Transcripts

Official court transcripts, which are written records of the court proceedings prepared in accordance with legislation, are made from these recordings

When are local court transcripts made?

Transcripts of local court proceedings are not prepared in all matters.

If a person needs a typed copy of what was said during a local court case, a request can be made for the sound recording to be typed into a transcript for a set fee.

Alternatively a copy of the sound recording of what was said during a local court case can be requested for a set fee. This is often called a duplicate sound recording.

Who can request a transcript?

The parties to the proceedings or their legal representatives are entitled to obtain a copy of a transcript or copy of the sound recording for a set fee. 

The court or registrar may also permit parties who are not involved in the proceedings to obtain a copy of a transcript or copy of the sound recording for a set fee. The person requesting the transcript must provide the reason for requesting the transcript and the intended purpose in writing

How much do transcripts cost?

The fee for a transcript can be found on the local court fees page.

A person requesting a transcript or copy of the sound recording can seek to have the fee waived or postponed. 

Information and the application form to seek for a fee to be waived or postponed is available on the local court fees page.

How do you order a transcript?

Order online (preferred)

Transcripts and recordings can be ordered through the Online Registry Website, provided users have an account. 

If you are not already registered for the Online Registry Website, you can create an online registry account. You will be asked to verify your identity. 

Steps to order online:

1. Log into the Online Registry Website

2. Navigate to the transcripts tab

3. Request a transcript online. You will be guided through the necessary approval and billing processes. 

4. Check the progress of your transcript order at any stage by logging back into the online registry. 

Note: The Online Transcripts ordering service is not available for the following:

• Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) proceedings
• Suppressed proceedings.

In these matters, please lodge an order form. 

Order form

If you are unable to order online, you may submit a Transcript Order form for a transcript or copy of a sound recording. The form must be submitted to the court in which the case was heard.

Steps to submit an order form:

1.  Complete the application form available on the Local Court forms page.

2. Pay the set fee or request to have the fee waived or postponed.

3. Submit the form to the relevant court by email, in person, or by post. A list of local court locations and contact information can be found here.

Note: If you submit your application by email or post, you will receive a payment link by email or SMS. Payment must be received before the order can be processed.

In most cases, whether you order online or by form:

• A copy of the sound recording will be available approximately two weeks after the order date.
• A transcript will be available within six to eight weeks. If you need the transcript urgently, please specify the required date on the order form. We will try to provide it sooner, but we cannot guarantee it.

Can you make additional copies of transcripts or sound recordings?

No. Copyright of the transcripts or sound recording is owned by the state. Transcripts or sound recordings cannot be photocopied or used in any other way without permission from the Reporting Services Branch or the crown.