St Paul Court Records are official documents created, received, and maintained by city, county, and state agencies in Minnesota. These records include birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, property deeds, building permits, police incident reports, and court filings. Most are stored in paper form—like bound ledgers and microfilm—and in digital databases managed by the Minnesota State Records Center. While many files are open to the public, some remain restricted, such as sealed juvenile cases, active criminal investigations, medical data protected by HIPAA, and personal financial information. The Ramsey County District Court public records office at 15 W Kellogg Blvd, Room 72, helps visitors Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with on-site terminals to search the Access Case Records portal and download docket entries, motions, and PDF judgments dating back to 1995.
What Are St Paul Court Records?
St Paul Court Records cover a wide range of legal and civil documents generated by government agencies. These include civil and criminal case filings, probate records, family court decisions, traffic violations, and small claims. Each record type serves a different purpose—some help verify identity, others support background checks, and many assist in legal research. Most records are accessible to the public unless sealed by law or court order. The Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch govern what can be viewed and downloaded. Rule 8, sub-d. 2 outlines which documents are publicly available and which require special permission.
Where to Find St Paul Court Records
You can access St Paul Court Records through multiple official sources. The Ramsey County District Court offers in-person visits at 15 W Kellogg Blvd, Room 72. Public terminals allow free searches of the Access Case Records system. For remote access, the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal provides over 1.2 million dockets, including civil, criminal, and family cases. Launched in early 2024, MCRO replaced older systems and now serves as the primary digital gateway. Users can search by case number, party name, or filing date. PDFs of judgments, orders, and motions are available for download if not sealed.
https://www.mncourts.gov/Access-Case-Records/MCRO.aspx
Ramsey County District Court – Public Access
The Ramsey County District Court manages local trial court records for St Paul. Its public records office operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding state holidays. Visitors use on-site computers to search case files, view docket entries, and print documents. The court’s phone number is (651) 266-8237. Remote users can log into the Access Case Records portal via the court’s website. This system holds records from 1995 onward, including civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Certified copies may require a fee and in-person pickup.
https://www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Ramsey.aspx 
Federal Court Records in St Paul
The United States District Court for the District of Minnesota has a division in St Paul located at 415 Upham St. This federal courthouse handles civil and criminal cases under federal jurisdiction. Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz presides over major dockets, while Clerk Kate M. Fogarty manages electronic filings through PACER. The court provides 24-hour transcript requests and online docket searches. In-person help is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (651) 848-1100 for jury duty or case status questions. All filings must go through the CM/ECF system or be mailed to the Warren E. Burger Federal Building.
https://www.mnd.uscourts.gov/content/st-paul-courthouse
Saint Paul Police Records Unit
The Saint Paul Police Department’s Records Unit processes requests for incident reports, accident files, and background checks. Located at 367 Grove St., the unit operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (651) 266-5700 for assistance. Permit to Purchase applications can be submitted in person or by mail. The unit also handles FOIA requests and provides certified arrest records for employment or licensing purposes. Some records may require a signed authorization form or proof of identity.
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) – How It Works
MCRO is Minnesota’s newest public access portal for district court records. It launched in Phase 2 in 2024 and now indexes more than 1.2 million cases. Users can search by name, case number, or date. Results show docket numbers, filing dates, party names, and case summaries. Registers of Actions list every motion, order, and filing. Publicly available PDFs—such as final judgments, subpoenas, and settlement agreements—can be downloaded directly. Sealed records, juvenile cases, and sensitive financial data are not visible. The older MPA Remote system still exists for pre-2024 records.
https://publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us/CaseSearch
Criminal Records in Ramsey County
Ramsey County criminal records include arrests, charges, sentencing documents, and case dispositions for incidents after January 1, 2000. These are governed by the Minnesota Criminal Records Act. To request records, call (651) 266-1999. Fine payments go through the Clerk’s Office at (651) 281-3219. Residents outside the Twin Cities can use the toll-free line 1-800-657-3611, but only if their phone number does not have area codes 612, 651, 763, or 952. Certified copies may require an appointment or in-person visit.
https://www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Ramsey/RamseyCriminalCourt.aspx
Conciliation and Civil Commitment Courts
The Conciliation Court, also known as Small Claims Court, handles disputes up to $15,000. It is located at 15 W Kellogg Blvd, Room 170. No lawyer is needed—litigants file claims and attend mediation. The Civil Commitment Court at 402 University Ave E, Suite 100, oversees involuntary psychiatric holds. Both courts operate weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-service kiosks help with fee payments and docket lookups.
https://www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Ramsey/RamseyCivilCourt.aspx
System Maintenance and Access Alerts
From time to time, the Access Case Records portal undergoes scheduled maintenance. For example, it was offline from 6 p.m. on Friday, August 12, to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, for system upgrades. During outages, users cannot search dockets, download filings, or view case details. The court recommends downloading needed documents before maintenance windows. Updates are posted on the official Minnesota Courts website.
https://mncourts.gov/caserecords
Types of Records Available
- Birth and death certificates (vital records)
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Property deeds and land titles
- Building permits and zoning approvals
- Police incident and accident reports
- Civil and criminal court filings
- Probate and estate records
- Traffic violations and citations
- Small claims and conciliation cases
- Involuntary commitment orders
Restricted and Sealed Records
Not all St Paul Court Records are open to the public. Sealed juvenile cases, ongoing criminal investigations, medical information protected by HIPAA, and personal financial data are restricted. Some records may be partially redacted before release. To access sealed files, individuals typically need a court order or must be a party to the case. Requests involving minors or sensitive health data require additional documentation and approval.
How to Request Records
- Identify the type of record needed (e.g., criminal, civil, property).
- Determine the correct agency (county court, police department, state center).
- Visit in person, call, or use an online portal like MCRO or PACER.
- Provide identifying details such as case number, name, or date.
- Pay any required fees for certified copies or processing.
- Receive documents via email, mail, or in-person pickup.
Fees and Processing Times
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Public record search (online) | Free | Instant |
| Certified copy (court record) | $5–$25 | 1–3 business days |
| Police incident report | $5–$15 | 2–5 business days |
| Background check authorization | $10–$20 | 3–7 business days |
| Transcript request (federal court) | $30–$100 | 5–10 business days |
Online vs. In-Person Access
Most St Paul Court Records are available online through MCRO, PACER, or the Ramsey County portal. Online access is free for viewing, but downloading or printing may incur fees. In-person visits allow immediate help from staff, access to older paper files, and certified copies. Some records, especially those predating 1995, may only be available on microfilm or in bound ledgers at the records office.
Privacy and Legal Compliance
All record requests must comply with Minnesota privacy laws and federal regulations like HIPAA. Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and medical details are redacted before release. Employers and licensing agencies must submit signed authorizations for background checks. Misuse of public records can result in legal penalties.
Common Uses for Court Records
- Background checks for employment or housing
- Legal research for attorneys and paralegals
- Genealogy and family history projects
- Property title verification
- Verification of marriage or divorce
- Appealing traffic tickets or fines
- Preparing for court appearances
Tips for First-Time Users
Start with the MCRO portal for recent cases. Have the case number or full name ready. If searching by name, use exact spelling. For federal cases, use PACER and create an account. Call the records office if you’re unsure which agency holds the document. Bring ID for in-person requests. Allow extra time for certified copies or complex searches.
Contact Information
Ramsey County District Court Public Records Office
Address: 15 W Kellogg Blvd, Room 72, St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: (651) 266-8237
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saint Paul Police Records Unit
Address: 367 Grove St., Saint Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 266-5700
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
United States District Court – St. Paul Division
Address: 415 Upham St., St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 848-1100
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Related Search Terms
- Ramsey County court records
- St Paul criminal records
- Minnesota public access court
- MCRO case search
- PACER federal records
- Saint Paul police reports
- Access Case Records portal
- Minnesota Rules of Public Access
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how to find, request, and use St Paul Court Records. Below are answers to the most common inquiries, based on official policies and real user experiences.
Can I get a copy of my own arrest record from St Paul?
Yes, you can request your own arrest record from the Saint Paul Police Records Unit. Call (651) 266-5700 or visit 367 Grove St. during business hours. You’ll need to show a government-issued photo ID. The report will include details like date, location, charges, and disposition. If the case is sealed or under investigation, access may be limited. For older records, the Ramsey County Criminal Records Division at (651) 266-1999 can help. There’s usually a small fee for certified copies. Employers or landlords requesting your record must have your signed permission.
Are juvenile court records available to the public in St Paul?
No, juvenile court records in St Paul are not open to the public. These files are sealed by law to protect the privacy of minors. Only the juvenile, their parents or guardians, attorneys, and authorized court personnel can access them. Exceptions may apply if the juvenile is charged as an adult or if a judge orders disclosure. Requests must be made in writing and approved by the court. The Ramsey County District Court does not release juvenile dockets through MCRO or Access Case Records. This policy follows Minnesota Statutes Chapter 260B, which prioritizes rehabilitation and confidentiality for young offenders.
How long does it take to get a court record from Ramsey County?
Most court records from Ramsey County are available immediately if searched online via MCRO or Access Case Records. For certified copies, processing takes 1–3 business days. In-person requests at 15 W Kellogg Blvd are often fulfilled the same day. Mail-in requests may take 5–10 days due to postage. Federal records through PACER are instant for viewing but transcripts can take 5–10 days. Complex searches or older files on microfilm may require additional time. Always call ahead if you need documents urgently.
Do I need a lawyer to request St Paul Court Records?
No, you do not need a lawyer to request St Paul Court Records. Anyone can access public records under Minnesota’s Data Practices Act. You can search online, visit the records office, or call the relevant department. However, a lawyer may be helpful if you’re involved in active litigation, need sealed records, or require legal interpretation of documents. For background checks or employment verification, employers often handle requests directly with your consent.
Can I search St Paul Court Records by name only?
Yes, you can search St Paul Court Records by name using the MCRO portal or Access Case Records. Enter the full legal name as it appears on the case. Results will show matching dockets, filing dates, and case types. For better accuracy, include a middle initial or known aliases. If no results appear, try variations in spelling or check alternate spellings. Note that common names may return many matches, so narrowing by date or case type helps.
Are property deeds part of St Paul Court Records?
Yes, property deeds are included in St Paul Court Records and are maintained by the Ramsey County Recorder’s Office. These documents show ownership transfers, liens, mortgages, and easements. They are public and can be searched online or in person. While not part of the judicial branch, they are often requested alongside court filings in real estate disputes. Visit the Ramsey County website or the State Records Center for digital access.
What happens if a record is missing or incomplete?
If a St Paul Court Record appears missing or incomplete, contact the issuing agency immediately. For court filings, call the Ramsey County Clerk at (651) 266-8237. For police reports, reach the Records Unit at (651) 266-5700. Staff can check physical archives, microfilm, or backup systems. Some older records may have been damaged or lost over time. In rare cases, a court order may be needed to reconstruct a file. Always document your request in writing for follow-up.