This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Public Records Fee in California

California law sets the fee for public records requests under Government Code section 7922.530. That statute establishes how an agency may calculate the cost to produce records, including direct costs for duplication and, in some cases, staff time for retrieval or redaction. The statute does not prescribe a single flat fee; instead, it provides a framework for agencies to charge only the actual, allowable costs tied to fulfilling a specific request. The exact amount depends on the nature and volume of the records sought. The official source at the link above contains the full statutory language. The worked example below illustrates how the fee is computed under this rule. Use the DocketMath calculator to estimate your own potential costs based on your request.

Governing authority

In California, the public records fee rule is set by Cal. Gov. Code § 7922.530. The verified packet cites Cal. Gov. Code § 7922.530 (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=7922.530).

California public records fee: governed by Cal. Gov. Code § 7922.530. The verified packet cites Cal. Gov. Code § 7922.530 (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=7922.530).

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the public records fee calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.