OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Massachusetts Public Records

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

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 14 counties across 7 trial court departments
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Massachusetts)
  • Background checks: Massachusetts DCJIS — Criminal Offender Record Information
  • Records law: Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts DCJIS
🏛️ 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

Massachusetts has 14 counties across 7 trial court departments. You can search court cases through MassCourts Case Search. The Trial Court departments include the District Court, Superior Court, Boston Municipal Court, Housing Court, Juvenile Court, Land Court, and Probate and Family Court.

Online case search availability varies by court department and division.

Federal Courts

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

  • District of Massachusetts — Boston, Springfield, Worcester

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

⚖️ MassCourts — Case Search 🏛️ Massachusetts Trial Court Website

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

Arrest Records

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

For statewide criminal records, the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) maintains the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system.

🔍 Massachusetts DCJIS — Criminal Records 📋 How to Request a CORI Check

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

Other Public Records

Massachusetts operates under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (MGL c. 66 §10). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 10 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 Massachusetts

Court records are maintained by the Massachusetts Trial Court across 7 departments. Criminal history is centralized through DCJIS. 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 Massachusetts

Massachusetts has 14 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I search court records in Massachusetts for free?
Use MassCourts, the official case search system. Availability varies by court department.
Are arrest records public in Massachusetts?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts DCJIS maintains the CORI system. Visit mass.gov for details on requesting a CORI check.
What is the Massachusetts Public Records Law?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 10 business days. The Secretary of State's Public Records Division oversees compliance.
How many court systems does Massachusetts have?
Massachusetts has 7 trial court departments: District Court, Superior Court, Boston Municipal Court, Housing Court, Juvenile Court, Land Court, and Probate and Family Court, plus the Appeals Court and the 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