State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Arizona
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Arizona under the Arizona Public Records Law (est. 1901).
Overview of Public Records in Arizona
Arizona has one of the oldest and strongest public records laws in the United States, with its origins dating back to 1901 when the territory was still two decades from statehood. The Arizona Public Records Law broadly defines public records as all records maintained by public officers in the performance of their duties. Arizona courts have consistently interpreted this law expansively, holding that access to public records is a fundamental right of citizens in a democratic society.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Arizona
Response Time
Arizona law requires agencies to respond 'promptly.' Courts have interpreted this to mean within a few business days for simple requests. There is no hard statutory deadline, but unreasonable delays may be challenged in court.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge a fee that does not exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Many agencies charge $0.25 per page for standard copies. Commercial fee schedules are specifically prohibited.
How to Submit a Request
Requests should be submitted in writing to the records custodian. Arizona law allows both written and oral requests, though written is preferred for documentation purposes. No reason for the request is required.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file a special action in superior court. The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens' Aide can also assist with disputes at no cost to the requester.
Types of Public Records Available in Arizona
Property Records
Property records in Arizona include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Arizona contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Arizona election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Arizona court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Arizona include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Arizona vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Arizona document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Arizona Public Records
To access public records in Arizona, submit a request to the custodian of the records at the relevant government agency. No specific form is required, and you do not need to provide a reason for your request. Agencies must respond promptly, though the law does not set a specific deadline. Arizona counties maintain robust online databases for property records through their assessor and recorder offices, and the Arizona Judicial Branch provides public access to court case information through its online portal.
Online Access
Maricopa County and several other counties maintain robust online portals for property records, court records, and voter data. The Arizona Judicial Branch provides public court case access online.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Arizona
While the Arizona Public Records Law establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Arizona.
- Records whose disclosure would violate state or federal law
- Attorney-client privileged documents
- Records relating to active investigations
- Security plans for public buildings
- Personal identification information in certain records
- Adoption and juvenile records
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Arizona provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Arizona Public Records Law
Enacted: 1901
Arizona's Public Records Law is codified in Arizona Revised Statutes Section 39-121 through 39-128. The law declares that public records shall be open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours. Arizona's Supreme Court has held that the public records law should be construed in favor of the broadest possible disclosure. The law was amended in 2018 to address electronic records and social media communications by public officials.
Key Features of Arizona's Records Law:
- Arizona's public records law dates back to 1901, making it one of the oldest in the nation
- The state has no statutory deadline for responding to requests, relying on a 'promptly' standard
- Arizona requires that public bodies maintain records of all meetings, including executive sessions
Arizona Public Records Facts
Arizona has 15 counties, each maintaining property, court, and vital records
The Maricopa County Recorder's Office is one of the busiest in the nation with over 4 million property records
Arizona processes more than 300,000 vital record requests annually
The state has over 4.2 million registered voters whose records are partially public
Search Arizona Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Arizona. Enter a name below to search public records in AZ.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Public Records
How do I search Arizona property records?
Are Arizona criminal records available to the public?
How do I get a copy of an Arizona birth certificate?
Does Arizona charge for public records?
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FOIA Request Guide
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Arizona Public Records Law. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Arizona or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.