Submitting an open records request to a state, county or local government is not difficult. However, a complete, well-written letter or email submitted to the right agency may increase your chances of getting a satisfactory response and avoiding delays or the need for further correspondence.
Most states’ FOI laws require that public records requests be made in writing. Even if your state does not, it is often a good idea to make a written request so that you have documentary evidence that the request was made.
Click the appropriate link below to find a sample letter template that you can use for preparing and submitting your open records request under your state’s public disclosure laws.
If you wish to submit an open records or FOIA request to the federal government versus a state, county or local government, see these examples of Federal sample FOIA request letters.
Sample State Letters for FOI and Public Records Requests
California Sample FOIA Request
Connecticut Sample FOIA Request
Massachusetts Sample FOIA Request
Mississippi Sample FOIA Request
New Hampshire Sample FOIA Request
New Jersey Sample FOIA Request
New Mexico Sample FOIA Request
North Carolina Sample FOIA Request
North Dakota Sample FOIA Request
Pennsylvania Sample FOIA Request
Rhode Island Sample FOIA Request
South Carolina Sample FOIA Request
South Dakota Sample FOIA Request
Washington Sample FOIA Request