Texas Public RecordsRequest Builder

Built for the Texas Public Information Act

Ask for the records you need—clearly and confidently.

Build a clear request for existing records, verify where to send it, and choose your cost controls.

Learn how it works
  1. 1Records
  2. 2Recipient
  3. 3Scope
  4. 4Delivery & cost
  5. 5Review

Step 1 of 5

Records

What records do you need?

Choose a category, then describe identifiable records that already exist.

Texas rule: A governmental body does not have to answer questions, conduct legal research, or create new information. This builder keeps the request focused on existing records.

Texas Government Code Chapter 552Built around the current Texas PIA
Grounded in official sourcesTexas statutes and Attorney General guidance
General information—not legal adviceReview your request before sending

A practical drafting process

From a rough idea to a usable request

The builder asks only for details that help identify existing records, control scope, and preserve a clear submission record.

01

Describe the records

Choose a common record category and turn your question into a request for identifiable documents, communications, or data.

02

Verify the recipient

Identify the governmental body and confirm its designated email, mailing address, or approved submission method.

03

Generate and review

Receive a plain-language draft with scope details, format preferences, cost controls, and an honest legal disclaimer.

Know what happens next

Texas PIA basics that prevent common mistakes

These are general procedural rules. Exceptions, confidentiality laws, and special record systems can change the result.

Put the request in writing

Deliver it to the public information officer or designee using mail, email, hand delivery, or another method the governmental body approves. Verify any designated address.

Ask for existing information

The PIA gives access to existing information. It does not require an agency to answer questions, conduct research, or create a new record.

“Promptly” is the production standard

Ten business days is not an automatic production deadline. Production must be prompt—within a reasonable time, without delay. Certain notices and ruling requests have ten-business-day deadlines.

Costs can be controlled

Inspection, copies, programming, and personnel time may be treated differently. Ask for an estimate or notice before costs exceed an amount you choose.

Some information may be withheld

Confidentiality laws and PIA exceptions may apply. In many circumstances, a governmental body seeking to withhold records must ask the Attorney General for a ruling.

Judicial records use different rules

The PIA generally does not apply to the judiciary. Court or judicial records may follow separate court rules, statutes, or common-law access procedures.

After you send it

Keep a clean request record

  1. 1

    Save the exact request and proof showing when and where it was delivered.

  2. 2

    Track business days but remember that ten business days is not always the date records must be produced.

  3. 3

    Respond to clarification or cost notices by the stated deadline so the request is not treated as withdrawn.

  4. 4

    Read any Attorney General notice carefully. A requestor may submit comments when a governmental body asks for a ruling.

Primary authorities

Check the official source—not a summary

Legal content was reviewed against sources current as of July 14, 2026. Laws and official guidance can change.

Texas Government Code Chapter 552The current statutory text of the Texas Public Information Act.2026 Public Information Act HandbookThe Attorney General’s current comprehensive PIA guide.How to Request Public InformationOfficial submission guidance for members of the public.Public Information Coordinator DatabaseFind a governmental body’s designated request contacts.Charges for Public InformationOfficial information about estimates, charges, and cost complaints.2025 Legislative Session UpdateThe Attorney General’s summary of recent procedural changes.
Texas Attorney General Open Government HotlineFor general information about the PIA—not private legal advice.
(877) 673-6839
To: Public Information Officer, [governmental body]
Submission contact: [designated PIA contact]
Subject: Texas Public Information Act request — public information

Dear Public Information Officer:

Under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552, I request access to and copies of the following existing records maintained by or for [governmental body]:

[Describe the existing records you are requesting]
Please include responsive attachments, enclosures, and files linked from responsive communications or records.
Please include responsive records concerning official business regardless of whether they are maintained in an official account or system or on a personal account or device.

Please provide responsive records electronically, in their native electronic format when readily available, with searchable text and metadata preserved where practicable.
Please send records and correspondence electronically to [your email address].
If the anticipated charges will exceed $40.00, please notify me and, where required by law, provide a written itemized statement before incurring charges above that amount.

If any part of this request is unclear, please contact me so that we may discuss an appropriate clarification or narrowing. If the governmental body has no information responsive to any portion of this request, please notify me in writing. If information is withheld, please identify the legal basis for withholding it and release the portions that are public.

This request seeks existing records. It does not ask the governmental body to answer questions, perform legal research, or create new information.

Thank you,
[your name]
[your email address]