OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Connecticut Public Records

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

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 13 judicial districts in a unified court system
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Connecticut)
  • Background checks: CT State Police — Bureau of Identification
  • Records law: Connecticut Freedom of Information Act
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 CT State Police
🏛️ 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

Connecticut has a unified court system with 13 judicial districts. You can search court cases using the Case Look-up system on the Connecticut Judicial Branch website. Enter a name or case number to find civil, criminal, family, and housing case records.

Connecticut does not use county courts — all trial courts are part of the unified Superior Court system administered by the state. Online case search is available for most case types.

Federal Courts

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

  • District of Connecticut — Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven

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

⚖️ Case Look-up — Connecticut Judicial Branch 🏛️ Connecticut Judicial Branch Website

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

Arrest Records

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

For statewide criminal history, the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification maintains criminal records. A state criminal history check costs $75 and requires fingerprinting.

🔍 CT State Police — Bureau of Identification 📋 Connecticut Criminal Records Information

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

Other Public Records

Connecticut operates under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act. Any person can request records and attend meetings of all public agencies with certain exceptions. Agencies must respond within four business days.

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 Connecticut

Court records are maintained centrally by the Connecticut Judicial Branch in a unified Superior Court system. Criminal history is centralized through the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification. 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 Connecticut

Connecticut has 8 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I search court records in Connecticut for free?
Use the Case Look-up system on the Connecticut Judicial Branch website. Search by name or case number for civil, criminal, family, and housing cases.
Are arrest records public in Connecticut?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Connecticut?
The Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification processes criminal history checks. A state check costs $75. Visit the Bureau of Identification page for details.
What is the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to obtain records and attend meetings of public agencies. Agencies must respond within four business days.
How many court systems does Connecticut have?
Connecticut has a unified court system: the Superior Court (handling all trial-level cases across 13 judicial districts), the Appellate Court, and the Supreme Court. There are no separate county courts.
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