OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Arizona Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Arizona. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 15 counties, each with a Superior Court
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Arizona)
  • Background checks: Arizona DPS — Criminal History Records
  • Records law: Arizona Public Records Law
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Arizona DPS
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Arizona has 15 counties, each with a Superior Court. You can search court cases statewide using eAccess, the official online access system run by the Arizona Judicial Branch, which covers civil and criminal cases filed on or after July 1, 2010. The Public Access Case Lookup provides additional search capabilities.

County-level court records include superior courts, justice courts, and municipal courts. Availability varies by county — eAccess provides the broadest online coverage.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Arizona are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of Arizona — Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Flagstaff

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ eAccess — Arizona Superior Court Records 🏛️ Arizona Judicial Branch Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Arizona are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either a city police department, county sheriff's office, or state agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly.

For statewide criminal history, the Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains criminal history records as the Central State Repository. You can request a records review or background check through their Public Services Portal.

🔍 Arizona DPS — Criminal History Records 📋 Arizona DPS — Records Request

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Arizona operates under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. §39-121). Any person can request government records. Arizona law requires all officers and public bodies to maintain records and make them available for inspection. Requests can be made orally or in writing.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Arizona

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's clerk of the Superior Court. Criminal history is centralized through the Arizona DPS. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Arizona

Arizona has 15 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Arizona state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Arizona for free?
Use eAccess, the official Arizona Superior Court online records system. It covers civil and criminal cases filed on or after July 1, 2010.
Are arrest records public in Arizona?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Arizona Public Records Law. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Arizona?
The Arizona DPS maintains criminal history records as the Central State Repository. Request records through their Public Services Portal.
What is the Arizona Public Records Law?
It is the state law that requires all public officers and bodies to maintain records and make them available for public inspection. Requests can be made to the agency that holds the records.
How many court systems does Arizona have?
Arizona has a multi-level court system: justice courts, municipal courts, superior courts (one per county), the Court of Appeals (two divisions), and the Arizona Supreme Court. Each county has a clerk of the Superior Court who maintains records.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026