State Public Records Guide
Public Records in District of Columbia
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in District of Columbia under the District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act (DC FOIA) (est. 1976).
Overview of Public Records in District of Columbia
The District of Columbia's Freedom of Information Act provides residents and the public with access to records maintained by DC government agencies. As the nation's capital, DC occupies a unique position where local government records intersect with the operations of the federal government. DC FOIA operates independently from the federal Freedom of Information Act and applies only to DC government agencies, not to federal agencies located within the District. The DC government maintains a wide range of records covering all typical municipal and state-level functions.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in District of Columbia
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 15 business days. They may extend by up to an additional 15 business days with written notice to the requester explaining the reason for the extension.
Fees and Costs
The first 100 pages of copies are free. Additional pages are $0.10 each. Search and review fees of $4.25 per quarter hour may apply. Fees may be waived if disclosure is determined to be in the public interest.
How to Submit a Request
Requests must be made in writing, which includes email. The DC FOIA portal allows electronic submissions and tracking. No identification or reason for the request is required.
Appeal Process
Requesters may appeal to the mayor within 30 calendar days of denial. They may also seek judicial review in the DC Superior Court. The Office of Open Government provides guidance and informal mediation.
Types of Public Records Available in District of Columbia
Property Records
Property records in District of Columbia include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in District of Columbia contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on District of Columbia election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
District of Columbia court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in District of Columbia include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
District of Columbia vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in District of Columbia document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access District of Columbia Public Records
To request records under DC FOIA, submit a written request to the FOIA officer at the relevant DC government agency. Agencies must respond within fifteen business days. If your request is denied, you can appeal to the Mayor's office or file an action in DC Superior Court. DC maintains property records through the Recorder of Deeds, and DC Courts provide online case searches. The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (now the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection) maintains business licensing records.
Online Access
DC Superior Court provides online case search through CaseSearch. The Office of Tax and Revenue maintains online property records. DC's FOIA portal provides electronic request submission and tracking.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in District of Columbia
While the District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act (DC FOIA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in District of Columbia.
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Trade secrets and confidential commercial information submitted to government
- Inter-agency and intra-agency memoranda that are deliberative in nature
- Records compiled for law enforcement purposes
- Information specifically exempted by other District statutes
- Financial institution examination reports and supervisory data
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, District of Columbia provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act (DC FOIA)
Enacted: 1976
The District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act is codified in DC Code Section 2-531 through 2-540. The act provides that any person has the right to request and receive DC government records. The law was substantially amended in 2014 to establish clearer timelines, create a FOIA Appeals Committee, and strengthen enforcement provisions. DC FOIA is separate from the federal FOIA and covers only DC government agencies.
Key Features of District of Columbia's Records Law:
- DC FOIA covers only DC local government agencies, not the many federal agencies located in the District
- The District functions as both a city and a state, maintaining records for both types of government functions
- DC created a FOIA Appeals Committee in 2014 for administrative review of denials
District of Columbia Public Records Facts
DC has a single jurisdiction serving approximately 700,000 residents
The District has approximately 500,000 registered voters
DC Recorder of Deeds maintains all property records for the District
As both a city and state, DC maintains an unusually comprehensive set of local government records
Search District of Columbia Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across District of Columbia. Enter a name below to search public records in DC.
Frequently Asked Questions About District of Columbia Public Records
Does DC FOIA cover federal agencies?
How do I access DC court records?
How long does DC have to respond to FOIA requests?
How do I search DC property records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act (DC FOIA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in District of Columbia or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.