Start with the Circuit Clerk in the specific county for court and criminal records — Mississippi does not have a unified statewide court search. For criminal background checks, use the Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC). For property, start with the County Tax Assessor, then the Chancery Clerk for deeds (Mississippi uses 'Chancery Clerk' as the recording officer).
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Mississippi Counties — Most Searched
Statewide Databases
Each database below serves a specific purpose — choose the one that fits your search.
Criminal & Court Records
Jail & Inmate Records
Business, Voter & Other
How to Search Mississippi Criminal Records
Mississippi is one of the hardest states to search. No statewide court portal, 82 counties, and each Circuit Clerk operates independently with varying levels of online access. For felonies, the Circuit Clerk in the specific county is your only option. Misdemeanors go through Justice Court or Municipal Court — separate systems entirely. The Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC) handles statewide background checks but access is restricted. The DOC inmate search at mdoc.ms.gov covers state prisons. The sex offender registry is maintained by the Department of Public Safety. Without knowing the exact county, a Mississippi criminal search has nowhere to start.
How to Search Mississippi Court Records
Mississippi has two separate clerk offices and three court levels — and confusing them is the most common mistake. Circuit Court handles felonies, major civil cases, and domestic relations, with records maintained by the Circuit Clerk. Chancery Court handles equity, land disputes, wills, adoptions, and divorce — with records maintained by the Chancery Clerk. Justice Court handles misdemeanors and small claims under $3,500. None of the 82 counties connect to a statewide search — each operates independently. Appellate decisions are at courts.ms.gov, but trial court access requires going to the specific county.
How to Search Mississippi Property Records
The Chancery Clerk is your office — not the Circuit Clerk, not a County Recorder. Mississippi is one of the only states that routes property deeds, mortgages, liens, and land records through a Chancery Clerk. The County Tax Assessor determines property values. The County Tax Collector handles payments. Online access varies wildly across the 82 counties — Hinds County (Jackson), Harrison County (Gulfport), and DeSoto County have some online tools, but many rural counties still require in-person visits. Always confirm you're contacting the Chancery Clerk, not the Circuit Clerk, when looking for property documents.
How to Get Mississippi Vital Records
The State Department of Health at msdh.ms.gov has birth and death records from 1912 forward — $15 per certified copy. Anything before 1912 requires the county Circuit Clerk. Marriage licenses are issued and maintained by the Circuit Clerk (not the Chancery Clerk — this is one of the few things the Circuit Clerk handles outside of court). Divorce records go through the Chancery Clerk, since divorces are processed through Chancery Court. The split between Circuit Clerk (marriages) and Chancery Clerk (divorces) is easy to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to find Mississippi records? ▼
Start with the Circuit Clerk for court and criminal case records — this is the main source for felony filings, civil cases, and dispositions. If nothing comes up, try the County Assessor — some record types are maintained by a different office.
Why does my Mississippi search return no results? ▼
The #1 reason for empty results is using the wrong system. Records are not centralized — each office runs its own database independently. Switch to the office that handles your specific record type.
Is there a single database for all Mississippi records? ▼
No. There is no single database that covers all records in Mississippi. Each office maintains its own system, so you must search them separately depending on the record type.
What is the difference between Circuit Clerk and Chancery Clerk in Mississippi? ▼
Circuit Clerk handles criminal cases, civil cases, and marriage licenses. Chancery Clerk handles property deeds, mortgages, wills, adoptions, divorces, and equity cases. They are completely separate offices — going to the wrong one means you won't find your records.
Does Mississippi have a statewide court search? ▼
No. Mississippi does not have a unified statewide court search. You must contact or visit the Circuit Clerk in the specific county where the case was filed. Online access varies widely by county.
Where are divorce records filed in Mississippi? ▼
Divorce records in Mississippi are filed with the Chancery Clerk (not the Circuit Clerk) in the county where the divorce was granted. Divorces go through Chancery Court in Mississippi, which handles all equity and family matters.
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