How to File a California Public Records Request

The California Public Records Act guarantees public access to government records. Agencies must respond within 10 calendar days, with a possible 14-day extension.

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California Public Records Act (CPRA)

LawCalifornia Public Records Act (CPRA)
CitationGov. Code § 7920 et seq.
Response Deadline10 calendar days (+ 14-day extension)

Appeal Process

File a petition for writ of mandate in Superior Court. Attorney fees recoverable if you prevail. The Public Records Act Ombudsperson may also assist.

Key Provisions

  • ✓Agencies must respond within 10 calendar days
  • ✓14-day extension for 'unusual circumstances'
  • ✓Attorney fees recoverable under Gov. Code § 7923.115
  • ✓Public Records Act Ombudsperson for dispute resolution
  • ✓Exemptions for law enforcement, personnel records, litigation
  • ✓Electronic records must be produced in requested format

California Agencies

9 agencies available for filing. Click any agency for contact details and submission instructions.

California Attorney General / Dept. of Justice
AG-CA·~10 day response
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California Department of Health Care Services
DHCS·~10 day response·Email accepted
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California Department of Transportation
Caltrans·~10 day response
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California Environmental Protection Agency
CalEPA·~10 day response·Email accepted
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California Governor's Office
GOV-CA·~10 day response·Email accepted
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Los Angeles Police Department
LAPD·~10 day response
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Sacramento Police Department
SAC-PD·~10 day response
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San Diego Police Department
SDPD·~10 day response
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San Francisco Police Department
SFPD·~10 day response
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a public records request in California?▾
File a California Public Records Act request through FOIAfile. We'll format your request with the correct legal citations under Gov. Code § 7920 et seq.
How long does a California agency have to respond?▾
California agencies must respond within 10 calendar days. They can extend this by up to 14 additional days for 'unusual circumstances.'
What if a California agency ignores my request?▾
You can file a petition for writ of mandate in Superior Court. If you prevail, the court will award reasonable attorney fees and costs.

Public Records Laws by State

Federal
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) · 20 business days
Ohio
Ohio Public Records Act · Prompt (no fixed deadline; courts consider reasonableness)
New York
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) · 5 business days (acknowledgment) + reasonable time
Texas
Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) · 10 business days

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