Document Center

As with our editorials, the documents on this page are available free of charge, and no written permission is required to use or distribute them.

Available Documents

The Transparency Project of Georgia provides free, downloadable resources to help citizens exercise their rights under Georgia's Open Meetings Act and Open Records Act. These documents may be used, shared, and republished without restriction.

Mugshot Request Affidavit
Effective July 1, 2014, journalists requesting mugshots from law enforcement agencies in Georgia are required to sign an affidavit swearing that no charge will be imposed in exchange for the removal of the mugshot from any publication. Form provided by the Georgia Press Association.

Open Records Request Template

When submitting a formal Open Records Act request, use a written format that includes the following key elements:

[Date]

[Agency Name]
[Address]

RE: Open Records Request Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70

To the Custodian of Records:

I am writing to request the following public records pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.:

[Describe the specific records you are requesting, including relevant dates, names, topics, and any other identifying information.]

I request a response within three (3) business days as required by law. If any portion of this request is denied, please cite the specific code section(s) authorizing the denial. If fees will be charged, please provide an itemized estimate before proceeding.

I prefer to receive the records in [electronic/paper] format.

Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]

Additional Resources

For more comprehensive resources, including the Red Book, Blue Book, and Green Book guides to Georgia's sunshine laws, visit our GFAF Resources page.

If you would like to contribute a document or template that would benefit other citizens, contact us at [email protected]. We welcome contributions from attorneys, journalists, and experienced citizens who have developed practical tools for navigating Georgia's open government landscape.

Disclaimer: The documents on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Document Center

What kinds of documents are available in the Document Center?

The Document Center provides free-to-download legal forms, request templates, and reference documents related to Georgia's Open Meetings Act and Open Records Act. This includes the Mugshot Request Affidavit (required for journalists requesting booking photos from law enforcement) and other practical forms for citizens exercising their sunshine law rights.

We periodically add new documents as they become relevant. If you are looking for a specific form or template that would help citizens navigate open government issues, contact us at [email protected].

Do I need permission to use or distribute these documents?

No. As with our editorials, the documents in this section are available free of charge, and no written permission is required for use or redistribution. We encourage citizens, journalists, attorneys, and educators to use and share these resources widely.

If you use these documents in your work and find them helpful, we would love to hear about your experience. Contact us at [email protected].

What is the Mugshot Request Affidavit and when is it required?

Effective July 1, 2014, journalists requesting mugshots from Georgia law enforcement agencies must sign an affidavit swearing that no charge will be imposed in exchange for the removal of the mugshot from any publication. This requirement was created in response to websites that published booking photos and charged individuals for removal.

The Georgia Press Association provides the official form for this affidavit. Citizens who are not journalists and wish to request a mugshot should check with the specific agency about applicable procedures.

How can I find a good template for an Open Records Request?

A basic Open Records Request template should: identify the requester's contact information, clearly state that the request is made pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70), describe the specific records requested as precisely as possible, specify the preferred format (paper or electronic), and request a response within three business days.

A written request creates a legal record and makes it harder for an agency to claim non-receipt. It also starts the clock on the three-day response requirement. Keep a copy of every request you send.

How do I download documents from the Document Center?

Documents in the Document Center are available for free download. Click on any document link to access or download it. No registration or payment is required.

If you have difficulty accessing a specific document, contact us at [email protected] and we will assist you.