Federal Records Center Information

The Federal Records Center (FRC) stores case files that have been closed for more than two years and has court of appeals cases from the 5th Circuit in New Orleans available for viewing. However, the FRC does not accept fax or mail requests for appeals cases.

Call the FRC at (817) 551-2000 if you have any questions regarding the services they provide.

Required Information

The FRC cannot process any request without the following information:

  • FRC accession number;
  • FRC location number;
  • Agency box number;
  • Case number;
  • Case Style;
  • City where court is located;

This information can be obtained by contacting the U.S. District Clerk’s Office where the case was closed.

Requests For Copies

Requests for copies of case file information must be made in writing and submitted by mail or fax. Requests by phone will not be accepted. Requests by fax should be sent on the approved form. Please see the attached link for the request form for civil cases or criminal cases. Requests by mail should be sent to:

Federal Records Center
Attn: National Archives Trust Fund
1400 John Burgess Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76140

Web Site:   The National Archives, Southwest Region, Fort Worth

Email: Federal Records Center

You should receive your copies 2-3 days after the FRC receives your request. All courier expenses are the requestor’s responsibility. A fee of $7.50 is charged for Federal Express shipments or you may provide a Federal Express account number.

If you are requesting fewer than 70 pages, you may make your request for documents and/or receive your documents by fax. The FRC‘s fax number is (817) 551-2034. Please allow 1-2 days to receive your copies. Payment must be made using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover only. Copies returned by fax cannot be certified.

Request Options

You may choose from the following options when requesting documents/files from the FRC. Copy charges are included in the flat fee.

Option Fee
Fees are subject to change
NATF Form 91: Order for Copies of Civil Cases
Pre-Selected Documents
Entire Civil Case File
$35.00 per package
$90.00 per package
NATF Form 92: Order for Copies of Criminal Cases
Pre-Selected Documents
Entire Criminal Case File
$35.00 per package
$90.00 per package
NATF Form 93: Order for Copies of Court of Appeals Cases
Entire Court of Appeals Case
$90.00 per package
Court Docket Sheet $35.00 per package

If your request exceeds 70 pages, you can make an appointment to view the file at the FRC or have it copied at $.50/page and have the copies mailed to you. You may also pay a $45.00 fee and have it sent to the U.S. District Clerk’s Office.

NOTE: Packets include indictment and judgment/commitment order or judgment/sentencing order.

For large cases (i.e., more than one box), a docket sheet must be included with the request.

Payment Methods

The FRC accepts checks/money orders (payable to National Archives Trust Fund), Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Do not send cash. You may pay with cash at the FRC, but you must have the exact amount. The FRC cannot make change.

This page links to PDF files. Use this link to download Adobe Reader, if needed.