Oklahoma Public Records Law

Oklahoma's public records law, also known as the Oklahoma Open Records Act (OORA) was enacted in 1985 as a set of laws permitting the public to inspect, copy, or reproduce public records maintained by local and state government agencies. The public access granted to government records granted to people aims to enable them to effectively and intelligently use their power. Public records as defined under the OORA include documents, books, photographs, microfilms, sound recordings, and electronic data related to public business, property administration, or the expenditure of public funds.

Birth Records
Court Records
Criminal Records
Death Records
Divorce Records
Inmate Records
Marriage Records
Traffic Violation Records

Where Do I Submit a Public Record Request in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, public records requests are typically submitted to the custodian of records for the specific government agency that holds the records. Each public body has a designated custodian responsible for handling public records requests as mandated by 51 O.S. §§ 24A.5(6).

How Do I Request Public Records in Oklahoma?

You may follow these steps to submit a public record request in Oklahoma:

  • Identify the agency maintaining the record you need
  • Find the designated custodian of the record. You may contact the agency or visit their website to determine the identity of the custodian
  • Prepare your request in the form required by the custodian. Typically, your name, contact information, and key details that would help the custodian locate the record are required
  • Submit the request in any of the forms approved by the custodian. Examples include online mail, email, fax, and in-person options.
  • Pay the required fee, if applicable
  • Wait for response

There are other ways to access Oklahoma public records. One method is to use a reliable third-party website offering Oklahoma public record search services.

What Records are Public in Oklahoma?

Except in a few cases, all records generated concerning the transaction of public businesses, administering of public property, or the expenditure of public funds are covered under the scope of the Oklahoma Open Records Act. Commonly requested public records in Oklahoma include:

  • Vital Records: Marriage and divorce records filed with the court are open to the public but birth and death records may be considered confidential
  • Property Records: These include permit and zoning records, property tax records, deeds, titles, lien, and mortgage records.
  • Court Records: Examples are supreme court records, court of criminal appeals records, court of civil appeals records, district courts, municipal courts, and workers' compensation court records.
  • Law Enforcement Records: Accident reports, jail records, incident and crime reports, and arrest records.
  • Government Financial Records: Contracts and bids records, budget reports, meeting minutes and agendas, and audit reports.

Who Can Request Public Records in Oklahoma?

According to 51 O.S. § 24A.2, any person has the right to review and access government records in Oklahoma. OORA does not limit access to the records of public agencies based on nationality or residency. "Any person" may be defined as any individual, business, organization, corporation, partnership, association, or governmental entity.

What Is the Response Time for Public Records Requests in Oklahoma?

No specific time frame is set by the OORA within which public agencies must respond to public record requests. However, OORA requires that public agencies respond promptly to public record requests. Most agencies aim to respond to standard requests within a few business days. On the other hand, it may take several weeks to respond to complex requests.

What Is the Fee Charged for Providing Copies of Public Records?

The OORA allows agencies to recover reasonable direct costs related to the reproduction of public records. However, the cost may not be more than $0.25 per page for documents less than 8.5" x 14" or $1 for a certified copy. Note that per an Oklahoma Attorney General notice, court clerks may charge $1 for copying the first page of a public record and $0.50 for each subsequent page. No fee may be charged to inspect public records on-site during regular business hours.

What Records Are Exempted Under the Oklahoma Public Law?

Certain records are exempt from public disclosure owing to provisions within the OORA or other state or federal statutes. Such records include:

  • Personal Information, such as Social Security numbers, medical records, personnel records, and private financial data
  • Records prepared for or by attorneys involved in legal proceedings
  • Records that could interfere with ongoing investigations or endanger individuals
  • Identity of confidential informants or undercover officers
  • Proprietary business information, formulas, and processes deemed confidential
  • Emergency response plans and critical infrastructure details
  • Certain criminal records such as juvenile records
  • Criminal history or records sealed by court order
  • Confidential business information submitted to government agencies by private entities
  • Records exempt under other state or federal laws