DC · Warrant guide
Is there an online warrant search in District of Columbia?
No — District of Columbia has no public online warrant search. Here’s how to find out.
Last verified 2026-07-23Coverage No online searchJurisdiction District of Columbia
Why there’s no single online search
The District of Columbia has no public online warrant search.
DC Courts offers public case search through two systems (Portal and eAccess), but these cover Civil, Landlord & Tenant, Small Claims, Tax, Domestic Violence, and Probate matters; criminal citation cases are expressly not available, and criminal case records generally are not open in the public online search.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) does not provide a public warrant lookup.
To confirm a warrant, contact the DC Superior Court Criminal Division directly.
How to find out if you have a warrant in District of Columbia
Warrants are issued by courts and served by sheriffs — so the surest way to confirm one is to ask the source directly. Work down this list.
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Contact the DC Superior Court Criminal Division
The Superior Court of the District of Columbia handles local criminal cases and issues bench warrants. Call the DC Courts information line (202-879-1010) or visit the Criminal Division at the Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, to ask whether there is a pending case, missed court date, or bench warrant.
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Contact the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
MPD is the District's police of record and serves arrest warrants. Contact MPD regarding an arrest warrant; note MPD does not publish a public warrant-search tool.
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Review DC Courts public case search for related non-criminal cases
The DC Courts Portal and eAccess case search can show docket information for civil, landlord/tenant, small claims, tax, domestic violence, and probate cases. This does not include criminal citation cases or a warrant status, so it is not a warrant lookup, but can confirm a related civil or DV matter and its court date.
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Types of warrants in District of Columbia
Not every warrant means the same thing. These are the common types.
- Bench warrant issued by a Superior Court judge, for example when a defendant fails to appear
- the DC Courts note that on a missed appearance bond may be forfeited and a warrant may be issued for the defendant's arrest
- Arrest warrant issued on a finding of probable cause that a person committed an offense
- Search warrant authorizing a search of a place or property
- not directed at arresting a person
What happens if a warrant is ignored
An outstanding warrant generally remains active until the court resolves it and does not expire on its own.
While it is active, a person can be taken into custody at any law-enforcement contact.
Per DC Courts, missing a required appearance can result in forfeiture of any posted bond and issuance of a warrant.
When arrested on a warrant, a person is typically presented to the court for arraignment or a hearing.
Specific consequences depend on the case.
What you can do
Procedural steps only — no outcome is predicted.
Confirm whether a warrant exists by contacting the DC Superior Court Criminal Division (202-879-1010) or checking with MPD for an arrest warrant.
Ask what the warrant is for and whether an arraignment or hearing date is set.
Bring identification and any case number.
Your rights. You have the right to talk to a lawyer about your situation, and if you cannot afford one, you can ask the court about a public defender.
Common questions about warrants in District of Columbia
Is there an online warrant search in District of Columbia?
No public online warrant search exists in District of Columbia. Here’s how to find out through the court or sheriff.
How do I find out if I have a warrant in District of Columbia?
Contact the clerk of the court that issued the warrant or the county sheriff’s records or warrant division. Contact the DC Superior Court Criminal Division; Contact the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD); Review DC Courts public case search for related non-criminal cases.
What happens if a warrant is ignored in District of Columbia?
An outstanding warrant generally remains active until the court resolves it and does not expire on its own. While it is active, a person can be taken into custody at any law-enforcement contact. Per DC Courts, missing a required appearance can result in forfeiture of any posted bond and issuance of a warrant. When arrested on a warrant, a person is typically presented to the court for arraignment or a hearing. Specific consequences depend on the case.
What should I do about a warrant in District of Columbia?
Confirm whether a warrant exists by contacting the DC Superior Court Criminal Division (202-879-1010) or checking with MPD for an arrest warrant. Ask what the warrant is for and whether an arraignment or hearing date is set. Bring identification and any case number.
Sources & official links
Everything on this page links out to official government sources. We don’t store or search records.
Last verified 2026-07-23 · 5 official sources