OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Maine Public Records

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

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 16 counties in a unified court system
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Maine)
  • Background checks: Maine State Police — Criminal History Record Check
  • Records law: Maine Freedom of Access 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 Maine 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

Maine has 16 counties in a unified court system. You can search court cases through the Maine Judicial Branch case lookup system. Contact the clerk's office in the relevant county for specific case records.

Maine's trial courts include the Superior Court and District Court. Online case search availability varies.

Federal Courts

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

  • District of Maine — Portland, Bangor

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

⚖️ Maine Judicial Branch — Case Lookup 🏛️ Maine Judicial Branch Website

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

Arrest Records

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

For statewide criminal history, the Maine State Police State Bureau of Identification maintains criminal records.

🔍 Maine State Police — State Bureau of Identification 📋 Maine State Police Website

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

Other Public Records

Maine operates under the Maine Freedom of Access Act (1 M.R.S. §400). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 5 working 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 Maine

Court records are maintained by the Maine Judicial Branch across 16 counties. Criminal history is centralized through the Maine State Police. 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 Maine

Maine has 16 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I search court records in Maine for free?
Use the Maine Judicial Branch case lookup or contact the clerk's office in the relevant county.
Are arrest records public in Maine?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Maine Freedom of Access 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 Maine?
The Maine State Police State Bureau of Identification provides criminal history checks. Visit the SBI page for details.
What is the Maine Freedom of Access Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 5 working days.
How many court systems does Maine have?
Maine has a unified court system: District Court, Superior Court, and the Maine Supreme Judicial 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