OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Mississippi Public Records

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

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 82 counties across 22 circuit court districts
  • Federal courts: 2 U.S. District Courts (Northern, Southern)
  • Background checks: Mississippi DPS — Criminal Information Center
  • Records law: Mississippi Public 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 Mississippi DPS
🏛️ 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

Mississippi has 82 counties across 22 circuit court districts. Court records are maintained by each county's circuit clerk. There is no single statewide court search portal — contact your county circuit clerk for case records.

County-level court records include circuit courts, chancery courts, county courts, and justice courts. Online availability varies by county.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Mississippi are handled by two U.S. District Courts:

  • Northern District — Oxford, Aberdeen, Greenville, Delta
  • Southern District — Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg

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

⚖️ Mississippi Judiciary Website 🏛️ Mississippi Trial Courts Directory

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

Arrest Records

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

For statewide criminal history, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Criminal Information Center maintains criminal records.

🔍 Mississippi DPS — Criminal Information Center 📋 Mississippi Department of Public Safety

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

Other Public Records

Mississippi operates under the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code §25-61-1). Any person can request government records in writing. Agencies must respond within 7 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 Mississippi

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's circuit clerk. Criminal history is centralized through the Mississippi DPS. 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 Mississippi

Mississippi has 82 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I search court records in Mississippi for free?
Mississippi does not have a single statewide court search portal. Contact your county circuit clerk or visit the Mississippi Judiciary website for directory information.
Are arrest records public in Mississippi?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Mississippi Public 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 Mississippi?
The Mississippi DPS Criminal Information Center provides criminal history checks. Visit dps.ms.gov for details.
What is the Mississippi Public Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 7 working days.
How many court systems does Mississippi have?
Mississippi has a multi-level court system: justice courts, county courts, chancery courts, circuit courts (22 districts), the Court of Appeals, and the Mississippi 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