Search Court Records by Name
Enter first name, last name, and state to prepare a court records search.
Search U.S. Court Records Without Using the Wrong Portal
U.S. court records are split across federal, state, county, municipal, bankruptcy, probate and appellate systems. The safest search starts by identifying the court first, then using the official lookup, clerk, PACER, RECAP archive or certified-copy route that matches the case.
This guide shows what is free, what may cost money, how a federal criminal case search by name works, where RECAP court records can save money, how Virginia Circuit and General District Court case information fits into state-level searches, and when online results are not enough.
Quick answer: There is no single free official website that searches every U.S. court record. Use PACER for federal district, bankruptcy and appellate records; use the PACER Case Locator if you do not know the federal court; search RECAP/CourtListener before buying federal documents; use the correct state, county, circuit, district, municipal or probate court portal for most non-federal records; and contact the court clerk when you need a certified copy or legal proof.
Federal court records are handled through U.S. Courts/PACER or the clerk of the federal court where the case was filed. PACER provides federal electronic case access, the PACER Case Locator searches a national federal index, and U.S. Courts notes older paper files or Federal Records Center/NARA routes may apply. State and county cases require the correct state or local court source.
Which U.S. Court Records Source Should You Use?
The biggest mistake is searching the right name in the wrong court system. PACER does not search most state arrests, county criminal cases, traffic tickets, divorces, probate files, evictions or small claims. A county portal does not replace PACER for federal bankruptcy, federal civil lawsuits, federal criminal prosecutions or federal appeals.
Use PACER, PACER Case Locator, a federal court website or the federal clerk.
Use the state judicial branch, state case search or local clerk portal.
Use a county clerk, district clerk, circuit clerk, superior court, municipal court or probate court.
Ask the court clerk for a certified copy, certified disposition, judgment, order or transcript.
| If you need this | Best official starting point | Search by | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal district, bankruptcy or appellate case | PACER Find a Case | Case number, party name, business name, court, date range or case type. | Federal only; not a nationwide state/county court search. |
| Nationwide federal party-name search | PACER Case Locator | Party, business, case number, region, court type or date range. | Index updates daily; original filings remain with the federal court. |
| U.S. Supreme Court docket | Supreme Court docket search | Docket number, case name or words in docket report. | Supreme Court only; not a lower trial-court search. |
| State criminal, civil, traffic, family or probate case | Official state court or local clerk portal. | State, county, court type, party name, docket number, citation number or filing date. | Each state controls public access differently. |
| Older federal case file | National Archives court records | Federal court, district, case number, date range and party name. | Recent federal files usually remain with the individual court. |
| Certified copy or legal proof | Clerk of the court that handled the case. | Case number, document title, filing date, parties and court location. | Fees, forms, seals and processing times vary by court. |
U.S. Court Records Free Search: What Is Free and What Is Not?
Searches such as u.s. court records free, free federal court records search and public access to court records usually come from people trying to avoid private background-check sites. The honest answer is mixed. Some opinions, docket summaries, free state portals and archived federal documents are free. PACER documents, certified copies, transcripts, clerk searches and older file retrievals may cost money.
| Search option | Often free? | Best use | What may still cost money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal court opinions | Often yes | Published opinions from appellate, district and bankruptcy courts. | Full docket reports and filed documents may require PACER. |
| RECAP / CourtListener | Yes, if already archived | Checking whether a PACER document has already been shared into the public RECAP archive. | Missing documents may still require PACER or a court clerk request. |
| State court portals | Varies | State criminal, civil, family, probate or traffic case lookup. | Document images, advanced access, certified copies or subscriptions. |
| County court portals | Varies widely | Local criminal, civil, eviction, probate, traffic and small-claims searches. | Copies, certification, archives, payment processing and mailing. |
| PACER dockets/documents | Sometimes, after quarterly waiver | Official federal docket sheets and public federal filings. | Per-page charges unless waived under PACER’s quarterly threshold. |
United States Court Records Electronic Access: How PACER Works
United States court records electronic access usually means PACER for federal appellate, district and bankruptcy court records. If you know the specific federal court, search that court directly. If you do not know where the case was filed, use the PACER Case Locator first.
Register or log in
You need a PACER account to access most federal electronic court records. Registration is separate from state and county court portals.
Choose direct court search or Case Locator
Direct court search is best when you know the district, bankruptcy court or appeals court. Case Locator is best when you only know a person, company or party name and need a national federal index.
Open the docket before opening documents
The docket is the case timeline. Read it first so you know which complaint, indictment, motion, order, judgment, discharge or sentencing document actually matters.
Save what you open
Once you access a document, save the PDF, docket number, filing number and receipt details. This helps avoid repeat charges and helps if a court, attorney or agency asks for the same filing later.
Search by specific court
Use this when you know the district, bankruptcy court or appeals court. PACER says specific court search is updated immediately as the court updates its records.
Open specific court search guideSearch by national index
Use PACER Case Locator when you do not know which federal court has the case. It searches a nationwide index of federal cases.
Open national index guideNeed human help?
PACER Service Center support is listed at 1-800-676-6856 and pacer@psc.uscourts.gov. Call before running expensive broad searches.
Open PACER helpPACER Fees, Name Search Costs, Document Caps and the 2027 Temporary Increase
PACER fees matter because a broad name search can create billable pages even if it returns too many matches or no useful result. Current PACER guidance lists $0.10 per page, a $3.00 cap for many single case-specific documents, and a quarterly waiver when total charges are $30 or less. The cap does not apply to name-search results, non-case-specific reports or transcripts.
| Fee issue | What it means | Smart user action |
|---|---|---|
| Per-page access | PACER charges by page for case information unless charges are waived under the quarterly threshold. | Use case numbers, date filters and specific courts to reduce broad searching. |
| Document cap | Many single case-specific documents are capped, but not every PACER result has that cap. | Open the docket first, then choose only the exact document you need. |
| No-match searches | PACER may charge for the page generated by a search even when it finds no matches. | Do not repeatedly test vague party-name searches. Narrow the court and date first. |
| Quarterly waiver | Current policy waives charges at or below the quarterly threshold. | Track quarterly use if you are doing repeated research. |
| 2027 temporary increase | PACER announced a temporary increase from 10 cents to 12 cents per page effective January 1, 2027, while the automatic quarterly exemption rises from $30 to $40. | Check official PACER pricing before large searches in 2027. |
July 2026 PACER PDF Updates: Passwords, MFA, Login Help and Billing
The July 2026 PACER Quarterly Newsletter adds practical details that many generic court-record guides miss. These are especially important for users who already have a PACER account or who share an account in a law office, newsroom, research team or records department.
🔐 New password enforcement
Starting August 17, 2026, PACER users who have not updated their password in the past 18 months are required to create a new one. New passwords must be 14-45 characters, include lowercase, uppercase and special characters, avoid the user’s name/username/email, and avoid repeating the same character three times in a row.
📲 MFA login reminder
If enrolled in MFA, open the authentication app before logging in. The one-time code is displayed inside the app; the PDF says it is not sent by text or push notification.
| Problem | PACER PDF guidance | What to do before you panic |
|---|---|---|
| Login fails | Confirm credentials and remember passwords are case-sensitive. | Retype credentials slowly before resetting. |
| MFA code issue | Use the authentication app code; do not wait for text or push code. | Open the registered app and enter the current one-time passcode. |
| Browser issue | Clear cookies/cache, restart browser, try another browser or network. | Test a second browser before calling support. |
| Need PSC support | Have account number, username, federal court if applicable, specific issue and security-question answers ready. | Call 800-676-6856 with details. The PDF says PSC cannot locate accounts by state bar number. |
| Billing question | Credit-card statement may show “PACER 800-676-6856 IR.” | Match the charge to your PACER account before disputing. |
RECAP Court Records: Check This Before Paying PACER
RECAP court records are federal PACER dockets and documents that have been gathered into the CourtListener RECAP Archive. It is often the best free first check when you need a federal complaint, motion, order, docket entry or filing and want to see whether another user has already made it available.
✅ Useful when
You need a federal complaint, order, docket or filing that may already be publicly archived.
⚠️ Not official proof
RECAP is helpful for access, but PACER or the federal clerk remains the official route for current status and certified copies.
🧾 Not complete
If RECAP does not have a document, it may still exist in PACER or with the court clerk.
Search RECAP by party, docket or keyword
Use the party name, federal case number, document title, filing terms, district or court name if known.
Compare the result with the official docket
Make sure the document number, court, parties and filing date match before relying on it.
Use PACER or the clerk for missing/current records
RECAP can reduce cost, but it does not replace official court verification for legal use.
Federal Criminal Case Search by Name vs Criminal Public Records Search
A federal criminal case search by name is for federal criminal prosecutions only. It may show federal indictments, informations, motions, orders, plea entries, sentencing entries, judgments and appeals when those records are public. It will not search most state arrests, local warrants, county criminal cases, traffic tickets, police reports or state background checks.
| Record type | Where to start | May show | May miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal criminal docket | PACER or federal court clerk | Federal charges, docket entries, hearings, sentencing and public filings. | State cases, sealed filings and non-federal records. |
| State criminal docket | State court or county criminal court portal | Charges, hearings, pleas, disposition, fines, sentence and case status. | Federal cases, sealed records, arrests not filed in court. |
| Police or arrest report | Sheriff, police department or records unit | Incident or arrest information. | Final court outcome, expungement or appeal status. |
| FBI or state background check | FBI, state repository or authorized screening route | Criminal history according to agency rules. | Civil cases, non-reportable cases and some sealed matters. |
How to Get Court Records Online for Free from State and County Courts
Most U.S. court records are not federal records. State and county courts handle most criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, divorces, custody disputes, probate files, evictions, small claims, traffic tickets and local ordinance cases. That means a public access to court records search usually starts with the state or county where the case was filed.
Identify the filing location
Use the state and county where the lawsuit, charge, divorce, probate filing, citation, eviction or hearing happened.
Find the official court or clerk site
Look for a state judicial branch, county clerk, district clerk, circuit clerk, superior court, municipal court, probate court or traffic court website.
Select the correct case category
Criminal, civil, family, probate, traffic, small claims and appeals may use separate search pages.
Use exact identifiers when possible
Case number, citation number, docket number, filing date and court location are safer than broad name searches.
Contact the clerk for documents
Some portals show only summaries. Ask the clerk how to obtain the complaint, order, judgment, disposition, decree or certified copy.
California example
California public access depends on the county superior court. Start with the county court’s official case access page.
Read California Court RecordsTexas example
Texas records may be split among district clerks, county clerks, justice courts and municipal courts.
Read Texas Court RecordsFlorida example
Florida court searches often begin with the county Clerk of Court, then move to state or federal resources when needed.
Read Florida Court RecordsVirginia Circuit Court Case Information and General District Court Case Information
Searches for virginia circuit court case information and general district court case information belong in this U.S. guide because they show why state-level records must be routed by court level. Virginia’s official case-information page routes users to separate systems for appellate courts, OCIS statewide search, Circuit Court, General District Court, juvenile/domestic relations, payments and land records.
| Virginia search need | Official route | Search fields | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Circuit Court case information | Virginia Case Status and Information | Name, case number or hearing date by locality for select Circuit Courts. | Use Circuit Court for many felony, civil, divorce, probate, land and higher trial-court matters. |
| Virginia General District Court case information | General District Court Online Case Information | Name, case number or hearing date; online payments are made through this system where available. | Use General District Court for many civil, criminal and traffic cases handled at that level. |
| Statewide Virginia adult criminal/traffic search | Virginia OCIS statewide search | System-supported search fields; payments cannot be made using statewide search. | Use the right Virginia payment system if you need to pay a court balance. |
| Virginia land records | Secure Remote Access to Land Records | Local circuit clerk record access where participating. | Registration with the local Circuit Court Clerk may be required. |
What U.S. Court Records Can Include
A court record can be more than one PDF. It may include a docket sheet, complaint, indictment, petition, motion, order, judgment, sentencing document, transcript, exhibit list, notice, filing receipt, appeal entry, discharge order, decree or clerk certification. Availability depends on court type, access rules and whether the file is public.
⚖️ Civil records
Lawsuits, judgments, small claims, landlord-tenant cases, debt collection, contract disputes and civil-rights cases.
🚨 Criminal records
Charges, docket entries, pleas, hearings, sentencing, probation, costs, warrant entries and dispositions.
💳 Bankruptcy records
Chapter 7, 11, 12 and 13 petitions, schedules, trustee filings, discharge orders and adversary proceedings.
👨👩👧 Family records
Divorce, custody, support and protection cases, often with restricted online document access.
🏡 Probate records
Estate, will, guardianship, conservatorship and trust files, usually held by probate court or county clerk.
🚗 Traffic records
Citations, municipal court cases, ordinance violations, court dates, payment status and license consequences.
Certified Copies and Court Clerk Requests: When Online Search Is Not Enough
A certified copy is an official copy issued by the court clerk with certification, seal or court authentication. Many employers, licensing boards, banks, title companies, immigration attorneys, schools, government agencies and foreign authorities will not accept screenshots, scraped results or unofficial printouts.
Find the exact court
Identify whether the record is federal, state, county, municipal, probate, family, bankruptcy or appellate.
Collect precise case details
Write down case number, party names, filing date, document title, judge, court location and case type.
Ask for the exact document
Request the final judgment, disposition, docket sheet, sentencing order, divorce decree, bankruptcy discharge, probate order or transcript instead of “everything.”
Confirm copy type and fee
Plain copy, certified copy, exemplified copy, transcript and apostille-ready document can have different fees and processing times.
Sealed, Expunged, Juvenile and Confidential Court Records
Public access does not mean every document is visible online. Some records are sealed by court order, confidential by law or limited because of case type or personal information. Even when a case exists, the public portal may hide documents, addresses, party names, charges, exhibits or the whole file.
Often restricted
Juvenile, adoption, protection order, mental health, victim, sealed criminal and certain family records.
May need court order
Some sealed files require party status, attorney status, agency authority or a judge’s order.
Use caution
Republishing restricted, outdated or misidentified court information can create legal and privacy risk.
Old, Closed and Archived Federal Court Records
Older federal court records may not be fully online. Federal court records less than 15 years old are generally still with individual courts, while older retired materials may be held by the National Archives or a Federal Records Center. For old cases, start with the federal court clerk, then follow archive instructions if the clerk says the file was retired.
Try the court first when
- The case is recent or less than 15 years old.
- You need certified copies.
- You know the court and case number.
- The docket appears in PACER but documents are unavailable.
Try NARA when
- The court says the file was retired.
- The case is old or historical.
- You have court, district, party, case number and date range details.
- You need archival federal court material.
Common Mistakes When Searching U.S. Court Records
Wrong court system
PACER will not show most state or county cases. A county portal will not show most federal bankruptcy or federal criminal records.
Name-only search
Common names create false matches. Use case number, date, court, county and case type whenever possible.
Arrest vs conviction
A charge, arrest, indictment or complaint is not final proof. Check final disposition and court status.
Private sites first
Many private public-record sites are not official. Search official courts before paying a third party.
Ignoring sealed records
Juvenile, adoption, sealed, expunged, victim, domestic violence and family records may be restricted.
Ordering too much
Ask for the exact order, judgment, docket, decree or disposition you need to reduce cost and delay.
Court Record Not Found? Practical Fixes
| Problem | Likely reason | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| No PACER result | The case may be state/local, not federal, or filed in a different district. | Use PACER Case Locator, then try the state or county court portal. |
| Too many name matches | Common name, business-name variation or broad search. | Add court, date range, state, county, case type or case number. |
| Docket exists but document is missing | Document may be sealed, restricted, old, not uploaded or clerk-only. | Contact the court clerk and ask about public copy availability. |
| Old federal case not online | It may be archived, retired or outside PACER’s online document coverage. | Ask the federal clerk whether the file is with the court, Federal Records Center or National Archives. |
| Need legal proof | Online printouts may not be accepted. | Request a certified copy, certified disposition, certified judgment or transcript. |
| PACER login does not work | Wrong credentials, MFA app issue, cache/browser issue, old password or security questions. | Clear cache, try another browser/network, open your MFA app, then call PACER support if needed. |
U.S. Court Records: Clear Answer for Bing, Copilot and AI Search
U.S. court records are split by court system. Federal appellate, district and bankruptcy case files are searched through PACER or the PACER Case Locator. Supreme Court dockets are searched at supremecourt.gov. State and county criminal, civil, traffic, divorce, probate and municipal cases are searched through state court portals or local clerks. RECAP/CourtListener may provide free federal PACER documents that have already been archived, but PACER or the court clerk remains the official source for current federal records and certified copies.
Official U.S. Court Records Links and When to Use Them
Use these links after choosing the correct court system. Do not start with a private people-search result if the record will be used for legal, employment, licensing, housing, immigration or official purposes.
U.S. Courts Court Records
Official overview for federal case files, PACER and federal court record access.
Open U.S. Courts RecordsPACER Find a Case
Use for federal district, bankruptcy and appellate dockets and documents.
Open PACER Find a CasePACER Pricing
Check current per-page fees, document caps, waiver rules and fee updates.
Open PACER PricingSupreme Court Docket
Search pending and decided Supreme Court docket reports.
Open Supreme Court DocketVirginia Case Information
Official Virginia court case routing for Circuit, General District and other court categories.
Open Virginia Case InfoFBI Identity History
Use when the need is an official FBI identity history summary, not a court docket.
Open FBI Identity HistoryU.S. Court Records FAQs
Is there one free website for all U.S. court records?
No. U.S. court records are split by federal, state, county, municipal, probate, bankruptcy and appellate systems. PACER covers many federal records, while state and county records usually require the correct state or local court portal.
How do I do a free federal court records search?
Start with free federal opinions and RECAP/CourtListener for already archived documents. For official federal dockets and documents, use PACER carefully because fees may apply unless waived under PACER’s quarterly threshold.
What is PACER used for?
PACER is the official federal electronic public-access system for many U.S. appellate, district and bankruptcy court case files, docket sheets and filed documents.
What is the PACER Case Locator?
The PACER Case Locator is a national index for federal district, bankruptcy and appellate courts. Use it when you know a party name but do not know which federal court handled the case.
Can I search federal criminal cases by name?
Yes, use PACER or the PACER Case Locator for federal criminal case searches by party name, but narrow the search with district, date range or case number when possible. PACER does not search most state criminal cases or local arrests.
Are RECAP court records official?
RECAP is a useful public archive of federal PACER documents, but it is not the official court clerk. Use PACER or the federal clerk for current docket status, certified copies or legal proof.
How do I search Virginia Circuit Court case information?
Use the official Virginia Court System Case Status and Information page. Virginia Circuit Court information can be searched by locality using name, case number or hearing date in participating courts.
How do I search General District Court case information in Virginia?
Use the official Virginia General District Court Online Case Information System. It provides locality-based access to civil, criminal and traffic cases and supports searches by name, case number or hearing date.
Is a court docket the same as a background check?
No. A court docket shows activity in a court case. A background check may come from a state repository, FBI Identity History Summary or authorized screening provider and follows different rules.
How do I get certified U.S. court records?
Contact the clerk of the court that handled the case. Ask for the exact document, copy type, certification method, current fee, payment method and delivery options.
Why can’t I find a court record online?
The case may be in a different court, filed under a different name, too new, too old, sealed, expunged, confidential, not digitized or not a court record. Try the correct jurisdiction and contact the clerk if needed.
Do PACER fees change in 2027?
PACER announced a temporary fee increase effective January 1, 2027, raising the per-page fee from 10 cents to 12 cents and the automatic quarterly exemption from $30 to $40. Check the official PACER pricing page before searching.
What should I do if my PACER login fails?
Confirm your credentials, remember passwords are case-sensitive, open your MFA authentication app if enrolled, clear cookies/cache, try another browser or network, and call the PACER Service Center if the issue continues.
Best Next Step
First decide whether the case is federal, state, county, municipal, probate, bankruptcy or appellate. Use PACER or the PACER Case Locator for federal records. Use the correct state or county court portal for local court records. Check RECAP before paying for federal documents. For official proof, contact the clerk and request the exact certified record you need.
Official-source check completed July 23, 2026. Court portals, public-access rules, copy policies, fees, PACER pricing, password rules, sealed-record rules and official links can change. Verify directly with the official court before relying on a record.
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