Getting Public Records
W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3 — an answer within five days, not counting weekends and holidays, and copies at cost
Every person has a right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body in the state, apart from the exemptions the article lists. The request goes directly to the custodian of the record and states with reasonable specificity what is sought.
Five days. As soon as practicable, and within a maximum of five days not including Saturdays, Sundays or legal holidays, the custodian furnishes copies, says when and where the records may be inspected, or denies the request in writing with the reasons.
A denial tells the requester they may go to circuit court in the county where the record is kept. Records kept electronically are provided electronically if asked.
Fees cover only the actual cost of copies, with no charge for search or retrieval time. Whether an exemption applies is a question for a licensed West Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3 — Inspection and copying of public record; requests of Freedom of Information Act requests registry
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed West Virginia attorney.