How to Look Up a Court Case File Online
Updated 2026-10-06
You may need to look up a court case for many reasons. Maybe you are a party and want to see what was filed. Maybe you want to check the status of a case before hiring a lawyer, or you are a landlord, employer, or journalist checking a public record. Court records are often available, but where you look depends on which court has the case. This guide explains how to use official sources.
First, figure out which court has the case
The United States has separate federal and state court systems. The USAGov courts page explains that federal courts handle cases involving federal law, including bankruptcy, while state, county, and municipal courts handle matters such as family, probate, traffic, and violations of local laws.
Most cases are in state courts. If you are not sure, think about the type of case:
- Bankruptcy — federal bankruptcy court
- Lawsuits under federal law, or federal crimes — federal district court
- Divorce, custody, wills and estates, most criminal cases, evictions, traffic — usually state, county, or city courts
Federal cases: PACER
Federal case files are available through PACER, which stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. The federal judiciary's Find a Case page explains that PACER lets anyone with an account search appellate, district, and bankruptcy court case and docket information.
There are two main ways to search:
- Search a specific court if you know which court has the case.
- Use the PACER Case Locator, a nationwide index, if you are not sure which federal court has the case. The judiciary says this index updates at midnight each day.
You need to register for a PACER account to search. PACER charges fees for many pages and documents, with some limits and exceptions. The PACER pricing page explains how fees are calculated, when fees are waived, and tips for keeping costs low — for example, searching by case number instead of party name. It also notes that court opinions are free.
Federal cases: other options
You do not have to use PACER online. According to the judiciary's Find a Case page:
- Case files can be viewed on public access terminals in the clerk's office of the court where the case was filed. Viewing at the courthouse is free, though printing costs a fee.
- Bankruptcy courts have a phone information system that gives basic case information for free.
- Most cases created before 1999 are kept only on paper. These may be at the court or at a Federal Records Center, and a retrieval fee may apply.
- Court opinions from many courts are also available free through the U.S. Government Publishing Office.
The judiciary's court records page explains that a case file contains a docket sheet and all the documents filed in a case.
State and local cases
State court records are not in PACER. Each state, and sometimes each county, has its own system. Many state courts offer online case search on their official websites, while others require you to contact or visit the clerk's office.
To find the right court:
- Start with your state's official court website. The USAGov courts page links to a directory of state court websites.
- Look for terms like "case search," "case lookup," "court records," or "public access."
- If no online search exists, call or visit the clerk of the court in the county where the case was filed.
What you can see online varies. Some systems show only the docket — the list of filings and events — while others show actual documents. Some charge fees for copies.
Be careful with third-party sites
Many private websites claim to offer court records or background checks. Their information may be incomplete, outdated, or mixed up with records of other people who share the same name. For anything important, use the official court source. If you need a certified copy of a court document — for example, to prove a judgment or a divorce — that generally comes from the clerk's office of the court that handled the case.
What you may not be able to see
Not every court record is public. Courts commonly restrict access to certain records or parts of records, such as:
- Some juvenile and family matters
- Sealed cases or documents
- Personal information like Social Security numbers or financial account numbers
- Records protected by a court order
If you are a party to a case and cannot see something you expected, contact the clerk's office or your lawyer.
Reading what you find
A docket can be hard to read. It usually lists each filing and event by date. A few tips:
- Look for the most recent entries to see where the case stands.
- Look for entries labeled "order" or "judgment" to find decisions.
- Note upcoming hearing dates and any deadlines.
- If you are a party and see something you do not understand, talk to a lawyer promptly. Deadlines in court can be short.
If you need help understanding a case, our legal guides explain common court terms, and the USAGov legal aid page lists free and low-cost legal help. If the case involves debts, you may want to read about bankruptcy lawyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is PACER free?
PACER charges fees for many searches and documents, but some access is free, including court opinions. The PACER pricing page explains when fees apply and when they are waived.
Can I find state court cases on PACER?
No. PACER covers federal courts. State court cases are found through state or county court systems.
What if I cannot find a case online?
The case may be in a different court, may be too old to be online, or may be restricted. Contact the clerk's office of the court you believe handled it.
Are online records official?
Records on official court websites come from the court. For a certified copy, contact the clerk's office of the court that handled the case.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.