Getting Public Records
MCA 2-6-1003 — every person may examine and copy public information, with receipt acknowledged within 5 business days
Every person has a right to examine and get a copy of any public information of the state, apart from what is withheld for safety or security, and no more of it than safety requires.
Who handles this in Montana: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Montana directory.
- A state agency acknowledges a request within 5 business days, and provides a single, readily available record within 5 working days after that.
- A larger request comes with an estimate of time and fees, and is answered within 90 days, or 6 months with a written reason.
- A local government answers in a timely manner, with the records or an estimate.
- Search and processing fees may not exceed $25 an hour.
A denial is explained in writing. A person who believes a denial breaks the law may file a complaint in district court, and a person who wins may be awarded costs and reasonable attorney fees.
Sources for this section (3)
- MCA 2-6-1003 — Access to public information -- safety and security exceptions -- additional exceptions
- MCA 2-6-1006 — Public information requests -- fees
- MCA 2-6-1009 — Written notice of denial -- failure to meet response deadline -- civil action -- costs to prevailing party in certain actions to enforce constitutional or statutory rights
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Montana attorney.