State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Oregon
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Oregon under the Oregon Public Records Law (est. 1973).
Overview of Public Records in Oregon
Oregon's Public Records Law establishes that every person has a right to inspect any public record maintained by a state or local agency, with certain limited exceptions. Oregon has a strong tradition of government transparency, complemented by an active Attorney General's office that issues advisory opinions and enforces the public records law. The state's progressive approach to government data includes making many datasets available through the Oregon Open Data portal. Oregon's law applies to all state, county, municipal, and special district agencies.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Oregon
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 5 business days by either providing the records, acknowledging the request and providing a completion estimate, or denying the request with a legal basis cited.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge fees based on the actual cost of making records available, including reasonable staff time. Standard copy fees are around $0.25 per page. Fee estimates exceeding $25 must be provided to the requester in advance.
How to Submit a Request
Requests should be made in writing, though oral requests are also accepted. The requester does not need to explain the purpose of the request or provide identification to the agency.
Appeal Process
Requesters may petition the attorney general for a public records order, which is binding on the agency. This makes Oregon one of the few states where the AG serves as a binding arbiter. Requesters may also file suit in circuit court.
Types of Public Records Available in Oregon
Property Records
Property records in Oregon 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 Oregon contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Oregon election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Oregon 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 Oregon 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
Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon Public Records
To request records in Oregon, submit a written request to the relevant public body. While not required, written requests provide documentation and clarity. Agencies must respond within five business days with an acknowledgment and an estimated date for providing the records. If a request is denied, you can petition the Attorney General for review at no cost, or file a legal action in circuit court. Oregon counties maintain property records through county clerk offices, and the Oregon Judicial Department provides case searches through its online system.
Online Access
Oregon Judicial Department provides online case records through Oregon eCourt. The Secretary of State offers online business registry searches. County assessor offices provide property record access online.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Oregon
While the Oregon 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 Oregon.
- Records exempt by applicable federal law
- Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information
- Information submitted in confidence to government agencies
- Attorney-client privileged records involving government counsel
- Records pertaining to litigation strategy in pending cases
- Residential addresses of certain public employees for safety reasons
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Oregon 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
Oregon Public Records Law
Enacted: 1973
Oregon's Public Records Law is codified in Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 192. The law establishes a presumption that public records are available for inspection and provides that exemptions should be narrowly construed. The Attorney General can review denials and order disclosure. The law was updated in 2017 to establish the five-business-day acknowledgment requirement and to create fee guidelines.
Key Features of Oregon's Records Law:
- Oregon's Attorney General can review records denials and order disclosure at no cost to the requester
- The state has a five-business-day acknowledgment requirement
- Oregon has an active open data portal providing machine-readable government datasets
Oregon Public Records Facts
Oregon has 36 counties maintaining local government records
The state has approximately 3 million registered voters
Oregon Secretary of State maintains records for over 400,000 business entities
Multnomah County (Portland) is the largest record-keeping jurisdiction in the state
Search Oregon Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Oregon. Enter a name below to search public records in OR.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Public Records
How quickly must Oregon acknowledge records requests?
How do I access Oregon court records?
Can the Oregon Attorney General help with records disputes?
How do I search Oregon property records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Oregon Public Records Law. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Oregon 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.