NJ OPRA Request Form (Free Copy-Paste Template)
Informational only — not legal advice.
New Jersey OPRA does not require a specific form — a plain email to the agency's records custodian is legally sufficient. Below is a free attorney-drafted template you can copy, paste, and email today. Agencies have 7 business days to respond.
Key facts
| Statute | N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f) |
|---|---|
| Form required? | No — written request is sufficient |
| Send via | Email to the agency's OPRA records custodian |
| Response deadline | 7 business days |
| Cost | Free to file. Copy fees may apply. |
The template
Copy, paste into your email client, fill in the brackets, and send to the agency's records custodian.
Subject: OPRA Request — [BRIEF DESCRIPTION] — [DATE] To the Records Custodian: Pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq., I request copies of the following government records maintained by [AGENCY NAME]: 1. [DESCRIBE THE RECORDS — e.g., "All building permits, approved construction plans, and inspection reports for the property located at 123 Main Street, Block 45, Lot 12, from January 1, 2015 to present."] 2. [ADDITIONAL RECORDS, IF ANY] Please provide the records in electronic format (PDF) via email where possible. If any portion of this request is denied, please cite the specific OPRA exemption relied upon for each denial and provide the responsive portion of any records that are not exempt. If any fees apply, please notify me before incurring charges in excess of $[AMOUNT]. I understand the agency has 7 business days to respond under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(i). Thank you. [YOUR NAME] [YOUR EMAIL] [YOUR PHONE — optional]
What to fill in
- [AGENCY NAME] — the NJ government body holding the records (e.g. "Township of Edison").
- [DESCRIBE THE RECORDS] — be specific. Include address, block/lot, date range, document type.
- [AMOUNT] — a fee cap (e.g. $25) prevents surprise charges.
- [YOUR NAME] / [YOUR EMAIL] — required so the custodian can deliver the records.
Where to send it
For NJ municipalities, the records custodian is usually the municipal clerk. Search "[town name] NJ opra records custodian" — most agencies post a contact page.
Prefer to skip the paperwork?
OPRAExpress files NJ OPRA requests for $5. Attorney-drafted, sent to the right custodian, and tracked through the 7-business-day clock. If we don't get the record, you don't pay.
Related
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official NJ OPRA request form?
Many agencies post a form on their website, but OPRA does not require any particular form. A written request (email is fine) that describes the records you want is legally sufficient under N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f).
Do I have to use the agency's PDF form?
No. You can use your own form, an email, or a letter. The agency cannot deny your request solely because you didn't use their preferred form.
What has to be in an OPRA request to be valid?
Your name, a way to deliver the records, and a description of the records with enough specificity for the custodian to locate them. You do not need to explain why you want the records or provide ID.
Can I email an OPRA request?
Yes. Email is the standard method. Send it to the agency's designated OPRA records custodian — usually the municipal clerk for towns.
Do I have to be a NJ resident to use this form?
No. Anyone may file an OPRA request — there is no residency, citizenship, or identity requirement.
What if I'd rather have someone else file it?
OPRAExpress files NJ OPRA requests for $5 each, with attorney-drafted templates, full tracking of the 7-business-day deadline, and a 100% money-back guarantee. See pricing at /pricing.