File a Public Records Request in New York City

Technology and Data New York 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 02, 2026 Flag of New York

In New York City, New York you can request city records or datasets that are not already published online by filing a public records request. Use the city’s OpenRecords portal for agency-held records and the NYC Open Data portal for published datasets; each has guidance on submission and contacts for agency FOIL officers.[1][2]

What this covers

This guide explains how to find data already published online, when to submit a formal public records request for additional city-held data, who enforces access rules, and how to appeal or escalate if a request is denied.

How to identify online city data

  • Search the NYC Open Data catalog for datasets and metadata, including download and API options.[2]
  • Check the dataset’s licensing and last-updated information to confirm whether you need a formal request.
  • If a dataset exists but the specific extract you need is not published, you can request a custom extract via a public records request.
Start by searching NYC Open Data for the exact dataset and fields you need.

Filing a public records request

For records not already available online, submit a request through the city OpenRecords submission system or directly to the agency’s FOIL officer. Provide a clear description of the records, dates, identifiers, preferred format, and contact information.

  • Use the NYC OpenRecords online request form to submit and track requests.[1]
  • Include a contact email and phone so the agency can clarify scope or provide fee estimates.
  • Specify whether you want machine-readable formats (CSV, JSON) or API access if available.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and remedies for denied or delayed access follow New York State FOIL procedures as implemented by city agencies. The primary remedies are administrative appeal within the agency and judicial review; monetary fine amounts for noncompliance are not specified on the cited pages.

  • Enforcer: individual city agency FOIL officers and the city OpenRecords intake system, with the option of judicial review under state law; see the state FOIL overview for legal remedies.[3]
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first administrative appeal to the agency or records access officer, then a court petition; specific escalation timelines are not specified on the cited city pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions and remedies: court orders to disclose records, injunctive relief, and awards of costs or attorney’s fees are potential judicial remedies referenced on the state FOIL overview.[3]
If an agency denies access, request a written denial stating the legal exemption invoked.

Applications & Forms

The city provides an online OpenRecords request form for public records requests; no separate city-standard paper form is required. For datasets already published, use the NYC Open Data portal download/API options. Fee schedules or specific filing fees are not published on the cited OpenRecords intake pages.

Action steps

  • Identify the dataset on NYC Open Data and download if available.[2]
  • If the exact data is not available, submit a clear OpenRecords request to the agency.
  • If denied, file an administrative appeal with the agency, then consider judicial review under state FOIL.

FAQ

What is the difference between NYC Open Data and a public records request?
NYC Open Data publishes datasets the city has chosen to make public; a public records request asks an agency to produce records not already published or to provide specific extracts.
Where do I submit a request?
Submit requests via the NYC OpenRecords portal or directly to the agency FOIL officer; the OpenRecords site has the online intake form and agency contact points.[1]
What if the agency charges fees or denies my request?
Fee estimates and denials are handled by the agency; you may appeal administratively and pursue judicial review under New York State FOIL. Specific fee amounts and timelines are not specified on the cited city intake pages.

How-To

  1. Locate the dataset on NYC Open Data to confirm it is not already published.
  2. Prepare a written request with clear scope, format, date range, and contact details.
  3. Submit the request via the NYC OpenRecords online form or the agency FOIL email address and keep copies of correspondence.
  4. If denied, follow the agency’s appeal instructions, then consider filing for judicial review under state FOIL.

Key Takeaways

  • Search NYC Open Data before filing a records request.
  • Use the NYC OpenRecords portal to submit and track FOIL requests.
  • Appeal denials administratively, then pursue judicial review if necessary.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] NYC OpenRecords - City of New York official records portal
  2. [2] NYC Open Data - City of New York official data catalog
  3. [3] New York State DOS - Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) overview

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