Oklahoma Open Records Act Request
A ready-to-use request letter for obtaining public records from Oklahoma government agencies under the Oklahoma Open Records Act (51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq.).
[Date]
[Name of Records Custodian or Public Body]
[Agency / Department Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Re: Request for Records Under the Oklahoma Open Records Act (51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq.)
Dear Records Custodian:
Pursuant to the Oklahoma Open Records Act ("the Act"), 51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq., I am requesting access to and copies of the following records:
[Describe the records you are requesting as specifically as possible. Include date ranges, names, case numbers, incident numbers, department names, or any other identifying information that will help the agency locate the records.]
I do not need to state a reason to request access. The Oklahoma Open Records Act provides that records of public bodies are open to any person unless a specific confidentiality provision or exemption applies. See 51 O.S. § 24A.5; Oklahoma Ass'n of Broadcasters, Inc. v. City of Norman, 2016 OK 119.
Response Deadline
Under 51 O.S. § 24A.5(6), a public body must provide "prompt, reasonable access" to its records. The Act does not set a fixed three-day response deadline, but I respectfully request an acknowledgment or status update within three (3) business days. A noncommercial requester may ask the Public Access Counselor to review a response that is not prompt or reasonable. See 51 O.S. § 24A.40(D)–(E).
Denial Obligations
If any portion of this request is denied, please identify the specific statutory exemption relied upon for each record or portion withheld. Oklahoma courts place the burden on the public body to establish that an exemption applies. See Citizens Against Taxpayer Abuse, Inc. v. City of Oklahoma City, 2003 OK 65, ¶ 12.
If individual records contain both exempt and non-exempt information, the Act requires that reasonably segregable, non-exempt portions be disclosed after the exempt portions are deleted. See 51 O.S. § 24A.5(3).
Fees
I understand that 51 O.S. § 24A.5(4) generally limits standard-size copy fees to twenty-five cents ($0.25) per page. A public body may charge a reasonable search fee when a request is solely commercial or would clearly cause excessive disruption of essential functions, but it may not charge a search fee when release is in the public interest as described in the statute. If the estimated cost exceeds $[amount], please provide an itemized estimate before proceeding so that I may narrow the request if necessary. I understand that current law permits advance payment when authorized fees are estimated to exceed $75 or the requester owes fees from an earlier request.
Format of Production
If the requested records are maintained in electronic format, I request that they be provided electronically (via email or digital media) to minimize reproduction costs, as contemplated by 51 O.S. § 24A.3(2) (defining "record" to include information stored electronically) and § 24A.5(1). If the records exist only in hard copy, standard paper copies are acceptable.
Enforcement
I trust this request will be handled in accordance with the Act. A requester denied access may seek declaratory or injunctive relief under 51 O.S. § 24A.17, but must first give the public body and the Attorney General written notice of the intended suit at least ten (10) business days before filing. A successful requester is entitled to reasonable attorney's fees. See 51 O.S. § 24A.17(B)–(C).
A public official who willfully violates the Oklahoma Open Records Act may be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to one year in county jail, or both. See 51 O.S. § 24A.17(A).
Please direct any questions to me at the contact information listed below. Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Key Legal Authority
Statutes Cited
Case Law
Citizens Against Taxpayer Abuse, Inc. v. City of Oklahoma City
2003 OK 65
Unless a statutory exemption applies, a record must be available for inspection; the public body bears the burden of establishing the exemption.
Oklahoma Ass'n of Broadcasters, Inc. v. City of Norman
2016 OK 119
The Act is construed to allow access unless an exception clearly applies, and the agency seeking to deny access bears the burden.
Tips for a Successful Request
Be specific
The more precisely you describe the records — dates, names, case numbers, department — the faster the agency can locate them and the harder it is to claim your request is overbroad.
Name the right agency
Records are held by the agency that created or maintains them. If you are unsure, call the agency first. Sending a request to the wrong body gives the correct one an excuse for delay.
Keep a copy and note the date
Always retain a copy of your request and document when and how it was sent. If the agency does not respond, this establishes your timeline for a potential enforcement action.
Follow up promptly
If you do not receive a response within 3–5 business days, follow up by phone or email. Reference your original request date and the Act's requirement of "prompt, reasonable access."
Common Exemptions to Watch For
Agencies may claim these exemptions. If they do, demand the specific statutory citation:
Remember: even if an exemption applies to part of a record, the non-exempt portions must still be disclosed with redactions.
If Your Request Is Denied or Ignored
A noncommercial requester generally may ask the Public Access Counselor to review a denial within 30 calendar days, or ask for review when a response is not prompt or reasonable. A requester considering suit under 51 O.S. § 24A.17 must give written notice to the public body and Attorney General 10 business days before filing. A successful requester is entitled to reasonable attorney's fees.
Questions About Your Legal Matter?
These resources provide general information. For guidance specific to your situation, contact Addison Law Firm.