Getting Public Records
A.R.S. 39-121 — open to inspection by any person during office hours
Any person. In Arizona, public records and other matters in the custody of any officer are open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours.
Any person may ask to examine or be given copies of a public record during regular office hours, or ask for a copy by mail of a record not otherwise on the public body's website. The custodian furnishes copies promptly and may charge a fee, and may ask for copying and postage in advance for mailed copies. At the time of the request, the person affirms whether the record is for a commercial purpose.
Silence counts as a denial. Access is deemed denied if the custodian fails to respond promptly, or fails to provide an index of records or categories of records withheld.
A person denied access may bring a special action in the superior court. The court may award attorney fees and costs if the requester substantially prevails, and a person wrongfully denied has a claim for the damages the denial caused.
Sources for this section (3)
- A.R.S. 39-121 — Inspection of public records
- A.R.S. 39-121.01 — Definitions; maintenance of records; copies of public records
- A.R.S. 39-121.02 — Action on denial of access; costs and attorney fees; damages
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Arizona attorney.