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Government
Public Records
Public Records Request Form

Public Records Request Form

Handle public records requests online, capturing the record type, delivery preferences, and requestor details in one compliant, structured form.

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Description

The Public Records Request Form gives your organization a clean, consistent way to receive freedom of information and records requests. Requestors select the type of record they need and describe it in detail, so your team can identify the right documents quickly and begin processing without back-and-forth.

Options for certified copies and a preferred delivery method, along with a mailing address, let you fulfill each request exactly as the requestor needs. Full contact details and an acknowledgment field ensure every request is accountable and that requestors understand any terms before they submit.

Capturing requests in one structured format helps your team track deadlines and respond within statutory timeframes. Sign up for a free Fun Forms account to customize the record types and embed this request form on your website.

Form fields

Everything the Public Records Request Form above collects — 9 fields, so you can see exactly what it captures before you make it your own.

Request Public Records

Type of Record Requested
Short Answer
Describe the record(s) in detail
Long Answer
Do you require certified copies?
Yes/No
Preferred Delivery Method
Short Answer
Mailing Address
Short Answer
Requestor Name
Name
Requestor Email
Email
Phone Number
Telephone
Acknowledgment
Multi-Select

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Template FAQs

Common questions about the Public Records Request Form — what it captures, when to use it, and how to make it your own.

What is a public records request form?

A public records request form is an online form people use to formally request documents or information held by a public body. It captures the type of record needed, a description, delivery preferences, and the requestor’s contact details so the organization can locate and provide the records efficiently.

What is the certified copy option for?

The certified copies field lets requestors indicate whether they need officially verified copies rather than standard ones. Certified copies are often required for legal or official purposes, so asking upfront ensures your team produces the right version the first time and avoids reissuing documents after the request is fulfilled.

How are delivery preferences handled?

The form asks for a preferred delivery method and a mailing address, so requestors can choose how they receive their records. Whether they want documents emailed or posted, capturing this upfront means your team can fulfill each request in the requestor’s preferred format without following up to ask.

Why include an acknowledgment field?

An acknowledgment field records that the requestor understands and accepts any terms, such as fees or processing times, before submitting. It sets clear expectations from the outset and gives your organization a documented confirmation for each request, which is helpful when managing statutory deadlines and any later queries.

Does this help meet statutory deadlines?

Yes. Because every request arrives complete and in the same structure, your team can log it, identify the records, and start the clock immediately. Consistent submissions reduce the delays caused by chasing missing details, making it far easier to respond within the statutory timeframes that public records requests require.

Is the public records request form free?

Yes, this public records request form is completely free, and you can customize the record types and fields to fit your process, embed it on your website, and launch it with no coding required. Just create a free Fun Forms account to start handling requests online.

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