Direct requests to an agency's open records officer. The law requires each agency to appoint an "open records officer." Contact information for each agency's open records officer must be posted at the agency and on the agency's Internet website, if one exists. You must direct your request to the agency's open records officer. If you send our request to the wrong person, public employees must forward it to the open records officer. This may delay the response, however, and should be avoided if possible.

Manner of request. You can make a request in person, by mail, facsimile or e-mail.

Substance of request. A written request should identify or describe the records sought with sufficient specificity so that the agency can determine which records you are seeking and must include the name and address to which the agency should address its response. You do not have to tell an agency why you want a particular record.

Request form. The Office of Open Records will develop a uniform form which must be accepted by Commonwealth and local agencies. The form is required to be posted at the agency and on an agency's website, if it has one. The law does not require you to use the form to make a request, but your request must contain the information listed above.

Courts and Legislature. Judicial agencies and Legislative agencies may develop their own forms. Again, you are not required to use these forms, provided that your request contains the necessary information.