How to make a Georgia open records request
A Georgia open-records request goes to the government agency that holds the record, not to a central search website. The Attorney General’s guidance explains how to identify the custodian and why a written request is useful.
General information only. AnswerSignalApp is not a law firm and this page is not legal advice. It does not describe legal rights, deadlines or outcomes. Agencies change their procedures and fees; the official page is always the authority.
1. Identify the agency and records custodian
Start with the agency that created or received the document. A DPS report belongs on the DPS records route; a city police incident report starts with that department. The Attorney General says to direct the request to the agency’s records custodian, whose designated contact may be on its website.
Do not send a statewide request to every agency just because you do not know the custodian. Check existing paperwork and the agency’s official records page first. If the office does not hold the record, ask which office does before sending a revised request.
2. Describe existing records in writing
The Attorney General notes that requests can be oral or written, but recommends writing to document and clarify scope and timing. Use the agency’s instructions or the sample form linked from the Attorney General’s page. The sample is a starting point, not a form submitted through this site.
Name the type of record and a focused date range or event reference when relevant. A request for an existing incident report is different from asking the agency to answer a general question or create an analysis. Avoid requesting unrelated personal information. Any identifying details needed to locate a record should go only to the custodian, not here.
3. Ask about delivery, charges and limits
Say whether you need inspection, an electronic copy or a particular document format. Ask the agency about estimated charges and how it will contact you before you commit to a broad request. DPS specifically warns that records requests may be billed; do not assume every agency copy is free.
The Attorney General explains that public records can be withheld where a specific legal exemption applies, and that a custodian withholding a public document must cite the exemption. This guide does not decide whether a particular record must be released or give a legal response deadline.
4. Keep the request and follow up with the custodian
Keep a private copy of what you sent, any acknowledgement and the agency’s response. If the agency cannot locate the record, confirm the scope, record type and custodian. A different spelling or reference number may matter, but do not post identifiers publicly.
If records are withheld, ask the custodian to explain the cited basis and what records, if any, can be provided. The official Attorney General guidance remains the starting point; disputed access or enforcement questions need advice appropriate to your situation, not an automated promise from this site.