Find Arkansas Public Records

Is Arkansas a Public Records State?

Yes, Arkansas is a public records state. Arkansas public records are documents that pertain to official government functions or state citizenry. Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, any citizen who is not currently incarcerated for a felony may request access to public records. The law ensures transparency by allowing public access to government activity records, barring certain exemptions. The Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-19-105 mandates that custodians of public records make them available upon request, ensuring the state's commitment to openness and accountability.

What is Public Information in Arkansas?

Public information in Arkansas encompasses a variety of records, including:

Court records
Incident reports
Inmate records
Sex offender registry
Criminal records
Uncertified vital records (such as death certificates or marriage records)

These records, along with consumer and credit reports governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, are generally accessible to the public. However, some records are exempt from disclosure. These include income tax records, ongoing law enforcement investigations, personnel records, certified copies of vital records, and adoption records. The exemptions are designed to protect privacy and sensitive information.

How Do I Look Up Public Records in Arkansas?

To locate public records in Arkansas, follow these steps:

Determine the Type of Record Needed
Identify the specific public record you seek. This could be court records, vital records, criminal records, etc. Decide whether you need to inspect the record or obtain copies. Note that electronic copies are only provided if the records are maintained electronically.
Identify the Custodian of the Record
The custodian is the official with administrative control over the record. Requests made to individuals who merely store or process the record for another will not be fruitful. If you mistakenly contact the wrong person, they are required to direct you to the correct custodian.
Submit a Request
Once the custodian is identified, submit your request clearly, providing as much detail as possible to facilitate the search. Requests can be made in person, by phone, mail, fax, email, or other electronic means. If the request is denied, the custodian must provide a written explanation citing the legal basis for the denial.

For example, in Pulaski County, various public records are maintained by different offices, such as:

Pulaski Circuit/County Clerk:
401 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 340-8500

Pulaski County Sheriff:
2900 South Woodrow, Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: (501) 618-8000

Pulaski County Assessor:
201 S Broadway, Ste. 310, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 340-6170

Pulaski County Treasurer:
P.O. Box 8101, Little Rock, AR 72203

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Arkansas Public Records Obtaining

In addition to direct requests to government offices, third-party resources can be useful for obtaining public records in Arkansas. These services often aggregate data from various state and county databases, providing a more convenient way to access multiple types of records. However, it is essential to verify the legitimacy and accuracy of such third-party services to ensure the information obtained is reliable.

How To Look Up Public Records in Arkansas for Free?

Free access to public records in Arkansas is possible under certain conditions. County clerks and recorders in some judicial districts offer free searches for selected records. Physical inspection of records at the custodian's office incurs no cost, and requesters may take photographs or videos of the records. Public access terminals are often available for this purpose.

Arkansas courts also provide free access to court records. Other free records include arrest records, incident reports, sex offender registries, and inmate records. Requests for electronic copies can be made via phone, email, or other electronic means without needing to be physically present.

However, some records, such as criminal history records, certified copies of vital records, and background checks, typically require a fee due to the processing involved. For example, background checks conducted by the Arkansas State Police require consent and fingerprints from the record holder. Similarly, obtaining certified copies of vital records necessitates a notarized consent form and a processing fee.

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