📅 2026 Update: Changes to Accessing Public Court Records

Since the original article was published, there have been important updates regarding public court records. The PACER system experienced maintenance recently, and changes to access fees have been implemented. This update outlines the most relevant changes that affect how the public interacts with court records.

🛠️ PACER System Maintenance

On October 11, 2026, PACER underwent scheduled maintenance. This maintenance occurred from 6:55 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

During this time, some parts of the site were temporarily degraded. Users seeking access to court records may have experienced difficulties during this period.

💵 Current PACER Fees

Accessing federal court records through PACER now costs $0.10 per page, with a maximum charge of $3.00 per document. Users get billed quarterly, and fees are waived for those who incur less than $30 in a quarter. This marks a notable change from previous fees, which may have varied.

🏢 Public Access Options

Individuals can access court records at courthouses. Public computer terminals are available in Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita. Users can research cases by case number, party name, or filing date range.

Civil case docket information is available for cases filed after 1991, while criminal cases are accessible for those filed after 1994.

📞 Support Services Available

PACER Service Center assistance is available for users needing help with account management or technical issues. Additionally, the National Archives offers resources and guidance for accessing federal court records. This support can help users navigate the complexities of obtaining public records.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🛠️ PACER experienced maintenance on October 11, 2026.
  • 💵 Current access fees are $0.10 per page with a maximum of $3.00 per document.
  • 🏢 Public terminals are available in Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita for court record access.
  • 📞 Users can get assistance from the PACER Service Center and the National Archives.

💡 Tips for Navigating Public Court Records

Reviewing the details of your own situation with an attorney is essential for understanding court records.

📝 Registering for a PACER Account

To access federal court records online, you must first register for a PACER account. Registration is free, but remember that accessing records will incur fees based on your usage.

🏛️ Visiting Courthouses

If you prefer in-person access, visit courthouses with public computer terminals. These terminals allow you to search for case information using various criteria, which can be helpful for more detailed inquiries.

⌚ Be Aware of Processing Times

Scheduled maintenance can temporarily affect access to records. Always check for maintenance updates to avoid disruptions when you need court information.

📚 Understand Record Access Limits

Federal court records less than 15 years old may not be available through the National Archives. In such cases, contact the appropriate federal court directly for access.

💻 Utilize Online Resources

In addition to PACER, explore resources provided by the National Archives and PACER Service Center. These resources can offer valuable guidance and support for accessing court records.

🏆 Services for Accessing Public Court Records Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section lists services that help users access public court records or related legal documents. The rankings are based on Trustpilot data from October 2026. Ratings can change, and it's crucial to consider reviews as one aspect of service quality.

🥇 1. RecordsFinder.com

RecordsFinder.com has been rated 4.5 on Trustpilot. It is known for providing access to over 2 billion public records, including people search services and background checks. Some users have reported issues with data accuracy and privacy concerns, so it's essential to verify information.

🥈 2. LegalZoom

LegalZoom holds a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot. This service is recognized for its online legal document preparation and business formation services. However, some users have experienced delays in processing times and occasional issues with customer service.

🥉 3. LegalShield

LegalShield averages 4.4 on Trustpilot. It offers legal subscription services and access to a network of attorneys. While many users appreciate its affordable legal assistance, some have reported difficulties in reaching their assigned attorneys and slow callback times.

4️⃣ Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has a Trustpilot score of 4.5. This service provides online legal document creation and affordable legal services. Users find the interface user-friendly, but some express concerns about the subscription model being less suitable for infrequent users.

🆓 Free Government Assistance

Free assistance is available through the PACER Service Center and the National Archives. The PACER Service Center helps users manage accounts and technical issues. The National Archives offers guidance for accessing federal court records, including document retrieval processes.

🔎 Choosing the Right Service

  • 📄 Compare access fees and billing structures.
  • 🔍 Look for services with strong user reviews.
  • 🏢 Consider available customer support options.
  • 🗂️ Check the range of records and documents offered.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🗂️ What types of records can I access through PACER?

PACER allows access to federal court records, including civil and criminal case documents. However, certain documents may be sealed or restricted.

⏳ How often is PACER maintenance scheduled?

PACER maintenance can occur periodically, which may temporarily affect access to records. It's best to check for updates before attempting to access the system.

📑 Can I obtain records older than 15 years through the National Archives?

Records less than 15 years old are typically not held by the National Archives. You must contact the appropriate federal court for access to these records.

🏛️ Are there public terminals available in all states?

Public terminals are available in specific locations such as Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita. Other courts may have different access options.

📞 What resources does the PACER Service Center provide?

The PACER Service Center offers assistance for account management and technical issues, helping users navigate the PACER system effectively.

📝 How can I prepare for visiting a courthouse?

Before visiting, check the court's calendar and local rules. Make a list of the case numbers or names you want to research to streamline your search.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Court Records

Recent court rulings highlight ongoing issues in accessing and managing public records. These rulings can provide insight into how courts handle record requests and the rights of individuals seeking access.

For more recent rulings, browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update







Finding Free Public Records



Public records consist of any information or documents that are not confidential but instead are available to the public. In the United States, the Freedom of Information Act allows access to public records on a federal level while all states have their own laws regarding Freedom of Information, allowing the public to request and receive documents.



Free Public Records for the Federal Government

Free Public Records


On the Federal level, the Freedom of Information Act as well as the Federal Communications Commission allows the public access to FCC records unless they are exempt under mandatory disclosure. Those exempt from disclosure include:



• Foreign policy or national defense materials that are classified



• Information exempted by another stature



• Internal agency practices and personnel rules



• Financial or commercial information as well as trade secrets received from a confidential or privileged source



• Medical, personnel or similar files which disclosure would invade personal privacy 



• Agency memoranda or letters within or between agencies



• Records compiled for the purpose of law enforcement



• Oil well data



• Records dealing with the operations, conditions or examinations of financial institutions



Free public records for the federal government for the judicial, executive, legislative, and their respective agencies are available. Requests can be made by filling an Electronic FOIA Request form or through mail, email, or fax. While some of these services do require fees, a fee waiver or restricted fee assessment can be provided with good reason, as long as the information is not used for commercial purposes.



Free Public Records for the State Government



On a state level, free public records are separated by smaller jurisdictions. Most services that provide free public records organize the information by State, county or zip code, and then name. On a local level, free public records can be found for many documents including the following:



• Deeds and mortgages



• Unclaimed Property



• Criminal Wants and Warrants



• Legislation



• Death Records



• Birth Records



• Missing Persons or children



• Divorce Records



• Workers Compensation



• Government Employees



• Licenses



• Criminal Records



• Voter Records



• Marriage Records



• Vital Records



• Recorded Documents



• Sex Offenders



• Court Records



• Property Records



• Uniform Commercial Code



Depending on the state, there are certain records that cannot be found. For example, when looking through free public records for Michigan, it is not possible to find social security numbers, medical records, law enforcement investigations, computer software information, or academic transcripts. On the other hand, certain states do provide other sources of information for free public records. For example, New York provides information on library archives. 



Other Free Public Records



There are other free public records available for specialized agencies such as for the U.S. Census bureau, the U.S. Tax Courts, or the Library of Congress. The different branches of the U.S. military also provide certain public records such as personnel search.