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District of Columbia: Local History & Genealogy Resource Guide

Courthouse Records

County level research is essential in the pursuit of family and local history. The list below highlights the most common county courthouse records used by genealogists, but there are many more record sets available. Use the guides below and explore the specific resources for the counties of interest to assure that you locate all pertinent documents.

When requesting courthouse records, inquire about both docket books and paper files. Often both types of material exist for each record. While the two formats may merely repeat the data, one may be easier to read than the other. And, in many cases, there are further details, unique notations, over-sized pages such as maps, and so on, that are filed in only the docket book or in only the paper file. Seeing both will provide a more complete review of the record.

Timeline for County Courthouse Records

Birth Records
  • 1874 to present
    (Also see the Vital Records section of this guide.)

Note: Birth records become public after 125 years. All other birth records are closed and certified copies may only be obtained if you are legally entitled and present the required personal documentation and fees.

Certified copies of open and closed records are available at the DC Vital Records Division (DCVRD). Archived copies of public (open) records are available at the DC Office of Public Records and Archives.

  • Records relating to adoptions before 1900: US District Court for the District of Columbia
Civil Lawsuits
  • Generally maintained by: District of Columbia Superior Court
Coroner's Inquests
  • Generally maintained by: DC Office of Public Records and Archives

Note: If the cause of death is suspicious or unknown, the Coroner's office is responsible for conducting an inquest.

Criminal Court
  • Generally maintained by: District of Columbia Superior Court
  • Federal cases: US District Court for the District of Columbia

Note: For US District Court, 1801-present: Washington National Records Center, Record Group 21

Death Records
  • 1855 to present
    (Also see the Vital Records section of this guide.)

  • Certified copies of open and closed records are available at the DC Vital Records Division (DCVRD).

  • Archived copies of public (open) records are available at the DC Office of Public Records and Archives.

Note: No death records were filed during the Civil War, 1861 to 1865.

Also Note: Death records become public after 75 years. All other death records are closed, and certified copies may only be obtained if you are legally entitled and present the required personal documentation and fees.

Deeds
  • Generally maintained by: Recorder of Deeds
Divorce Records
  • Before 1957: request from Clerk, US District Court for the District of Columbia

  • 1957 to present: Certified copies of divorce decrees for cases filed after 1957 for the District of Columbia can be obtained from the District of Columbia Superior Court.

    (Also see the Vital Records section of this guide.)

Marriage Records
  • 1870-1966: DC Office of Public Records and Archives

  • 1966 to present: District of Columbia Superior Court

    (Also see the Vital Records section of this guide.)
Naturalizations
  • Generally maintained by: District Court of the District of Columbia
Taxes
  • Select years 1780s and 1790s for Georgetown: DC Public Library's Georgetown Branch
  • 1790s-1870s federal and property tax: Family History Library
  • 1886-1968 property assessments: People's Archive, DC Public Library
  • 1814-1940 tax assessments: National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 351
Will and Probate
  • 1801 to present (originals): Register of Wills
  • Transcripts, 1810-1888: Washington National Records Center, Record Group 21

Online Resources for Courthouse Records

The subscription resources marked with a padlock are available to researchers on-site at the Library of Congress. If you are unable to visit the Library, you may be able to access these resources through your local public or academic library.

Using Ancestry Library Edition for District of Columbia

Begin your search through Ancestry's vast collections, by viewing the list designated as District of Columbia records External.

Using FamilySearch for District of Columbia

FamilySearch provides useful state and county wikis that make excellent starting points for research. The District of Columbia Wiki External.

FamilySearch has digitized many of its microfilms containing county courthouse records. Not all records have been indexed yet, so search engine results may NOT show you the full range of FamilySearch data. You must browse the FamilySearch catalog External listings for each county to view the full set of records available. The vast amount of accessible original records is well worth your time to explore.

There is no fee to use FamilySearch, but you must create a free, personal account to access the databases and digital records.

Published Courthouse Records

Below are selected print publications for statewide courthouse records. The following titles link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are included when available.

To locate additional published materials, go to the Print Resources section of this guide for search tips on locating published county courthouse records, abstracts, and indexes that may aid you in locating original records at the county level.