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HMCTS API Marketplace

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Getting started with our APIs

Learn about what APIs we offer and how you can connect to them.

What is the HMCTS API Marketplace?

The HMCTS API Marketplace is a central catalogue of data APIs from across His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service. Think of it as a library for data — teams can browse, understand, and request access to data feeds that power justice services.

The marketplace does not build or host the APIs itself. It makes them discoverable, documented, and accessible in one place — with governance controls to ensure only the right people can access the right data.

Steps to get connected

1. Read the consumer guidance

Before you design your software, read the consumer guidance. It explains whether your organisation is eligible, how to use APIs responsibly, including rate limits, authentication and error handling, and the terms of use that apply to everyone using the marketplace.

2. Confirm your use case

Before you go any further, confirm that you have a valid use case for the APIs you want to use. Production access is only approved for a valid use case, so be ready to explain yours when you apply.

3. Test the APIs

You can test our APIs with dummy data before you ask for access to live data, using Try it now. To do this:

  1. Browse the API catalogue to find the APIs you want to test. You do not need an account to do this.
  2. Sign in, or create a developer account if you do not have one yet. You need an account to create an application for Try it now and test the APIs.
  3. Create an application for Try it now and add the APIs you want to test. Your Try it now credentials and keys are issued automatically, with no review.
  4. Test your software with the APIs.

4. Apply for production access

When you are ready to use live data, request production credentials for an application you have tested in Try it now.

Your request is reviewed by the HMCTS Data Access Panel. This is currently an offline process, so look out for emails requesting clarification, or confirming approval or rejection.

If your request is approved, the API Marketplace team will issue your production credentials and keys. You can then use them to call our APIs with live data.

Get help and support

If you have any issues, either during development or once your software is live, you can contact the marketplace team at APIMarketplace@hmcts.net.

Read the consumer guidance for detailed information on using APIs responsibly and on your legal obligations.

Browse the API catalogue