Your Comprehensive Guide to Arkansas Public Records
Arkansas Public Records
Arkansas public records are documents, data, and information produced, received, or maintained by state and local government agencies. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act A.C.A. § 25-19-101 et seq. establishes the right of the public to inspect and copy most government records, reflecting the state’s commitment to transparency and open government. Access to some records is restricted to protect privacy, security, or legal interests.
Are Arkansas Records Public?
Yes, the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act declares that most records kept by public officials and agencies are accessible to the public. Anyone may request records—Arkansas does not require residency or a reason for the request. However, records may be withheld if protected by statute, court order, or if disclosure would violate privacy or public safety.
What Information Is Included in Arkansas Public Records?
Arkansas public records encompass a broad array of materials, including:
- Court documents (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Real estate, property, and land records
- Corporate filings and business registrations
- Vital records such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates
- Meeting agendas, minutes, and ordinances
- Government contracts, budgets, and audit reports
- Police reports, arrest logs, and jail records
- Employee rosters, contracts, and salaries
- Legislative records, bills, and executive orders
Records exempted from disclosure include Social Security numbers, certain law enforcement files, student education records, juvenile records, medical information, and documents declared confidential by law.
What Does the Arkansas Public Records Law Do?
The Arkansas FOIA:
- Grants the public the right to inspect and copy non-exempt records of government bodies
- Requires agencies to provide records promptly, with fees limited to copying and search costs
- Outlines clear exemptions for confidential or sensitive information
- Requires records custodians to justify any denials and to redact rather than fully withhold when only part of a record is exempt
- Mandates regular maintenance and retention of government records
Public bodies are not required to create new documents or answer questions not already reflected in their records.
How To Find Public Records in Arkansas in 2025
Public records requests in Arkansas can be submitted in writing by email, mail, or through agency web portals. Many records—such as court dockets, land records, and business registrations—can be searched online, while others require a formal request.
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle
1900 W. 7th Street, Room 1010, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-4692
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle
Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records
4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 661-2336
Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records
Arkansas State Police, Identification Bureau
1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209
Phone: (501) 618-8500
Arkansas State Police, Identification Bureau
Arkansas Judiciary (Supreme Court & Court of Appeals)
625 Marshall Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-6849
Arkansas Judiciary
Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk
401 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 340-8500
Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk
Arkansas Secretary of State, Business & Commercial Services Division
1401 W. Capitol Avenue, Suite 250, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-3409
Arkansas Secretary of State, Business & Commercial Services Division
Arkansas State Archives
1 Capitol Mall, Suite 215, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-6900
Arkansas State Archives
Arkansas Department of Education
Four Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-4475
Arkansas Department of Education
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118
Phone: (501) 682-0744
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Division
1 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 682-1611
Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Division
Arkansas Department of Revenue
1816 W. 7th Street, Room 1040, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-2242
Arkansas Department of Revenue
Arkansas General Assembly
500 Woodlane Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-6107
Arkansas General Assembly
Arkansas Attorney General
323 Center Street, Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-2007
Arkansas Attorney General
Arkansas Department of Inspector General, Office of Ombudsman
501 Woodlane Street, Suite 136, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-8349
Arkansas Office of Ombudsman
Arkansas Development Finance Authority (Housing & Bond Programs)
1 Commerce Way, Suite 602, Little Rock, AR 72202
Phone: (501) 682-5900
Arkansas Development Finance Authority
Little Rock Police Department, Records Division
700 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 371-4654
Little Rock Police Department, Records Division
Does Arkansas Have Free Public Records?
Many Arkansas public records are available for free inspection at government offices during normal business hours, and some agencies provide free online access to selected records. However, fees generally apply for printed copies, certified records, or complex searches. Agencies must post fee schedules and charge only the actual cost of duplication or staff time for non-standard requests.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Arkansas?
State law limits charges to the actual cost of duplication (usually $0.10–$0.25 per page for basic copies) and any personnel time over two hours required to locate, review, or redact records. Certified copies, vital records, and expedited processing cost more. There is no charge to simply inspect records on site.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Public Records in Arkansas?
The Arkansas FOIA requires agencies to provide records "immediately," meaning as soon as practicable under the circumstances. Most routine requests are fulfilled within three business days. Larger, complex, or redacted requests may take longer, but agencies must communicate expected delays. Most agencies operate public counters Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays.
What Records Are Confidential In Arkansas?
Exemptions under Arkansas FOIA include:
- Unpublished drafts, notes, and working papers
- Law enforcement investigatory files
- Medical and student education records
- Adoption and juvenile case files
- Records protected by federal law (e.g., Social Security numbers, HIPAA)
- Personnel files (except basic information)
- Records declared confidential by statute or court order
If a record contains both public and exempt information, agencies must redact only the confidential parts and release the rest.
Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Arkansas
Any individual—resident or non-resident—may request Arkansas public records without stating a reason. Agencies may not require the requester to identify themselves unless necessary to comply with confidentiality rules.
What Can Be Done With Public Records in Arkansas
Public records in Arkansas can be used for:
- Background checks and due diligence
- Legal proceedings and compliance
- News reporting and investigative journalism
- Historical and genealogical research
- Real estate transactions and business operations
Misuse of public records for identity theft, harassment, or fraud is prohibited.
How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Arkansas
If your Arkansas public records request is denied, the agency must state the specific legal reason for the denial in writing.
- Contact the agency’s FOIA coordinator or records custodian to discuss the denial or request redacted (partial) access.
- File a complaint with the Arkansas Attorney General, who may issue an official opinion.
- Seek judicial review in circuit court to compel disclosure if necessary.
Arkansas Attorney General
323 Center Street, Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-2007
Arkansas Attorney General
Difference Between Federal and Arkansas Public Records
Arkansas public records are governed by the Arkansas FOIA, which covers state and local agencies, while federal records fall under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Information Policy (FOIA)
441 G St NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20530
Phone: (202) 514-3642
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Information Policy (FOIA)
Lookup Public Records in Arkansas
Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC)
322 S. Main Street, Suite 615, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-2222
Arkansas Crime Information Center
Arkansas Department of Workforce Services
#2 Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-2121
Arkansas Department of Workforce Services
Pulaski County Assessor
201 S. Broadway, Suite 310, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 340-6170
Pulaski County Assessor