Describe the records
Choose a common record category and turn your question into a request for identifiable documents, communications, or data.
Built for the Texas Public Information Act
Texas Public Records Request Builder
Ask for the records you need—clearly and confidently.
Create a precise, ready-to-send request based on Texas law and real agency procedures.
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.
Verify the recipient
Identify the governmental body and confirm its designated email, mailing address, or approved submission method.
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
Save the exact request and proof showing when and where it was delivered.
- 2
Track business days but remember that ten business days is not always the date records must be produced.
- 3
Respond to clarification or cost notices by the stated deadline so the request is not treated as withdrawn.
- 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