Oklahoma Public Records Search

What Records Are Public In Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has a relatively liberal public records law which can be found under the Oklahoma Open Records Act (OKLA. STAT. tit. 51 §24A.1 et seq.). According to the act, all records and information, whether written or electronic, are generally considered public records and are therefore subject to disclosure to the public. Some of the public records in Oklahoma include court records, arrest records, vital records, real estate records, business records, and government meeting minutes. Additionally, citizens can request records from any state or municipal public agency, including universities, police departments, and state offices. The Open Records Act provides guidelines for requesting public records, as well as the process for the agency to produce or deny the records. Agencies are required to provide records in a timely manner and may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of the records. However, certain records are exempt from disclosure under specific circumstances. For instance, documents relating to criminal investigations or ongoing litigation may not be disclosed. Also, individuals' personal and confidential information, such as social security numbers, medical records, and tax records, are also generally not considered public records. Overall, the Oklahoma Open Records Act provides individuals with a powerful tool for maintaining transparency and open government. By providing the public with access to government records, citizens have the ability to hold their public officials accountable and make informed decisions about issues affecting their communities.

Who Do You Contact For Public Records In Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, the custodian of public records varies depending on the type of record you are seeking. The Oklahoma Open Records Act ensures that all citizens have the right to access and inspect public records held by state and local government agencies, with some exceptions for certain types of information. For records related to state agencies, boards, and commissions, you'll want to contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health, which serves as the custodian of records for most state agencies. You can submit a request form through their website or by mail, email, or in person at their office in Oklahoma City. For records related to city and county government, including police and fire departments, you'll need to contact the specific municipality's clerk or records office. Their contact information can usually be found on the city or county's website. For court records, you can contact the Oklahoma State Courts Network. However, some records may be restricted or confidential, and access may require a court order. When submitting a public records request, always include as much information as possible about the records you are seeking, including dates, names, and any other identifying information that can help the records custodian locate the records quickly. Additionally, be aware that some records requests may require a fee to cover the cost of searching and copying the records.

How Do I Make A Change To Public Records In Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, public records typically include records of state agencies and departments, as well as records created by local governments. If you need to make changes to public records in Oklahoma, the process may vary depending on the type of record you need to update or correct. Here is some information to help you get started: 1. Identify the agency or office that created the record. To make changes to a public record in Oklahoma, you typically need to contact the agency or office that created the record. For example, if you need to correct your birth certificate, you would need to contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health's Vital Records Division. 2. Obtain the necessary forms or documents. Once you have identified the agency or office that created the record, you should check its website or contact its staff to determine what forms or documents you need to submit in order to request a change to the record. In some cases, you may need to provide documentation to support your request, such as a court order or other legal judgment. 3. Submit your request. After completing the necessary forms or obtaining the required documentation, you should submit your request to the appropriate agency or office. You may need to pay a fee to have your request processed, depending on the type of record you are requesting changes to. 4. Wait for a response. The agency or office will review your request and make a determination as to whether or not to grant your request for changes. This process may take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of your request and the workload of the agency or office. 5. Appeal if necessary. If your request for changes is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision by providing additional evidence or documentation to support your request. Check with the agency or office to determine what options are available to you for appealing their decision. Overall, making changes to public records in Oklahoma typically involves contacting the agency or office that created the record, completing the necessary forms or documents, and submitting your request along with any required documentation and fees. Be prepared to wait for a response and follow up as necessary to ensure your request is processed in a timely and accurate manner.

Oklahoma State Resources

• Governor Kevin Stitt
• Secretary of State
• State Agencies
• State Personnel Directory
• Association of Counties
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Justice
• Department of Rehabilitation
• Judicial Branch
• Bankruptcy Court
• Census
• DMV

Oklahoma State Charities