Your Comprehensive Guide to Oregon Public Records
Oregon Public Records
Public records in Oregon are documents, information, and materials created, received, maintained, or preserved by state agencies, local governments, and public bodies in the course of conducting public business. These records serve as the foundation of government transparency and accountability in the state, allowing citizens to monitor governmental activities and participate in democratic processes.
Public records in Oregon encompass a wide range of materials, from vital records and property documents to criminal histories and business filings. These records are maintained by various state agencies, county offices, and municipal governments throughout Oregon, each responsible for specific categories of information.
Are Oregon Records Public?
Yes, most government records in Oregon are considered public and available for inspection by any person. Oregon's public records law (ORS Chapter 192) establishes the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute. The law states: "Every person has a right to inspect any public record of a public body in this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by ORS 192.338, 192.345 and 192.355."
However, this right of access is not absolute. Oregon law recognizes that certain information requires protection for privacy, security, or other legitimate reasons. As a result, the legislature has established specific exemptions to public disclosure, balancing the public's right to know with other important interests.
What Information Is Included in Oregon Public Records?
Oregon public records encompass a vast array of documents and information created or maintained by government bodies. These records include, but are not limited to:
Vital Records:
- Birth certificates
- Death certificates
- Marriage records
- Divorce records
Property Records:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Property tax assessments
- Mortgage records
- Lien information
Court Records:
- Civil case files
- Criminal case records
- Traffic citations
- Probate records
- Divorce proceedings
Business Records:
- Business registrations
- Corporate filings
- Professional licenses
- Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings
Government Operations:
- Meeting minutes and agendas
- Budgets and financial reports
- Contracts and procurement documents
- Correspondence of public officials
- Policies and procedures
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest records
- Incident reports
- Sex offender registry information
- Jail records
Licensing Information:
- Professional licenses
- Driver's licenses (non-confidential portions)
- Hunting and fishing licenses
- Business permits
Environmental Records:
- Environmental impact statements
- Pollution permits
- Land use records
- Conservation data
Election Records:
- Voter registration information (non-confidential)
- Campaign finance reports
- Election results
Employment Records:
- Public employee salary information
- Employment contracts for public officials
- Job descriptions
Each category of records is maintained by specific agencies or departments responsible for that area of government function, with standardized procedures for organization, retention, and public access.
What Does the Oregon Public Records Law Do?
The Oregon Public Records Law, primarily codified in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 192, establishes a comprehensive framework for public access to government information. This law serves several critical functions:
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Establishes Right of Access: The law creates a legal right for any person to inspect public records maintained by state agencies, local governments, and other public bodies in Oregon.
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Defines "Public Records": ORS 192.311(5) broadly defines public records as "any writing that contains information relating to the conduct of the public's business... prepared, owned, used or retained by a public body regardless of physical form or characteristics."
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Sets Procedural Requirements: The law establishes procedures for requesting records, timelines for agency responses, and standards for reasonable fees that may be charged.
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Creates Transparency Requirements: Public bodies must maintain and publish procedures for making public records requests and must designate a Public Records Officer to facilitate access.
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Establishes Exemptions: While presuming openness, the law recognizes over 500 exemptions (found in ORS 192.345, 192.355, and throughout Oregon statutes) that protect certain information from disclosure.
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Provides Appeal Mechanisms: The law creates processes to appeal denied requests, including petitioning the Attorney General, district attorney, or courts.
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Balances Competing Interests: The law attempts to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy, governmental efficiency, and other legitimate concerns.
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Promotes Government Accountability: By ensuring access to government information, the law enables citizens to monitor governmental activities and hold public officials accountable.
The Oregon Public Records Law was significantly reformed in 2017 with the passage of Senate Bill 481, which established clearer timelines for responses, required public bodies to acknowledge receipt of requests within five business days, and created the position of Public Records Advocate to mediate disputes and provide training.
How To Find Public Records in Oregon in 2025
Accessing public records in Oregon involves several methods, depending on the type of record sought and the agency that maintains it. Here are the primary approaches to finding public records in Oregon:
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Direct Agency Requests: Identify the specific agency that maintains the records you seek and submit a request directly to that agency. Most agencies have designated Public Records Officers who process these requests.
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Online Access: Many Oregon agencies provide online portals or databases where certain public records can be accessed immediately:
- The Oregon Secretary of State's Business Registry offers business entity information
- The Oregon Judicial Department's Online Records Search provides access to court records
- The Oregon Property Search Portal allows searches of property records
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Oregon Public Records Request Form: Many agencies provide standardized request forms on their websites. The Oregon Department of Administrative Services offers guidance on this process.
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In-Person Visits: For some records, especially at the county or municipal level, visiting the relevant office in person may be the most efficient approach.
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Oregon Records Management Solution: Some agencies use the centralized Oregon Records Management Solution for processing requests.
When making a request, be as specific as possible about the records you seek, including relevant dates, names, and document types. This specificity helps agencies locate records efficiently and reduces potential fees.
For assistance with complex requests or disputes, the Oregon Public Records Advocate can provide guidance and mediation services.
Does Oregon Have Free Public Records?
Oregon law allows for both free access and fee-based access to public records, depending on several factors:
Free Access Options:
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Inspection Only: Oregon law generally allows individuals to inspect public records at no cost during normal business hours, though agencies may charge for staff time if fulfilling the request requires extraordinary effort.
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Fee Waivers: Under ORS 192.324(5), agencies may waive or reduce fees when making the record available primarily benefits the general public.
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Limited Free Copies: Some agencies provide a certain number of pages or specific types of records for free before charging fees.
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Online Access: Many records are available at no cost through agency websites and online databases.
Fee-Based Access:
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Copy Costs: Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records.
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Staff Time: Fees may be charged for staff time spent searching for, reviewing, and redacting records, particularly for complex requests.
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Special Services: Additional fees may apply for certified copies, expedited service, or specialized formats.
The 2017 public records reforms emphasized that fees should not create barriers to access, encouraging agencies to minimize costs and consider fee waivers when disclosure serves the public interest. However, practices vary significantly among different agencies and levels of government.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Oregon?
The cost of obtaining public records in Oregon varies based on the type of record, the agency providing it, and the complexity of the request. Oregon law allows agencies to charge "fees reasonably calculated to reimburse the public body for the public body's actual cost of making public records available." These costs typically include:
Standard Fee Components:
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Copy Costs:
- Paper copies: Typically $0.25 to $0.50 per page
- Electronic copies: May include costs for storage media or transmission
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Staff Time:
- Search and retrieval: Hourly rates based on employee salary
- Review and redaction: Costs for attorney or specialized staff time
- Some agencies provide a certain amount of staff time (often 15-30 minutes) at no charge
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Specialized Services:
- Certified copies: Additional $5-$30 depending on record type
- Expedited processing: Premium fees for faster service
- Special formatting or analysis: Additional charges may apply
Under ORS 192.324(4), agencies must provide requesters with an estimate of costs when fees are expected to exceed $25. Requesters have the opportunity to modify their request to reduce costs or to authorize the agency to proceed.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Public Records in Oregon?
The timeframe for obtaining public records in Oregon is governed by statutory requirements established in the 2017 public records reform legislation (Senate Bill 481). The law establishes the following timeline requirements:
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Initial Acknowledgment: Public bodies must acknowledge receipt of a public records request within 5 business days.
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Completion Timeline: After acknowledgment, public bodies must:
- Complete the request as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay, or
- Provide a written statement that the public body is still processing the request and a reasonable estimated completion date.
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15-Day Standard: While not an absolute deadline, Oregon law establishes that public bodies should complete requests within 15 business days following acknowledgment whenever possible.
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Extended Timeframes: Agencies may take longer than 15 business days when:
- The staff necessary to complete the request is unavailable
- The processing would demonstrably impede the agency's ability to perform other necessary services
- The request requires the agency to collect records from remote locations
- The request requires legal review or consultation with other agencies
- The request requires the agency to search through voluminous records
- The request requires redaction of exempt material
For simple, readily available records (such as a single document that requires no redaction), many agencies can provide records immediately or within a few days. Complex requests involving multiple documents, extensive searches, or significant redaction may take several weeks or even months to complete.
The Oregon Public Records Advocate can assist when there are disputes about the timeliness of responses.
What Records Are Confidential In Oregon?
Oregon law establishes numerous exemptions to public disclosure, protecting certain records or information from release. These exemptions are primarily found in ORS 192.345 (conditional exemptions) and ORS 192.355 (unconditional exemptions), though hundreds of additional exemptions exist throughout Oregon statutes. Key categories of confidential records include:
Personal Privacy Protections:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver license numbers
- Personal financial information
- Medical and health information protected under HIPAA
- Personal contact information for certain public employees
- Victim information in criminal cases
Security-Related Information:
- Critical infrastructure details
- Security measures and emergency response plans
- Information that would jeopardize building security
- Computer security information
Law Enforcement Records:
- Active criminal investigations
- Investigatory information compiled for criminal law purposes
- Information that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Information that would deprive a person of a fair trial
- Confidential source identities
Business and Economic Information:
- Trade secrets
- Confidential business records submitted to agencies
- Proprietary information
- Certain economic development information
Government Operations:
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Personnel discipline records (unless in the public interest)
- Internal advisory communications (deliberative process)
- Testing materials for licensing examinations
Specific Protected Records:
- Adoption records
- Juvenile court records
- Child welfare records
- Certain educational records protected by FERPA
- Records sealed by court order
It's important to note that many exemptions in Oregon are "conditional," meaning the agency must demonstrate that the public interest in confidentiality outweighs the public interest in disclosure in each specific case. Other exemptions are "unconditional," meaning they apply regardless of any public interest balancing test.
Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Oregon
Oregon's Public Records Law establishes a broad right of access that extends to virtually anyone, regardless of citizenship, residency, or purpose. Specifically:
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Universal Access: ORS 192.314 states that "every person has a right to inspect any public record of a public body in this state," with limited exceptions.
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No Residency Requirement: Unlike some states, Oregon does not limit access to state residents. Requesters may be from any state or country.
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No Purpose Requirement: Requesters are not required to explain why they want records or how they intend to use them. ORS 192.324(1) specifically states that public bodies may not require disclosure of the requester's purpose.
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Anonymous Requests: While agencies may ask for contact information to provide records and communicate about the request, anonymous requests are technically permitted under the law.
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Legal Entities: The right to request extends to organizations, businesses, media outlets, and other legal entities, not just individuals.
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Incarcerated Individuals: People who are incarcerated retain the right to request public records, though practical limitations may exist.
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Minors: There is no age restriction in the law, though agencies may have practical policies regarding requests from minors.
The broad access rights in Oregon reflect the state's commitment to government transparency and the principle that public records belong to the people, not to government agencies. However, agencies may prioritize requests from Oregon residents when facing resource constraints.
What Can Be Done With Public Records in Oregon
Once obtained, public records in Oregon may be used for a wide variety of purposes with minimal restrictions. The permissible uses include:
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Personal Research: Individuals may use records for personal knowledge, family history research, or general information.
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Business Purposes: Records can be used for business intelligence, market research, competitive analysis, or customer prospecting.
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Legal Proceedings: Public records are frequently used in litigation, legal research, and as evidence in court proceedings.
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Media Reporting: Journalists regularly use public records for news stories, investigative reporting, and fact-checking.
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Academic Research: Scholars and students may use public records for academic studies, dissertations, and educational projects.
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Government Accountability: Citizens and watchdog groups use records to monitor government activities, track spending, and ensure compliance with laws.
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Property Research: Real estate professionals and property owners use records for title searches, property valuation, and development planning.
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Background Checks: With appropriate compliance with privacy laws, records may be used for employment screening, tenant verification, or due diligence.
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Commercial Compilation: Companies may compile and resell public record information, subject to certain limitations.
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Policy Analysis: Advocacy groups and policymakers use public records to analyze the effects of laws and regulations.
While the uses of public records are broad, certain limitations do exist:
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Privacy Laws: The use of personal information from public records may be restricted by federal laws like the Driver's Privacy Protection Act or the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
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Commercial Solicitation: Some specific types of records have restrictions on use for commercial solicitation.
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Copyright Protection: Some public records may contain copyrighted material that limits reproduction or distribution.
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Terms of Use: Some online public record systems impose terms of use that restrict certain activities.
Users of public records should be aware of these limitations and ensure their use complies with applicable laws and regulations.
Key Agencies and Departments for Public Records in Oregon
Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS)
155 Cottage Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
503-378-3104
Oregon Department of Administrative Services
Oversees statewide public records policy and provides guidance to agencies
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV)
1905 Lana Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97314
503-945-5000
Oregon DMV
Maintains driver records, vehicle registrations, and related documentation
Oregon Health Authority - Center for Health Statistics
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 225, Portland, OR 97232
971-673-1190
Oregon Vital Records
Maintains birth, death, marriage, and divorce records
Oregon State Police
3565 Trelstad Avenue SE, Salem, OR 97317
503-378-3720
Oregon State Police
Maintains criminal history records, sex offender registry, and firearms background check information
Oregon Judicial Department
1163 State Street, Salem, OR 97301
503-986-5500
Oregon Courts
Maintains court records, case files, and judicial proceedings documentation
Oregon State Archives
800 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97310
503-373-0701
Oregon State Archives
Preserves and provides access to historical government records
Oregon State Library
250 Winter Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
503-378-4243
Oregon State Library
Maintains government publications and provides research assistance
Oregon Secretary of State - Corporation Division
255 Capitol Street NE, Suite 151, Salem, OR 97310
503-986-2200
Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry
Maintains business entity registrations, UCC filings, and notary records
Oregon Employment Department
875 Union Street NE, Salem, OR 97311
503-947-1394
Oregon Employment Department
Maintains employment records, unemployment insurance information, and labor market data
Oregon Department of Education
255 Capitol Street NE, Salem, OR 97310
503-947-5600
Oregon Department of Education
Maintains educational statistics, school performance data, and teacher licensing information
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
700 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 600, Portland, OR 97232
503-229-5696
Oregon DEQ
Maintains environmental permits, compliance records, and pollution data
Oregon Department of State Lands
775 Summer Street NE, Suite 100, Salem, OR 97301
503-986-5200
Oregon Department of State Lands
Maintains records of state-owned lands, wetlands, and waterways
County Clerk and Recorder Offices
Each of Oregon's 36 counties maintains property records, marriage licenses, and local government documents
Multnomah County Clerk
501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 175, Portland, OR 97214
503-988-3034
Multnomah County Clerk
Washington County Assessment & Taxation
155 N First Avenue, Suite 130, Hillsboro, OR 97124
503-846-8741
Washington County Assessment & Taxation
Oregon Department of Revenue
955 Center Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
503-378-4988
Oregon Department of Revenue
Maintains tax records, property valuation data, and revenue statistics
Oregon Legislative Assembly
900 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
503-986-1000
Oregon State Legislature
Maintains legislative records, bill histories, and committee documents
Oregon Department of Transportation
355 Capitol Street NE, MS 11, Salem, OR 97301
888-275-6368
Oregon Department of Transportation
Maintains transportation project records, highway data, and related information
Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
503-378-4400
Oregon Department of Justice
Maintains legal opinions, consumer protection records, and charitable organization registrations
Oregon Housing and Community Services
725 Summer Street NE, Suite B, Salem, OR 97301
503-986-2000
Oregon Housing and Community Services
Maintains housing program records, grant information, and affordable housing data
How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Oregon
When a public records request is denied in Oregon, requesters have several options for appeal. The specific appeal process depends on which public body denied the request:
1. For State Agency Denials:
If a state agency denies your request, you may petition the Oregon Attorney General for review:
- Submit a petition to the Attorney General within 60 calendar days of the denial
- The petition must include a copy of the request and the agency's denial
- The Attorney General must issue an order granting or denying the petition within 7 business days
- If the Attorney General orders disclosure, the agency has 7 days to comply or file for judicial review
Contact information for appeals:
Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
503-378-4400
Oregon DOJ Public Records Appeals
2. For Local Government Denials:
If a county, city, school district, or other local government body denies your request:
- Submit a petition to the District Attorney in the county where the local government is located
- The petition process and timelines are similar to those for state agency appeals
- The District Attorney's order is binding unless the local government seeks judicial review
3. For Elected Officials' Denials:
If an elected official denies your request, you may:
- Petition the circuit court directly (no administrative appeal is available)
- File in the county where the elected official is located
4. Mediation Through the Public Records Advocate:
Before or instead of a formal appeal, you may request mediation:
Oregon Public Records Advocate
800 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97310
503-986-0036
Oregon Public Records Advocate
The Advocate can:
- Facilitate discussions between requesters and agencies
- Help narrow requests or explain exemptions
- Assist in resolving disputes without formal appeals
5. Judicial Review:
If administrative appeals are unsuccessful, you may file a petition for judicial review in circuit court:
- For state agency denials, file in Marion County Circuit Court
- For local government denials, file in the circuit court for that county
- The court reviews the case de novo (anew)
- If you prevail, you may be awarded attorney fees and costs
When appealing, it's important to clearly explain why you believe the denial was improper, addressing any exemptions the agency cited and explaining why they don't apply or why the public interest requires disclosure despite the exemption.
Difference Between Federal and Oregon Public Records
Federal and Oregon public records laws operate under similar principles of government transparency but differ in several important ways:
Legal Framework:
- Federal: Governed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552
- Oregon: Governed by the Oregon Public Records Law, ORS Chapter 192
Scope of Coverage:
- Federal: Applies only to federal agencies (executive branch)
- Oregon: Applies to all state and local government bodies, including executive, legislative, and judicial branches (with some exceptions)
Response Timelines:
- Federal: FOIA requires agencies to respond within 20 business days, with possible 10-day extensions
- Oregon: Requires acknowledgment within 5 business days and completion "as soon as practicable," with a 15-business-day standard
Fee Structure:
- Federal: FOIA has specific fee categories based on requester type (commercial, educational, media, etc.)
- Oregon: Fees are based on actual costs without requester categories, though fee waivers are available in the public interest
Exemptions:
- Federal: FOIA contains 9 specific exemption categories
- Oregon: Contains over 500 exemptions spread throughout state statutes, with both conditional and unconditional exemptions
Appeal Process:
- Federal: Administrative appeals to the agency head, then federal district court
- Oregon: Appeals to Attorney General (state agencies) or District Attorney (local governments), then circuit court
Proactive Disclosure:
- Federal: FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 strengthened requirements for proactive posting
- Oregon: 2017 reforms encouraged but did not mandate extensive proactive disclosure
Unique Features:
- Federal: Includes "Glomar" response (neither confirming nor denying existence of records)
- Oregon: Has Public Records Advocate for mediation and training
Practical Considerations:
- Federal: Often involves larger bureaucracies and potentially longer wait times
- Oregon: Generally more accessible for routine matters but can vary widely between agencies
When records might be available at both federal and state levels, requesters should consider which law provides the most favorable terms for their specific needs, taking into account response times, fees, and exemptions.