After record retention deadlines have been met, a case file may be destroyed. The document or case you are looking for may or may not still be available. There are a number of options available to persons who wish to obtain case records stored at the National Archives.

1. Ordering directly from the archive facility: Copies of case files are available via fax, mail, email, or online from the Archive Southwest Region branch in Fort Worth, Texas. There are a variety of options when ordering directly from the archives. Order options include: the case file, certified case file, case docket, pre-selected documents, or certified pre-selected documents. Ordering costs range from $35 and up.

   Order Forms, instructions, costs, and additional information are available from the archives at:

   http://www.archives.gov/research/court-records/
   National Archives Retrieval Order Form

   Before ordering from the archives, you will need to contact the Clerk's Office for certain information needed to complete the order form such as the accession number and box number. Please have a pen and paper handy when you call for this information. The Clerk's Office phone number is 918-699-4000.
    

2. Ordering through the Clerk’s Office: If the case is still available at the archive facility, the original case file may be retrieved so that it may be viewed and copied in person at the Clerk's Office. Please contact the Clerk's Office at 918-699-4000 to order your file. A fee of $64 for the first box and $39 for each additional box will need to be submitted to the Clerk's Office prior to ordering.

   Once the case file has been shipped to the Clerk's Office, you will be contacted by phone. You may view and copy the case file at the Clerk's Office during normal business hours.

   ALTERNATIVELY: If copies are needed quickly, the Clerk’s Office can order up to 100 pages from the Federal Records Center (FRC) for delivery within 1 working day. The FRC will scan the requested documents and email them to the Clerk’s Office. The fee is $19.90 plus $.65 per page. For example, the fee for scanned copies of 100 pages of documents would be $84.90. This program is called SmartScan. The Clerk’s Office will provide copies on paper or electronically via email.

Speaking with a judge outside of a hearing is considered improper "ex parte" contact with the court. In order to preserve the integrity of the court and to prevent the appearance of any impropriety or allegations of preferential treatment, all contact and communications with the judges must happen through pleadings or in a court hearing.

The Clerk's Office does not transmit documents by fax. Requested documents may be paid for and picked up at the Clerk's Office during normal business hours.

Alternatively, the Clerk's Office will quote callers the specific cost based on the number of copies requested. You can then mail a money order for that amount along with a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage to cover the mailing costs of sending the copies. Your documents will be processed and returned by mail promptly.

You can get copies of a document on the web if you have a PACER account or by coming into the clerk's office. You may also come to or call the clerk's office at 918-699-4072, but you must pay for the copies and send a self-addressed, stamped envelope before the copies will be sent.

Due to privacy procedures, some documents filed electronically will not be available online. When a user tries to access a document that is not available online, the System will display the message, “The document has been restricted. If this document is not redacted or sealed it may be viewed in the Clerk’s Office...” Restricted documents will be available for viewing and printing at the Clerk’s Office or may be purchased in paper form. For instructions on purchasing a restricted document by mail, please call 918-699-4072.