HOW TO FILE A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST IN NEW JERSEY (OPRA)

Last Updated: February 2026

WHAT THIS IS

New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA) allows the public to request many government records from state, county, and local agencies. OPRA covers records such as emails, contracts, invoices, reports, meeting minutes, and other government documents, with certain legal exemptions.

MAIN OFFICIAL STATE REFERENCES (AUTHORITATIVE)

• OPRA Central (State of New Jersey):
  https://www.nj.gov/opra/

• Government Records Council (GRC):
  https://www.nj.gov/grc/

• GRC – OPRA for the Public:
  https://www.nj.gov/grc/public/

• GRC Citizen’s Guide to OPRA (Updated Oct 2024):
  https://www.nj.gov/grc/public/citizens/

• GRC Model OPRA Request Form:
  https://www.nj.gov/grc/public/request/

• GRC OPRA Exemptions Overview:
  https://www.nj.gov/grc/public/exempt/

WHO CAN FILE

• Anyone can file an OPRA request

• New Jersey residency is not required

• You generally do not need to explain why you want the records

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO FILE AN OPRA REQUEST

STEP 1 — IDENTIFY THE RIGHT AGENCY
Determine which public agency holds the record. Examples include:

• Municipality (Town or City Hall)

• County department

• School district

• State department or authority

STEP 2 — FIND THE RECORDS CUSTODIAN
Every public agency has an official records custodian, often the Municipal Clerk or a designated OPRA officer. This is the person legally responsible for responding to OPRA requests.

STEP 3 — WRITE A CLEAR REQUEST
A strong request includes:

• Exactly which record(s) you are seeking

• A date range, if possible

• Names, addresses, or keywords (for email requests)

• Your preferred delivery format (email or PDF is usually best)

Tip: Avoid vague wording like “any and all records” without limits. Overly broad requests often lead to delays or denials.

STEP 4 — SUBMIT THE REQUEST
Requests can typically be submitted by:

• Online portal

• Email

• Mail

• In person

State agency requests: Many New Jersey state agencies accept electronic submissions through OPRA Central.
Local agency requests: Municipalities, counties, and school districts usually require submission through their own OPRA forms or portals.

STEP 5 — TRACK THE 7-BUSINESS-DAY DEADLINE
Agencies generally must respond within 7 business days of receiving a request. Responses may include:

• Records provided in full

• Records provided with redactions

• A written denial citing a legal reason

• A request for an extension due to complexity or volume

FEES / COSTS

• Electronic records are often free or low-cost

• Paper copies may involve per-page fees

• Large or time-intensive requests may include special service charges (agencies must notify you in advance)

COMMON REASONS FOR DENIAL OR REDACTION

Records may be withheld or redacted due to:

• Personal privacy protections

• Security-sensitive information

• Ongoing investigations or protected law-enforcement material

• Attorney-client privileged communications

• Specific exemptions listed under OPRA

Any denial must cite the legal basis in writing.

IF YOU ARE DENIED: WHAT YOU CAN DO

You generally have two options:

• File a denial-of-access complaint with the Government Records Council (GRC)

• File a lawsuit in New Jersey Superior Court

The GRC provides guidance and resolves OPRA access disputes statewide.

QUICK TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• Request specific records, not “everything”

• Use date ranges whenever possible

• Ask for electronic copies

• Keep requests professional and neutral

• Save confirmations, emails, and response timelines

NOTE

This page is provided as a nonpartisan public-information resource. It is not legal advice.