendant identity, charges, disposition, sentence and appeal status. |
| Misdemeanor case | County criminal court, municipal court, district court or local trial court. | Court level, citation or case number, plea, sentence, costs and final disposition. |
| Civil lawsuit or judgment | County civil court clerk, superior court clerk, district clerk or circuit clerk. | Plaintiff, defendant, judgment amount, satisfaction, appeal and lien status. |
| Divorce or family record | Family court, domestic relations court, superior/circuit court or county clerk. | Public access limits; child, custody and financial documents may be restricted. |
| Probate, estate or guardianship | Probate court, surrogate court, county court or clerk of court. | Estate number, decedent name, guardian name and document access rules. |
| Traffic ticket | Municipal court, justice court, traffic court or city payment portal. | Citation number, court date, payment deadline and whether the ticket is court-handled. |
US Court Records Search by Name, Case Number or Court
Most public users search by name first. That can work, but it is also the easiest way to get false matches. A case-number search is cleaner. A court-specific search is safer. A name-only search should always be verified with location, age, middle initial, party role, filing date, case type and disposition.
Search by case number
Best when you have a citation, docket, cause number, filing number, bankruptcy number or appellate docket number.
Search by name
Useful when you do not know the number, but verify identity carefully before relying on the result.
Search by court
Best when you know where the case was filed: county, district, circuit, municipal, bankruptcy or appeals court.
US Criminal Court Records vs Criminal History Background Checks
A criminal court record is not the same as a full criminal-history background check. A court docket usually shows one case or one court’s case activity. A state criminal-history search, FBI Identity History Summary, fingerprint check or employer background check may use different databases and rules.
| Need | Use this route | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Find a criminal case docket | State/county criminal case portal or PACER for federal criminal cases. | Shows court activity, filings, charges, hearings, disposition and orders for that case. |
| Check your own FBI rap sheet | FBI Identity History Summary Check | This is a personal identity-history review, not a county docket search. |
| State criminal history | State police, state bureau of investigation, public safety agency or state court system. | State criminal-history systems differ from local court portals. |
| Correct wrong identity information | Court clerk for court record errors; FBI/state criminal history agency for rap sheet errors. | The correct correction path depends on where the wrong information appears. |
US Civil Court Records: Lawsuits, Judgments, Evictions, Probate and Family Cases
Civil court records cover disputes between people, businesses, landlords, tenants, creditors, debtors, families, estates and government agencies. The right portal depends heavily on state and county court structure.
Civil lawsuits
Search county, district, circuit, superior or civil court portals. Confirm plaintiff, defendant, case number, judgment and appeal status.
Eviction and small claims
Search justice court, magistrate court, housing court, county court or municipal court depending on the local system.
Family and divorce
Search family court or domestic relations records, but expect privacy limits for custody, child support and protected documents.
Probate and estates
Search probate, surrogate, county or chancery court depending on the state. Some estate documents require clerk requests.
Judgments and liens
Search court records for judgments and county recorder/land records for recorded liens, releases or satisfactions.
Appeals
Use state appellate portals for state appeals and PACER for federal appeals. Trial court files may remain with the original court.
Bankruptcy, Immigration, Tax Court and Supreme Court Records
Some US court records live outside normal state or county case-search portals. Use the official specialized system instead of a private search site.
| Special record | Official route | Search tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bankruptcy case | PACER | Use debtor name, bankruptcy court, case number, filing district or nationwide PACER index. |
| Immigration court case | EOIR Automated Case Information | Use the A-Number when applicable; rely on official hearing notices for final status. |
| U.S. Tax Court case | U.S. Tax Court DAWSON | Search by petitioner name or docket number; include the dash in docket numbers where required. |
| U.S. Supreme Court docket | Supreme Court Docket Search | Search by docket number, case name or words in the docket report. |
| Old federal files | National Archives Court Records | Older records may require archive identifiers, court location, time period or written research request. |
How to Get Official or Certified US Court Records
Online search results are useful, but an agency, employer, attorney, court, lender, licensing board or immigration office may require an official or certified copy. Certified copies must usually come from the clerk or records office that holds the case file.
Identify the exact court
Write down federal or state, court name, county, division, case number, parties, filing year and case type.
Find the record-holding office
For federal cases, use the federal court clerk or PACER. For state/local cases, use the county clerk, district clerk, circuit clerk, superior court clerk, probate clerk or municipal court.
Ask what copy type is required
Plain copy, certified copy, exemplified copy, transcript, docket sheet, judgment, disposition and background check are different.
Confirm fees and delivery
Ask for current copy fees, certification fees, payment methods, mailing address, email options, pickup hours and turnaround time.
Save proof
Keep receipts, confirmation numbers, clerk emails, certified-copy seals, mailing tracking and the exact document title you requested.
PACER Fees, Free Courthouse Access and Copy Costs
“Free public search” does not always mean every document is free. Some docket searches are free. Some court portals charge for documents, copies, certified copies, transcripts or printing. Federal PACER has its own fee rules.
| Action | Typical cost rule | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Register for PACER | No fee to register. | Registration type, billing setup and account status. |
| View federal documents on PACER | PACER lists a per-page fee, with a maximum charge per document and quarterly waiver rules for low usage. | Current PACER fee schedule before downloading many documents. |
| View records at federal courthouse | Electronic and paper records kept at the courthouse can be viewed at the courthouse; printing may cost money. | Public terminal access, clerk hours, printing fee and document availability. |
| State/local online portal search | Some searches are free; some documents or official copies cost money. | State or county fee schedule before paying. |
| Certified copy or transcript | Usually fee-based. | Certification, exemplification, transcript rate, mailing cost and turnaround. |
What US Court Records May Not Show Online
Public access has limits. Some case information may be sealed, confidential, restricted, delayed, redacted, archived, expunged or available only in person or by court order.
Sealed and expunged cases
These may be removed from public access or restricted by court order.
Juvenile and adoption records
These are often confidential and may require special authorization.
Family and protection cases
Some child, custody, protective-order and financial details may be hidden or redacted.
Recent filings
New cases and hearing updates may not appear immediately online.
Old paper files
Older records may be archived, microfilmed or retired to a records center.
Wrong database
A missing result often means the case is in a different court, not that no case exists.
US Court Record Not Found? Fix the Search This Way
Search the correct level
Federal, state, county, municipal, probate, traffic, tax and immigration records use different systems.
Try name variations
Use middle initials, maiden names, business suffixes, hyphenated names, aliases and spelling variants.
Use the case number
Case number, docket number, citation number or bankruptcy number is usually more accurate than name-only search.
Check older records
Older federal records may be with the National Archives. Older state records may be with a local archive or clerk.
Ask about sealed access
If a record is sealed or restricted, the clerk cannot provide it like a normal public record.
Call the clerk
When the search fails, the clerk can often tell you whether you are using the wrong portal or need a written request.
After You Find a US Court Record Online
Finding a record is not the final step if you need it for legal, employment, licensing, immigration, housing, finance, title, school, custody or official use.
Save this information
- Court name and location
- Case number or docket number
- Party names and case caption
- Document numbers you need
- Disposition, judgment or final order date
- Search date and portal used
- Payment or copy confirmation number
Call the court when
- The record affects a deadline or legal right
- You need certified copies
- The result may match the wrong person
- The record appears outdated or incomplete
- The case may be sealed or expunged
- You paid but the portal did not update
- An agency rejected your document
US Court Records Scam and Privacy Warnings
Search results often show private background-check pages above official court links. Some are legitimate data brokers, but they may be incomplete, outdated, expensive or not accepted as official court records.
US Court Records: Short Answer for Bing, Copilot and AI Search
US court records are searched by court system. Use PACER for federal appellate, district and bankruptcy records. Use state judiciary or county clerk websites for state criminal, civil, family, probate, traffic, eviction and local records. Use EOIR for immigration court case status, U.S. Tax Court DAWSON for Tax Court cases, the Supreme Court docket search for Supreme Court matters, and the National Archives for many older federal records. For official use, request certified copies from the clerk or court that keeps the file.
| Question | Clean answer |
|---|---|
| Is there one free US court records search? | No. Federal, state, county, municipal, probate, traffic and special court records are split across different official systems. |
| Where are federal court records? | Use PACER or the federal courthouse where the case was filed. |
| Where are state court records? | Use the state judiciary website or the county/court clerk that handled the case. |
| Where are old federal court records? | Check the National Archives or the federal court clerk to learn whether the case file was retired. |
| Where do certified copies come from? | Certified copies come from the court clerk, records office or archive that maintains the official file. |
Official US Court Records Links
PACER Find a Case
Search federal appellate, district and bankruptcy court records.
Open PACER Find a CaseU.S. Courts Court Records
Federal judiciary guide to case files, court records, PACER and courthouse access.
Open U.S. Courts GuideNational Archives Court Records
Older federal court records and judicial archive guidance.
Open National ArchivesFBI Identity History Summary
Personal federal criminal history summary check route.
Open FBI Summary CheckUS Court Records FAQs
How do I search US court records online for free?
Start with the correct court system. Use PACER for federal cases, the state judiciary or county clerk for state and county cases, and the municipal or traffic court for local tickets. Some searches are free, but document downloads, copies, certification, transcripts or printing may cost money.
Is there one database for all US court records?
No. US court records are divided among federal courts, state courts, county clerks, municipal courts, probate courts, traffic courts, immigration court, Tax Court, the Supreme Court and archives. The right search depends on where the case was filed.
Where do I find federal court records?
Use PACER for federal appellate, district and bankruptcy court records. You can also contact or visit the clerk’s office at the courthouse where the case was filed.
Can I search US court records by name?
Yes, many portals allow name search, but name-only results can be wrong. Confirm the court, county, case type, filing date, party role, middle initial, business name and disposition before relying on a result.
Are court records the same as a background check?
No. A court record usually shows one case or one court’s docket. A criminal-history background check may come from the FBI, a state agency, fingerprints, law enforcement or a separate authorized background-check process.
How do I get certified copies of court records?
Contact the clerk, records office or archive that holds the official case file. Ask for the current copy fee, certification fee, payment method, request form, delivery options and whether the record can be released.
Why can’t I find a US court record online?
The case may be in another court, filed under another name, sealed, expunged, juvenile, confidential, recently filed, archived, local-only, paper-only, or not a court record. Try the correct court level and call the clerk.
Are PACER records free?
Registration is free, but PACER may charge for accessing federal court records after login. Federal court records kept at the courthouse can often be viewed at the courthouse, while printing or copies may cost money.
Where do I find old federal court records?
Start with the federal court clerk. If the case file was retired, the National Archives may hold older federal court records. You may need the court, district, date range, case name or docket information.
Can I use a private court-record website instead of the official court?
Private sites may be incomplete, outdated or not accepted for official use. Use official court, clerk, PACER, state judiciary, National Archives, FBI or government websites first, especially before paying or relying on a record.
Best Next Step for US Court Records
Decide the court system first. Use PACER for federal district, bankruptcy and appellate cases. Use the state judiciary or county clerk for state and local court records. Use municipal court for tickets and small local cases. Use EOIR for immigration court status, U.S. Tax Court for tax cases, the Supreme Court docket search for Supreme Court matters, and the National Archives for many older federal records. For official use, request certified copies from the court or records office that holds the file.
Official-source check completed June 18, 2026. Court portals, fees, copy rules, public access limits, contact information and payment links can change. Verify directly with the official court before relying on a record.