How do I get my court records starts with knowing where they are stored and which system to use. Most federal cases live in the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. State courts have their own online portals or require in-person visits. Fees, search methods, and access rules differ by location and case type. This page explains every step, cost, and requirement for retrieving your court records from federal and state sources.
Federal Court Records via PACER
The PACER system holds digitized docket sheets, motions, orders, pleadings, and exhibits for nearly all federal cases. Each file covers the entire life of a case—from filing to final judgment. Users search by case number, party name, or filing date using the “Find a Case” tool. Attorneys file documents 24/7 through the Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) platform. PACER charges $0.10 per page viewed and $0.15 per page downloaded. There’s no charge for the first $30 of usage each quarter. Advanced filters let you sort entries by document type, filing clerk, or jurisdiction to rebuild exact timelines.
National Archives and Federal Records Centers
Older federal records move to Federal Records Centers (FRCs) or the National Archives. First, contact the clerk of the court that issued your record. They confirm if it’s still local or stored at an FRC. If it’s at an FRC, submit Standard Form 95 (SF-95) to Denver, Riverside, or Salisbury. Include the case number, filing date, and a short description. The archive charges $0.30 per page for paper copies and $0.15 per page for digital PDFs. A $7.50 minimum fee applies. You can order online, by mail, fax, or email. Each request needs your billing address, payment method, and clear document details.
State Court Record Systems
Every state runs its own court record system. Most offer online portals with case lookup tools. Some charge per search, per page, or both. Below are examples from key states showing how access works.
New York State Court Records
In New York, request documents from the Clerk of the Court or County Clerk where your case was filed. Submit requests in person, by mail, or online. Include the case number, party names, and specific documents (like judgments or indictments). The Criminal History Record Search (CHRS) costs $95 flat and includes arrests, convictions, and sentencing. Plea agreements or sentencing memoranda may be stored separately and need extra steps to obtain.
California Court Records
California courts keep records in paper and electronic form. You can visit a courthouse clerk’s office, use onsite terminals, or log into the statewide “California Courts Online Services” portal. Remote users create an account and verify identity with a driver’s license number. Downloads cost $0.10 per page. Sealed or confidential filings aren’t online. To get them, file a formal request with the judge.
Georgia Judicial Gateway
Georgia’s E-Access portal lets you search by docket number, party name, or filing date. You must register and verify your ID and billing address. Once logged in, you see case summaries, filed documents, and PDF download links. Sealed juvenile files stay hidden unless you have a court order. The system logs every access for audits.
Indiana Public Records
Start at mycase.in.gov to view docket entries, party info, and motions for many Indiana courts at no cost. If a document isn’t online, contact the county clerk where the case is pending. They confirm availability, explain confidentiality rules, and provide certified copies for $5 per page plus $2 processing. The Indiana Supreme Court’s docket portal offers opinions and transcripts for appeals.
New Jersey Superior Court
The Superior Court Clerk’s Office handles electronic requests for certified, exemplified, and sealed documents. Fill out the “Request for Copies” form online, upload a scanned signature, and submit. Payment is by credit card. Fees range from $0.25 per page for standard copies to $1.00 per page for certified transcripts. You get real-time status updates and an email when your file is ready.
Los Angeles Superior Court
Search by case number or party name on the LA Court website. Each name search costs $2 under California Rule of Court 2.506. Results show docket entries, filing dates, and PDF links for motions and judgments. Certified copies are available through the same portal, with electronic delivery within 24 hours for most civil cases.
Harris County, Texas
Harris County uses separate portals for civil, criminal, and Justice of the Peace (JP) cases. The County Court site lists district civil filings. The District Clerk’s portal has criminal indictments, sentencing orders, and family law judgments. JP records cover small claims and ordinance violations by precinct. Certified copies cost $3 per page.
Maricopa County, Arizona
Use the online request form or email the Records Division with your case number, party names, and document description. For phone requests, call (602) 372-2523 or (602) 372-5375. Provide your mailing address for delivery. Fees are $0.20 per page plus $2.50 handling. Electronic copies arrive via secure link; paper copies ship by USPS.
Fees and Payment Methods
Court record fees vary widely. Federal PACER charges $0.10 per page viewed and $0.15 per page downloaded, with a $30 quarterly waiver. National Archives charges $0.30 per paper page and $0.15 per digital PDF, minimum $7.50. State fees range from $0.10 to $0.25 per page, plus flat fees for certified copies ($2–$5 per page) or criminal background checks ($95 in New York). Many courts accept credit cards online. Some require checks or money orders for mail requests. Always check the court’s fee schedule before submitting.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
Certified copies carry an official seal and signature, making them valid for legal use (e.g., immigration, employment, appeals). Uncertified copies are for personal reference only. Most courts charge extra for certification—typically $2 to $5 per page. Exemplified copies include additional authentication for use outside the U.S. and cost more. Specify which type you need when requesting.
Sealed, Confidential, and Restricted Records
Some records are sealed by court order or protected by law (e.g., juvenile cases, domestic violence filings, trade secrets). These aren’t available online or through standard requests. To access them, you usually need a subpoena, judicial order, or written permission from the presiding judge. Journalists and researchers may request unsealing motions, but success depends on the case and jurisdiction.
Transcripts vs. Docket Entries
Docket entries summarize filings and rulings. Transcripts are word-for-word records of hearings and trials. Dockets are often free or low-cost online. Transcripts require ordering from the court reporter’s office. Federal courts charge about $1.25 per typed page. State rates vary. Delivery can take days to weeks. Some courts offer expedited service for higher fees.
Online Accounts and Identity Verification
Most electronic portals require account creation. You’ll provide a name, email, billing address, and sometimes a state-issued ID number. PACER uses a separate login. California and Georgia verify driver’s license details. New Jersey requires a scanned signature. Keep your login secure. Audit logs track who accesses your case, so unauthorized use is detectable.
Mail, Fax, and In-Person Requests
If online access isn’t available, submit by mail or fax. Include your name, contact info, case number, filing date, document list, and payment. In-person visits let you review files onsite before copying. Bring ID and cash or check for fees. Hours vary by court—check local websites. Some courts limit walk-in requests during busy periods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong court—federal vs. state or wrong county.
- Missing case numbers or party spellings.
- Not specifying certified vs. uncertified copies.
- Ignoring sealed status—assuming all records are public.
- Underestimating fees—small requests still incur minimum charges.
Tips for Faster Service
- Gather your case number, filing date, and party names beforehand.
- Check if the record is online before mailing.
- Use electronic portals when possible—they’re faster than mail.
- Pay by credit card for instant processing.
- Follow up if you don’t receive confirmation within 3–5 business days.
Contact Information for Major Courts
| Jurisdiction | Website | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Federal Courts (PACER) | pacer.uscourts.gov | 1-800-676-6856 | 24/7 online; support M–F 8am–6pm ET |
| National Archives | archives.gov/research/court-records | 1-866-272-6272 | M–F 8am–4:30pm local |
| New York State Courts | nycourts.gov | Varies by county | M–F 9am–5pm |
| California Courts | courts.ca.gov | Varies by county | M–F 8am–4pm |
| Georgia Judicial Gateway | georgiacourts.gov | 404-656-6670 | M–F 8am–5pm |
Related Search Terms and Common Queries
- Request certified court documents
- Find my criminal record by name
- Get divorce decree online
- Obtain bankruptcy court records
- Sealed court case lookup
- Court transcript ordering process
- Federal vs. state court record differences
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about costs, access rights, and special cases like juvenile or sealed records. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions about retrieving court records in the U.S.
Can I get my court records for free?
Some records are free to view online, especially docket summaries. PACER waives fees under $30 per quarter. Many state portals offer free searches but charge for downloads or copies. In-person viewing is often free, but printed copies cost money. Low-income individuals may request fee waivers by submitting a form to the court. Always check the specific court’s policy—there’s no nationwide free access rule.
How long does it take to receive court records?
Electronic requests through PACER or state portals are instant for available documents. Certified copies may take 1–3 business days. Mail requests take 5–10 business days plus delivery time. Older records in Federal Records Centers can take 2–4 weeks. Transcripts take the longest—7–14 days for standard service, longer for complex trials. Rush options exist for higher fees.
Are juvenile court records public?
No. Juvenile records are almost always sealed and inaccessible without a court order. Only parties, attorneys, and authorized agencies (like probation officers) can view them. Some states allow limited access after the juvenile turns 18, but only through a petition. Never assume juvenile files are public—requesting them improperly can lead to legal consequences.
What if I don’t know my case number?
Search by party name on PACER or your state’s portal. Most systems let you enter a name and narrow results by date or location. If that fails, contact the clerk’s office with your full name, birth date, and approximate filing year. They can locate your case and provide the number. Keep this number safe—it speeds up future requests.
Can anyone access my court records?
Most civil and criminal records are public unless sealed. Anyone can search and view them online or in person. However, sensitive details (like SSNs or bank accounts) are redacted. Family law, adoption, and protective order records often have restricted access. Employers, landlords, and background check companies routinely use these records—so accuracy matters.
Do I need a lawyer to get my court records?
No. You can request your own records without an attorney. Courts provide forms and online tools for self-service. Lawyers may help if records are sealed, lost, or involve complex litigation history. For simple requests, DIY is faster and cheaper. Only hire a lawyer if the court denies your request or you need records for an appeal.
What’s the difference between a docket and a transcript?
A docket is a timeline of filings—motions, orders, dates, and parties. It’s usually free or low-cost online. A transcript is a verbatim record of what was said in court during hearings or trials. It’s created by a court reporter and costs $1–$3 per page. You need transcripts for appeals or disputes over testimony. Dockets are enough for most personal checks.
Official Resources
For federal records: pacer.uscourts.gov
For archived federal records: archives.gov/research/court-records
For state-specific portals: check your state’s judicial website (e.g., nycourts.gov, courts.ca.gov, georgiacourts.gov)
For certified copies: contact the clerk of the court where your case was filed
Phone support: 1-800-676-6856 (PACER help desk, weekdays 8am–6pm ET)