How to request Austin public records

Short answer

A clear Austin public-records request names the records, department if known, date range, useful keywords, and preferred format. The City’s public-information page is the authority for current submission instructions and timelines.

Next steps

1. Be as specific as you can about the records and date range.
2. Identify the likely department or subject area.
3. Ask for electronic copies when that’s practical.
4. Save the submitted request and note any response deadline.

Key facts

• The Texas Public Information Act (Government Code chapter 552) covers City of Austin records.
• Austin takes requests through its online public-records portal, which also delivers the response documents.
• If the city wants to withhold records, it generally must ask the Texas Attorney General for a ruling within 10 business days of receiving the request.
• A tight request (record names, department, date range, keywords, format) gets a faster, cheaper response than a broad one.

Checked September 6, 2026 against the official source.

Common questions

What does a records request cost?

Simple requests are often free. The city can charge for copies and staff time on large pulls, and it must tell you the estimate before proceeding; you can narrow the request to cut the cost.

Official source

• City of Austin public-information requests

Last reviewed September 6, 2026 against the official source.

Related resident guides

• How to look up an Austin permit
• Austin 311 help: report and track a city issue