Request a Record

The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) grants you the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records created or maintained by public agencies in Kansas.

The Open Records Act, K.S.A. 45-215, et seq., as amended, declares that it is the public policy of Kansas that “public records shall be open for inspection by any person.”

Public records are defined as “any recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, which is made, maintained or kept by or is in the possession of any public agency.” The Unified Government Clerk’s office is classified as a public agency for the purposes of this Act.

Online

Step 1.Watch the tutorial.

When requesting a record online for the first time, take 6 minutes to watch the instructional video. It will be worth it!

Step 2.Know what you will need.

  • To request records online you will need an email address.
  • When you log on to Next Request you will need to create a password.

Step 3.Know your Rights & Responsibilities

Take a few minutes and review the Rights & Responsibilities tab on this page. We will inform you if your request requires a Kansas Open Records Act Certification(PDF, 43KB) due to the record type.

Step 4.Log onto Next Request

We use the Next Request Portal to manage requests and communications. It's simple and we can track and fulfill requests so much faster.

Log on Now!

Step 5.Know if the search has been shared before.

  • You can search the Next Request Portal to see if someone else has asked for these records before.
  • If the records request is already made public, you will be able to access the record immediately.

Step 6.Create a request.

  • Follow the prompts on the Next Request Portal to create a request for records.
  • Remember that not all records are public. If you are requested records that are closed, we will let you know.

Step 7.Track your request.

  • Using the portal, you can track the path of your request at any time.
  • You can also communicate with the fulfiller of the request.

Step 8.Receive your request.

Once your request has been fulfilled you will receive an email notice that your records are available.

By Mail

Step 1.Know what you will need.

You must print off, review, and fill out these forms.

Step 2.Know your Rights & Responsibilities

Take a few minutes and review the Rights & Responsibilities tab on this page. We will inform you if your request requires a Kansas Open Records Act Certification(PDF, 43KB) due to the record type.

Step 3.Turn the Form into Us

We are here and ready to take your completed request.

Department of Administration, Clerks Division
701 N. 7th St, Suite 318, Kansas City, KS 66101

Rights & Responsibilities

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request assistance from the agency’s Freedom of Information Officer at any time by contacting the Clerk's Office.
  • Obtain a copy of the agency’s KORA:
  • Receive a written response to your request within three business days.
  • Inspect and obtain copies of public records which are not exempted from disclosure by a specific law.
  • File a complaint with the Kansas Attorney General if you feel your request for public records is wrongfully denied.

Your Responsibilities

  • Only request existing records – written, photographic, or computerized. Records can be newly constructed by request.
  • Understand that reasonable fees, not exceeding actual cost, may be charged for access to records, copies of records, and staff time for processing your request.
  • Certify that you will not use names and addresses for any prohibited purpose. Doing this could put you at risk. Using data in this way could be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 for each violation.

Check out this video for more information!

How quickly will I get an answer?

All efforts will be made to process your request for public records as soon as it is received; however, some requests may be delayed or denied if:

  • More information is needed in order to retrieve the records;
  • Legal issues must be addressed before the records are released;
  • The requested records are archived or stored off site;
  • The volume of records requested is large and will take time to duplicate.

Could my request get denied?

Requests may be denied in whole or in part if:

  • The requested record does not exist;
  • The requested record is exempt from disclosure by law;
  • The request is unclear, and more information is needed.

If the request is delayed or denied, you will receive a written explanation for the delay or denial within three business days as outlined under “Your Rights.” You may be requested to provide additional information if access to public records or the purpose for which the records are to be used is limited by state law.

What could cause my request to inspect a record get denied?

  • The request “places an unreasonable burden in producing public records”; or
  • The custodian of the records “has reason to believe that repeated requests are intended to disrupt other essential functions of the public agency.”
  • Denial of a person’s inspection or copying request must be explained in writing if the person requests such an explanation.

What are the exceptions?

The Kansas Open Records Act recognizes that certain records contain private or privileged information. The Act lists several exceptions. A complete list of exceptions can be found in K.S.A. 45-221

Contact Us

Phone

(913) 573-5260

Location

City Hall
701 N. 7th Street, Suite 323
Kansas City, KS
66101
View Map

Guide to KORA

Your Guide to Open Records(PDF, 590KB)

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