I have a case number
That court’s online docket or the Clerk of Court
Case numbers return exact matches and fastest results for docket details and document lists.
Best Starting Point
Pick the path that fits what you know about the case and what you need to obtain.
I only know a name and location
State judiciary name search or the county/municipal court index
Most courts let you search by party name and then filter by date range and case type.
I need recent filings or hearing dates
The court’s docket portal or calendar
Upcoming hearings and new filings post to the docket first, before copies are available.
I need a certified judgment or disposition
Clerk of Court records counter or official copy request
Only the clerk can issue certified copies for courts’ records.
I’m not sure which court has it
Identify case type (traffic, criminal, civil, family) and level (municipal, county, state, federal)
Each court maintains its own index; choosing the right level avoids missed results.
Where To Search Officially
| Source Or Office | Best For | Helpful Search Input | Access Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Trial Court Online Portal | Civil, criminal, family, probate dockets and basic case info | Case number, party name, date of birth, filing year | Online index and docket lookup | Document images may be limited; unofficial until certified by the clerk. |
| County Clerk of Court | Certified copies, full case files, minute orders | Case number, party name, file date | In person, mail request, or online copy request if offered | Per-page and certification fees apply; ID may be needed for restricted files. |
| Federal District/Bankruptcy Court (PACER or Clerk) | Federal civil, criminal, and bankruptcy dockets and filings | Federal case number, party name, PACER account | PACER online access or clerk’s office terminals | Registration and per-page fees; federal records are separate from state courts. |
| State Appellate/Supreme Court Docket | Appeals, opinions, appellate dockets | Appellate case number, party name, lower court case number | Online docket and opinion search | Opinions often free; record on appeal may remain with the trial court clerk. |
| Municipal/City Court | Traffic, ordinance violations, some misdemeanors | Name, citation/ticket number, date of birth | Online portal where available or in-person inquiry | Smaller courts may not publish online indexes; call or visit if needed. |
| Courthouse Public Terminals | Older files, full docket views, records not posted online | Case number, party name, approximate year | On-site search at the records room or clerk counter | Staff can help locate files; copy and printing fees apply. |
Helpful Search Inputs
- Case number (exact or partial format)
- Party full name with middle initial
- Date of birth or age range to narrow matches
- Filing year or date range
- County or specific court location
- Case type or charge code
- Citation or ticket number for traffic matters
- Attorney or bar number when known
- Business or DBA name for corporate parties
Route By Case Type
Civil Cases
Contract disputes, personal injury, property, small claims
- Where To Start
- State trial court portal or county clerk index
- Best Search Input
- Party name with county and filing year, or case number
- Official Copy Note
- Request certified judgments or orders from the Clerk of Court.
Criminal Cases
Felonies and misdemeanors at state or municipal level
- Where To Start
- State trial court or municipal court docket, depending on charge
- Best Search Input
- Name plus date of birth, or exact case number
- Official Copy Note
- Certified dispositions and sentencing orders are issued by the clerk; some records are restricted.
Family and Probate
Divorce, custody, support, estate and guardianship matters
- Where To Start
- Family or probate division of the state trial court
- Best Search Input
- Case number or party names with year range
- Official Copy Note
- Certified divorce decrees or probate orders from the clerk; adoption and some records are sealed.
Traffic and Infractions
Citations, minor offenses, municipal code violations
- Where To Start
- Municipal/traffic court portal or clerk
- Best Search Input
- Citation/ticket number, or name with date of birth
- Official Copy Note
- Request certified docket or judgment from the court; payment records may be separate.
Appellate Records
Appeals from trial courts, published and unpublished opinions
- Where To Start
- State appellate or supreme court docket system
- Best Search Input
- Appellate case number or party name; include lower court case number if known
- Official Copy Note
- Certified opinions and dockets come from the appellate clerk; trial exhibits often remain with the lower court.
Official Records vs Background Check Services
Official court sources provide case dockets, filings, orders, and certified copies directly from the court that heard the matter. Use them for case numbers, current status, calendars, and documents you may need to file or present. Background check services aggregate public data for broader, name-based searches across many jurisdictions, but they may omit records, be outdated, or lack document images, and they cannot issue certified copies.
How To Request Copies
- Identify the exact court and case number from the docket.
- Confirm the specific document title and filing date you need.
- Review the clerk’s copy options, fees, and acceptable request methods.
- Submit your request online, by mail, or in person with complete case details.
- Choose standard or certified copies and the quantity of pages.
- Pay the required fees and provide return delivery details if mailing.
- Receive copies via pickup, mail, or electronic delivery when offered.
Limits and Accuracy Notes
- Online indexes are not always complete or real-time; recent filings can take days to appear.
- Certain records are sealed or restricted (juvenile, adoption, some mental health and family matters).
- Name-only searches can return multiple people; verify with date of birth, address, or case context.
- Older cases may be archived offsite or on microfilm and require additional retrieval time.
- Federal and state courts maintain separate systems; searches must be performed in each.
- Document images may be unavailable or redacted due to privacy policies or court rules.
Court Records Search FAQ
Can I search all U.S. court records at once?
No single official database covers all courts. Federal cases are on PACER; each state and many local courts provide separate systems. Broad name-based services can help locate leads but do not replace official court searches.
How do I find a case number if I only know a name?
Use the state or local court’s name index and filter by location, date range, and case type. If online search is limited, ask the Clerk of Court to perform an index lookup; local search fees may apply.
What is the difference between a docket and documents?
A docket is the case timeline listing events and filings. Documents are the filings and orders themselves. Many portals display the docket but may not provide document images online.
Can I obtain certified copies online?
Some courts accept online requests for certified documents and mail the certificate. Others require in-person or mail requests. Electronic certification availability varies by court.
How far back do online court records go?
Coverage varies by court and case type. Many online indexes begin in the 1990s–2000s. For earlier cases, you may need on-site searches or archived records from the clerk.