OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
District of Columbia Public Records

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

⚡ At a Glance

  • Local courts: DC Superior Court and DC Court of Appeals
  • Federal courts: U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • Background checks: Metropolitan Police Department — Arrest and Criminal History Section
  • Records law: DC Freedom of Information Act (DC FOIA)
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

⚖️ DC Superior Court and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and police reports from MPD
📋 Criminal background checks and police clearances
🏛️ Public records through DC FOIA
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

The District of Columbia has its own local court system separate from the federal courts. You can search cases using the DC Superior Court Case Search and the eAccess system. Enter a name or case number to find civil, criminal, family, and other case records.

The DC Superior Court handles all local trial-level cases — civil, criminal, family, probate, tax, and landlord-tenant matters. The DC Court of Appeals is the highest local court.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in the District of Columbia are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia — Washington, D.C. (E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse)

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

⚖️ DC Superior Court — Case Search 🏛️ DC Courts Website

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

Arrest Records

Arrest records in the District of Columbia are created and held by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). To get a copy of an arrest report or police report, contact MPD's Records Division directly. Reports are available for a small fee.

For criminal history and police clearances, MPD's Arrest and Criminal History Section provides background checks. You must visit in person with valid photo identification.

🔍 MPD — Arrest and Criminal History Section 📋 MPD — Police Clearances and Reports

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

Other Public Records

The District of Columbia operates under the DC Freedom of Information Act (DC FOIA). Any person can request government records. Requests can be submitted online through the DC government Public FOIA Portal, or by mail, fax, or email. Agencies must respond within 15 business days.

How to file a request: Submit a request through the DC government Public FOIA Portal or write to the agency that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want.

How Records Work in the District of Columbia

Court records are maintained by the DC Courts (Superior Court and Court of Appeals). Criminal history and arrest records are held by the Metropolitan Police Department. DC is not a state and has no counties — all records are managed at the district level by DC government agencies.

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

Local Agencies in the District of Columbia

The District of Columbia has no counties. All public records are managed by district-level agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from District of Columbia agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in DC for free?
Use the DC Superior Court Case Search or the eAccess system. Both are free and cover civil, criminal, and other case types.
Are arrest records public in DC?
Yes. Arrest records are available through the Metropolitan Police Department. You can request police reports and clearances through MPD's Arrest and Criminal History Section. A FOIA request can also be submitted for specific records.
How do I get a background check in DC?
Visit MPD's Arrest and Criminal History Section in person with valid photo ID. Police clearances are available for a fee. Hours are Monday–Friday, with extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
What is the DC Freedom of Information Act?
It is the DC law that gives the public the right to access government records. Requests can be submitted online through the DC FOIA Portal, or by mail, fax, or email. Agencies must respond within 15 business days.
Does DC have counties?
No. The District of Columbia is a single federal district with no counties. All public records are managed at the district level by DC government agencies — DC Courts for court records, MPD for arrest records, and individual agencies for other public 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