Getting Public Records
Ala. Code § 36-12-44 — an acknowledgment within 10 business days and an answer within 15 more
Every resident has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public record of the state, except as a law expressly provides otherwise, and the officer who keeps it gives a copy on a proper request and a reasonable fee. Library circulation records and records bearing on security are exempt.
Who handles this in Alabama: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
| For a standard request | The public officer |
|---|---|
| For a standard requestWithin 10 business days of receiving it | The public officerAcknowledges the request |
| For a standard requestWithin 15 business days of acknowledging it | The public officerGives a substantive response fulfilling or denying it, or extends in 15-business-day steps by written notice |
| For a standard requestAfter the earlier of 30 business days or 60 calendar days | The public officerWith no substantive response, the request is presumed denied |
- A standard request is for specifically identified records that would take less than eight hours of staff time.
- A resident is someone domiciled in Alabama, shown by proof such as a driver license or voter registration.
- The officer may require a standard form and payment of the estimated fee before searching or producing the records.
An officer may set written procedures, a request form and a records coordinator, and need not answer a request that does not follow them. Without written procedures, a request can be delivered by hand or mailed to the officer's main office.
Sources for this section (5)
- Ala. Code § 36-12-40 — Rights of Citizens to Inspect and Copy Public Writings; Exceptions
- Ala. Code § 36-12-41 — Copies of Public Records to Be Provided Upon Request and Payment of Fees
- Ala. Code § 36-12-43 — Public Policy; Definitions; Applicability
- Ala. Code § 36-12-44 — Duties of Public Officers; Requests for Public Records Clarification or Additional Information; Timing
- Ala. Code § 36-12-45 — Written Procedures Concerning Public Records; Request Form
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.