File a Public Records Request - Atlanta, GA

General Governance and Administration Georgia 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia residents and visitors can request access to public records held by city agencies under the Georgia Open Records Act. This guide explains who handles requests in Atlanta, how to prepare and submit a request, what to expect on timing and fees, and how to appeal a denial. Use the City of Atlanta’s official Open Records portal for first-line submissions and follow statutory appeal routes if the city denies or fails to respond in a reasonably prompt manner.[1]

Make your request specific, cite the Open Records Act, and state your preferred format or delivery method.

What counts as a public record

Public records generally include written, recorded, or electronic materials created or received by city agencies in the course of official business. Some records or portions may be exempt under state law, including certain personnel, investigative, or privileged materials; when a record is withheld the city should state the legal exemption relied upon.

How to submit a request

  • Identify the records you want with dates, authors, and departments if possible.
  • Prefer electronic copies if available and state file format (PDF, CSV, etc.).
  • Submit via the City of Atlanta Open Records portal or the City Clerk’s office; confirm the official submission channel on the city site.[1]
  • Ask for an estimate of duplication or production fees before payment.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Atlanta processes records requests under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. §50-18-70 et seq.). Specific fines or daily monetary penalties for violating the Act are not specified on the cited city page; consult the statute for remedies available through the courts. If the city wrongfully withholds records, the requester may seek judicial relief in superior court; the statute also provides for recovery of attorney fees and costs in certain successful actions (see state law for exact provisions and thresholds).[1]

If the city denies access, document the denial and the legal basis the city cites, and note the date of denial.
  • Enforcer: City Clerk and the City Attorney’s Office handle compliance and legal defense.
  • Complaint/inspection pathway: contact the City Clerk or the applicable department; see official contacts below.
  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited city page; state statute may provide remedies including costs and attorney fees.
  • Appeals/review: judicial petition in superior court or other statutory remedy; time limits for filing a court action are governed by state law and are not specified on the cited city page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: court orders compelling production, injunctions, and declaratory relief may be available under state law.

Applications & Forms

The City of Atlanta provides an Open Records request portal and instructions on the City Clerk page; a separate, city-branded form may be available there. Fees, exact form names or form numbers, and required submission fields are not fully specified on the cited page; check the portal for the current form and fee schedule.[1]

Action steps

  • Prepare a written request describing records with as much detail as possible.
  • Submit the request through the City of Atlanta Open Records portal or by the accepted method listed by the City Clerk.[1]
  • Track response times and request a written estimate of fees if production charges apply.
  • If denied, request a written explanation citing the legal exemption and then consider judicial review per state statute.

FAQ

Who handles public records requests for Atlanta?
The City Clerk’s office coordinates Open Records requests for most city departments; some agencies like the police department may have distinct records units.
Are there fees for copies?
Agencies may charge reasonable duplication or production fees; the city’s portal or fee schedule provides the current policy.
How long will the city take to respond?
Georgia law requires a reasonably prompt response; exact response times depend on the request complexity and are governed by statute and agency practice.

How-To

  1. Identify the exact records you need, including date ranges, department, and document types.
  2. Search the City of Atlanta Open Records portal for any self-published records before submitting a request.
  3. Submit a written request via the city portal or the City Clerk’s accepted channels; include contact information and preferred format.
  4. If you receive a denial, ask for the exemption cited in writing and the name of the official providing the denial.
  5. If unsatisfied, file for judicial review under the Georgia Open Records Act or consult the City Clerk about administrative steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the City of Atlanta Open Records portal for fastest processing and record the submission date.
  • Be specific in your request to reduce fees and expedite retrieval.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Atlanta - Open Records / City Clerk

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