OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Kansas Public Records

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

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 105 counties across 31 judicial districts
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Kansas)
  • Background checks: KBI — Kansas Criminal History Record Check
  • Records law: Kansas Open Records 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 KBI
🏛️ 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

Kansas has 105 counties across 31 judicial districts. You can search court cases through individual district court clerk websites. The Kansas Judicial Branch provides a directory to find your local court.

County-level court records include district courts handling all trial-level cases. Online availability varies by county.

Federal Courts

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

  • District of Kansas — Kansas City, Topeka, Wichita

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

⚖️ Kansas Courts — Cases and Opinions 🏛️ Kansas Judicial Branch Website

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

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Kansas are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) provides criminal history record checks.

🔍 KBI — Criminal History Record Check 📋 Kansas Bureau of Investigation

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

Other Public Records

Kansas operates under the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 3 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 Kansas

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's clerk of the district court. Criminal history is centralized through the KBI. 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 Kansas

Kansas has 105 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I search court records in Kansas for free?
Visit the Kansas Courts website to find case information. Some district courts offer online case search through their clerk's office.
Are arrest records public in Kansas?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Kansas Open Records 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 Kansas?
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation provides criminal history checks. Visit kbi.ks.gov for details.
What is the Kansas Open Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 3 business days.
How many court systems does Kansas have?
Kansas has a unified court system with 31 judicial districts: district courts (trial level), the Court of Appeals, and the Kansas Supreme Court.
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