I know the case number
Search the court’s online portal by case or docket number for the specific court and county
Fastest way to reach the right file and avoid name-match issues
Where To Start
Pick the path that best matches what you already know about the case.
I only know the names
Use the state trial court portal’s name search and filter by county and case type
Narrows results and helps distinguish people with common names
It’s a federal case
Go to PACER for U.S. District, Bankruptcy, or Court of Appeals records
Federal cases are not in state portals and are managed separately
It’s a traffic or citation matter
Check the local traffic/municipal court citation lookup using the ticket number
Shows hearing dates, status, and payment options specific to citations
I need certified copies or the file isn’t online
Contact the Clerk of Court for the court that handled the case
Only the clerk can issue certified copies and provide in-person file access
Common Official Sources
| Source Or Office | Best For | Helpful Search Input | Access Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Trial Court Online Portal | County-level civil, criminal, small claims, family, and probate dockets | Case number, party name with DOB, attorney name or bar number | Official state or county portal search | Coverage varies by county; some documents limited to on-site viewing |
| County Clerk of Court | Certified copies of filings, judgments, orders, and minute entries | Case number, filing date, party name | In person, mail, or clerk request form | Fees and ID may be required; processing times differ by location |
| Appellate Court Docket | Appeals docket, briefs, opinions, and case summaries | Appellate case number, lower court number, party name | State appellate portal | Opinions often free; exhibits and appendices may be restricted |
| Federal Courts PACER | U.S. District, Bankruptcy, and Court of Appeals dockets and filings | Federal case number, party name, court | Create a PACER account to search across federal courts | Registration required; some content restricted or sealed |
| State Archives or Law Library | Older, archived, or microfilmed case indexes and files | Party name, year range, docket book or index reference | On-site index search or librarian assistance | Limited digitization; check hours and access rules in advance |
| Courthouse Records Room | Full paper file review, exhibits, and non-digitized documents | Case number, party name | On-site terminal search and file request slip | Photo ID and copy fees may apply; some files stored offsite |
Helpful Search Inputs
- Exact case or docket number (format varies by court)
- Party’s full name with middle name and date of birth
- Attorney name or bar number on the case
- Citation or ticket number for traffic matters
- Filing or event date range
- Court location, county, or judicial district
- Judgment or order date and document title
- Charge code or statute number for criminal cases
- Business, agency, or organization name involved
Route By Case Type
Civil Cases
Contracts, torts, landlord-tenant, small claims, and other non-criminal disputes
- Where To Start
- State trial court portal for the county where the case was filed
- Best Search Input
- Case number or party names with a date range
- Official Copy Note
- Get certified judgments or orders from the County Clerk of Court
Criminal Cases
Felonies, misdemeanors, and violations handled by state trial courts
- Where To Start
- State trial court portal; some counties have separate criminal indexes
- Best Search Input
- Case number, defendant name with DOB, or charge code
- Official Copy Note
- Sentencing orders and certified minute entries come from the clerk
Traffic and Infractions
Moving violations, citations, parking, and municipal code cases
- Where To Start
- Traffic or municipal court site or the county trial court portal
- Best Search Input
- Citation/ticket number, driver name, or license plate when allowed
- Official Copy Note
- Proof of disposition or clearance letters are issued by the court clerk
Family and Probate
Divorce, custody, support, guardianship, wills, and estates
- Where To Start
- Family or probate division within the county trial court
- Best Search Input
- Case number, party names, or decedent name for probate
- Official Copy Note
- Some records are restricted; certified copies require a clerk request
Appeals and Appellate Opinions
Appeals from trial courts, published and unpublished opinions, briefs
- Where To Start
- State appellate court portal or federal Courts of Appeals via PACER
- Best Search Input
- Appellate case number or lower court case number
- Official Copy Note
- Official copies of opinions and mandates are available from the appellate clerk
Official Records vs Background Checks
Official court sources hold the docket, filings, orders, and certified copies for specific cases, and they are the right place to verify dispositions and obtain stamped documents. Background check services run broad name-based searches across many sources, which can help you locate possible cases, but they may miss records, include outdated entries, or lack document images. Use official court, clerk, or recorder offices for authoritative records.
How To Request Copies
- Identify the exact court and case number; note the document title and date from the docket.
- Decide whether you need plain, certified, or exemplified copies based on your purpose.
- Check the court or clerk website for copy request instructions and accepted payment methods.
- Submit your request online, by mail, or in person with the case details and your contact information.
- Confirm any eligibility limits for restricted case types and be prepared to show ID if required.
- Review delivery options (pickup, mail, or electronic) and keep your receipt or request number.
Access Limits and Accuracy Notes
- Juvenile, adoption, mental health, and sealed or expunged cases are not publicly available.
- Online dockets may lag behind the courthouse file; verify critical details with the clerk.
- Name searches can return multiple people; use DOB, middle name, and county to narrow.
- Some courts list dockets online but restrict document images to on-site viewing or requests.
- Older cases may be archived offsite or on microfilm and require additional processing time.
- Federal bankruptcy records are separate from state court systems and are accessed through PACER.
Public Court Records FAQ
Are all court records public?
Many trial and appellate dockets are public, but juvenile, adoption, sealed, and expunged matters are restricted, and sensitive details in public files may be redacted.
How can I find a case without the case number?
Search by party name, narrow by county and date range, and use a middle name or DOB if available. Court calendars and attorney-of-record searches can also help.
Can I view filings online or just the docket?
That varies by court. Some provide document images, while others list docket entries only. You may need to request copies from the clerk or visit the records room.
How do I get a certified copy of a judgment or order?
Request it from the Clerk of Court that holds the case. Provide the case number, document title, and date, and follow the court’s payment and delivery instructions.
Where do I search for federal cases?
Use PACER for U.S. District, Bankruptcy, and Court of Appeals matters. Registration is required, and some records or images may be restricted or unavailable online.