Arizona Public Records

Arizona public records are generally available from the state or local government office that created or maintains them. The fastest path is usually to identify the right custodian first, then make a specific request for the records—not a general request for information.

Arizona public-records law

Arizona’s public-records law is found in A.R.S. §§ 39-121 through 39-161. Arizona Ombudsman–Citizens’ Aide explains that records held by an Arizona government entity and substantially connected to government activity are generally public, subject to applicable exemptions and redactions. The law provides a right to inspect records and, subject to reasonable copy fees, obtain copies.

How to make an effective request

Name the records precisely. Include the type of document, relevant names, a date range, and the agency or program involved.
Find the custodian. Start with the public body most likely to hold the records; agency websites often identify a records contact or request process.
Request a practical format. Ask for electronic copies when that works for you and keep a copy of your request.
Ask about timing and fees. Arizona guidance describes a prompt-production standard that depends on the circumstances; the custodian may need time to review records and redact protected information.
Follow up constructively. If access is denied or delayed, ask for the legal basis and consider contacting Arizona Ombudsman–Citizens’ Aide for public-access assistance.

For non-commercial requests, Arizona Ombudsman guidance says a written request is not always required, but putting a request in writing creates a useful record. Commercial requests have separate disclosure and fee considerations; see the responsible agency’s current instructions.

Official Arizona resources

Arizona Ombudsman–Citizens’ Aide: Arizona Public Records Law — plain-language guidance, statutory references, and public-access resources.
Arizona Ombudsman: How to Request Public Records — a practical request process and assistance options.
Arizona Department of Administration public-records requests — agency-specific routing guidance, including where certain state and local records are held.
Arizona State Library: Accessing Arizona Public Records — help locating common record sources.

Court records

Arizona court records are handled through the judiciary and local courts, rather than a general public-records request to the state. The Arizona Judicial Branch’s Public Access Case Lookup provides case information from participating courts. For Superior Court criminal and civil documents, the judiciary directs users to eAccess. Online results may be incomplete or excluded for sealed and protected matters, so verify information with the court of record and contact the relevant clerk when necessary.

Common records and where to start

State-agency records: request them from the specific agency that maintains them.
City and county records: contact the city, county, sheriff, recorder, assessor, or clerk that created the records.
Property records: begin with the county recorder, assessor, or treasurer for the county where the property is located.
Vital records: Arizona Department of Health Services provides information about birth and death certificates; eligibility rules apply.
Police, arrest, and incident records: contact the relevant local law-enforcement agency or the agency identified by the Arizona Department of Administration.

Before relying on a record

Public access does not mean every field or document is available. Records may be redacted, sealed, confidential by statute, held by a different agency, or not yet online. Confirm current procedures, fees, and record status directly with the public office that maintains the record.

Last researched: August 2026. This independent guide is for general information and is not a government service or legal advice.