| Law Name | Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) |
| Governing Statute | Kansas Statutes § 45-215 et seq. |
| Response Deadline | 3 business days (may extend to no later than the close of business on the same business day for simple requests) |
| Who Can Request | Any person; no residency requirement |
| Standard Copy Fee | Actual cost of copies; no charge for the first 2 hours of search time |
| Appeal To | District Court; courts may award attorney fees to prevailing requesters |
| Oversight Body | Kansas Attorney General – Open Records Division, (785) 296-2215 |
Last Updated: March 2026 | Source: PublicRecordCenter.com Research
About Kansas Public Records
Comprehensive Guide to Accessing Kansas Public Records | Kansas Open Records Act (KORA)
Kansas's Open Records Act (KORA) covers all state and local government bodies and provides strong fee protections for requesters, including 2 hours of free search time. KORA was significantly strengthened by 2014 amendments.
The Law: Kansas Open Records Act (KORA)
Governing Statute: Kansas Statutes § 45-215 et seq.
Kansas's public records law establishes the legal framework for how residents and the public can access government information. The Kansas Open Records Act establishes the right of any person to inspect and obtain copies of government records held by Kansas state agencies, counties, municipalities, and other public bodies. The law reflects the principle that transparent government is a prerequisite for an informed citizenry and a functioning democracy.
Response Deadline
3 business days (may extend to no later than the close of business on the same business day for simple requests)
Extension provision: Up to 3 additional business days for voluminous or archived records with written notice
If an agency fails to respond within the required time, the request may be treated as a constructive denial triggering the right to appeal. Always document the date of your submission and follow up in writing if no response is received.
Who Can Request Records in Kansas
Any person; no residency requirement
Requesters are generally not required to state a reason for their request. Agencies are prohibited from using the requester's identity or stated purpose as a basis for denial unless a specific statutory exemption limits access to certain categories of persons.
How to Request Kansas Public Records: Step-by-Step
- Identify the Records You Need
Before submitting a request, pinpoint which government agency holds the records. Different agencies maintain different records:- Court records › Kansas Court System
- Property records › County Recorder or Assessor
- Vital records (birth/death/marriage) › Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Office of Vital Statistics
- Criminal records › Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) – Criminal History Records
- Business filings › Kansas Secretary of State
- Draft Your Request
Write a specific, clearly worded request describing the type of documents, the date range, names or case numbers involved (if known), and your preferred format (electronic preferred to minimize fees). Keep it specific — overly broad requests are more likely to result in delays or large fee estimates. - Submit to the Right Agency
Address your request to the agency's designated records custodian or records officer. The primary oversight body is: Kansas Attorney General – Open Records Division, (785) 296-2215.
Most agencies accept requests by email — check the agency's website for the records officer's contact information. - Track Your Request
Note the date you submitted your request. The agency must respond within 3 business days (may extend to no later than the close of business on the same business day for simple requests). Keep a copy of your submission and any acknowledgment receipts. - Review the Response
If the agency produces records, review them carefully. If records are withheld, the agency must cite the specific statute authorizing withholding. Request a log of all withheld records. - Appeal If Denied
File an appeal with District Court; courts may award attorney fees to prevailing requesters, or pursue the appropriate court action. Courts may award attorney fees in many cases.
Fees for Kansas Public Records
Actual cost of copies; no charge for the first 2 hours of search time
Fee waivers may be available for journalists, nonprofit organizations, students, or when the disclosure serves the public interest. Always ask about fee waivers when submitting a request — agencies are not required to volunteer this information. If the fee estimate exceeds your budget, consider narrowing the scope of your request.
Key Exemptions: What Is Not Publicly Available
Personnel files (except salary/title), medical records, pending criminal investigations, attorney-client privilege, trade secrets, and records protected by other Kansas statutes
If an agency cites an exemption, request that they identify the specific statutory authority — vague or overly broad exemption claims can often be successfully challenged.
Kansas Public Records Oversight & Enforcement
Oversight Authority: Kansas Attorney General – Open Records Division, (785) 296-2215
The oversight authority plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Kansas Open Records Act. When agencies fail to respond or improperly withhold records, filing a complaint with the oversight body is typically free and faster than pursuing court action.
What Makes Kansas's Public Records Law Unique
KORA explicitly provides that the first 2 hours of staff time for records searches are free, which is one of the most generous fee-waiver provisions among state open-records laws. Kansas also requires agencies to train designated KORA officers.
Types of Public Records Available in Kansas
Court Records
Kansas maintains an extensive court record system covering district, circuit/superior, and appellate courts. Court records include civil case filings, criminal dockets, probate records, family law cases (divorce, custody, adoption), and small claims matters. Many Kansas court records are accessible through the state court's online portal or by visiting the clerk of court's office in the relevant county. Visit: https://www.kscourts.org
Property Records
County-level property records in Kansas include deeds, mortgage documents, liens, tax assessment records, and zoning information. These are maintained by the County Recorder (or equivalent) in each county. Property records are among the most widely accessed public records and are often available online through county government websites.
Vital Records (Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce)
Vital records in Kansas are maintained by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Office of Vital Statistics. Certified copies of birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees are available to eligible requesters upon submission of an application and required fee. Ancestry researchers may access historical vital records through the State Archives.
Criminal Records & Background Checks
Criminal history records in Kansas are maintained by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) – Criminal History Records. Background checks are governed by both the Kansas Open Records Act and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). State-level criminal history includes felony and misdemeanor convictions, arrests, and sex offender registry information.
Business & Corporation Records
All business entities formed or registered in Kansas must file with the Kansas Secretary of State. Publicly available records include articles of incorporation, registered agent information, annual reports, officer names, and business status. These are often searchable online free of charge. Visit: https://sos.ks.gov
Sex Offender Registry
Kansas maintains a public Sex Offender Registry available online. Search sex offender registries on our Sex Offender Registry page.
How to Find Specific Kansas Public Records
- Birth Certificates: Contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Office of Vital Statistics. Check the state health department's website for mail-in or online ordering options. Fees apply for certified copies.
- Death Records: Available from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Office of Vital Statistics for recent deaths. Historical records are available through the State Archives and genealogy platforms like FamilySearch and Ancestry.
- Marriage Records: Marriage licenses are filed with the county clerk or registrar in the county where the marriage occurred. The state health department may maintain a central index.
- Divorce Records: Divorce decrees are filed in the circuit/district/superior court of the county where the divorce was granted. Contact the clerk of that court.
- Criminal Background Checks: For a certified criminal background check, contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) – Criminal History Records. Online portals are available in most jurisdictions.
- Property Records: Search your county's Recorder, Register of Deeds, or Assessor website. Most counties in Kansas provide free online property record searches.
- Court Records: Search online through Kansas Courts' public case search portal. Federal court records are available via PACER.
Search Kansas Public Records on PublicRecordCenter
PublicRecordCenter.com provides a free, organized directory of official Kansas government resources. Browse records by category:
- Kansas Public Records – Main Directory
- Kansas Criminal Records
- Kansas Vital Records
- Kansas Bankruptcy Records
- Kansas County Sheriff Agencies
- Kansas Sex Offender Search
Explore Public Records by State
PublicRecordCenter.com is a privately owned, free public records directory. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any government body. We do not store, sell, or provide consumer reports as defined by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Public records accessed through our directory may not be used to determine eligibility for credit, insurance, employment, housing, or other FCRA-regulated purposes. All links provided lead to official Kansas government websites and trusted third-party resources. Information in this guide is current as of March 2026. Verify current fees, deadlines, and procedures directly with the relevant agency before submitting a request.