How to File a Ohio Public Records Request

Ohio's Public Records Act requires all public offices to make records available for inspection and copying. There is no specific response deadline — records must be provided promptly.

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Ohio Public Records Act

LawOhio Public Records Act
CitationORC § 149.43
Response DeadlinePrompt (no fixed deadline; courts consider reasonableness)

Appeal Process

File a mandamus action in the Ohio Court of Claims. The court can award $100/business day in statutory damages (up to $1,000), attorney fees, and court costs.

Key Provisions

  • ✓No requirement to state a reason for the request
  • ✓Records must be provided 'within a reasonable period of time'
  • ✓Court of Claims mandamus action to compel compliance
  • ✓Statutory damages: $100 per business day, up to $1,000
  • ✓Attorney fees and court costs recoverable
  • ✓Public offices cannot require requests in writing

Ohio Agencies

19 agencies available for filing. Click any agency for contact details and submission instructions.

Akron Police Department
AKR-PD·~7 day response
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Cincinnati Police Department
CIN-PD·~7 day response
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Cleveland Division of Police
CLE-PD·~10 day response
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Columbus Division of Police
CPD·~7 day response
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Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office
CCSO·~7 day response
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Dayton Police Department
DAY-PD·~7 day response
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Franklin County Sheriff's Office
FCSO·~7 day response·Email accepted
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Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
HCSO-OH·~7 day response
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Ohio Attorney General
AG-OH·~10 day response
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Ohio Department of Commerce
COM-OH·~10 day response·Email accepted
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Ohio Department of Education & Workforce
ODEW·~10 day response
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Ohio Department of Health
ODH·~10 day response·Email accepted
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Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
ODJFS·~10 day response·Email accepted
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Ohio Department of Natural Resources
ODNR·~10 day response·Email accepted
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Ohio Department of Public Safety
DPS-OH·~7 day response·Email accepted
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Ohio Department of Transportation
ODOT·~8 day response
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Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
OEPA·~10 day response·Email accepted
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Ohio Governor's Office
GOV-OH·~10 day response
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Toledo Police Department
TOL-PD·~7 day response·Email accepted
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a public records request in Ohio?▾
Ohio doesn't require written requests, but putting it in writing creates a record. File through FOIAfile to get automatic tracking and documentation of your request.
How long does an Ohio public office have to respond?▾
Ohio law requires records to be provided 'within a reasonable period of time.' Courts generally consider a few business days reasonable for simple requests.
What are the penalties for non-compliance in Ohio?▾
Under ORC § 149.43(C), the Court of Claims can award $100 per business day of non-compliance (up to $1,000), plus attorney fees and court costs.
Can I file a lawsuit if Ohio denies my request?▾
Yes. You can file a mandamus action in the Ohio Court of Claims to compel the public office to release records and recover statutory damages.

Public Records Laws by State

Federal
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) · 20 business days
California
California Public Records Act (CPRA) · 10 calendar days (+ 14-day extension)
New York
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) · 5 business days (acknowledgment) + reasonable time
Texas
Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) · 10 business days

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