---
title: "What are records requests?"
slug: "what-are-records-requests"
description: "A short introduction to different types of records requests legislation and a typical records request workflow."
updated: 2026-09-18T18:37:31Z
published: 2026-09-18T18:37:31Z
canonical: "docs.revealdata.com/what-are-records-requests"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.revealdata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What are records requests?

Records requests are formal requests made by individuals or organizations to obtain access to records held by government agencies. These requests are based on laws that promote transparency and public access to government information, such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) at the federal level in the United States and state-specific public records laws.

## Types of requests

A person's right to request information can fall under different laws, depending on who's making the request and what they're asking for. A few examples are listed below, though exact laws and their requirements vary by state or country.

| ![Decorative image](https://cdn.us.document360.io/3e21d801-ca9f-4c51-93db-9cbd32741f3d/Images/Documentation/DSAR Decorative Image(1).png) **DSAR** **(Data Subject Access Request)** | ![Decorative Image](https://cdn.us.document360.io/3e21d801-ca9f-4c51-93db-9cbd32741f3d/Images/Documentation/FOIA Decorative Image(2).png) **FOIA** **(Freedom of Information Act)** | ![Decorative image](https://cdn.us.document360.io/3e21d801-ca9f-4c51-93db-9cbd32741f3d/Images/Documentation/Public Records Decorative Image.png) **Public Records** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A request by an individual to access their personal data held by an organization. | A request to a federal agency for access to agency records or information. | A request to a state or local agency for access to publicly available records. |
| **Examples:** - Details of what personal data is on file - A full copy of your personal data - Details on how your data is being used. | **Examples:** - Emails about a government project - Federal contracts or policy documents - Federal agency reports or records | **Examples:** - Public school student records - State/local agency meeting minutes - Permits or inspection records |

## General records request workflows

Regardless of the type of request, the process to collect and send the requested information follows the same general workflow:

- **Submit request** – The requestor **submits a request** for records or information.
- **Review & Search** – The organization **reviews the request** and looks for responsive records.
- **Evaluate & Decide** – The organization evaluates the request and **determines what can be released**, including what (if anything) must be withheld by law.
- **Respond** – The organization **provides the records**, redacts exempt information, or **explains any denial**.
- **Right to appeal** – The requestor can **appeal if they disagree** with a denial or redaction.

## Related

- [Key Terminology](/key-terminology.md)
- [Public Portal vs. Agency Portal](/public-portal-vs-agency-portal.md)
- [Five Stages of the Request Process](/new-article-template.md)