Quick Answer: The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) gives any resident the right to request most records held by state and local government offices. Requests must be submitted in writing to the specific agency that holds the record, and most agencies must respond within 3 working days. The first hour of staff time is typically free, with copy fees of up to $0.25 per page after the first 25 pages. Some records, including many tax, DMV, and criminal justice files, are exempt and handled under separate rules.
Government accountability starts with a simple idea: the public has a right to see how decisions get made. In Colorado, that right has a name and a process behind it, the Colorado Open Records Act, commonly known as CORA. Most residents have heard of it in passing, but far fewer know how to actually use it. Here is exactly how the process works, what it costs, and how to write a request that gets you a useful answer instead of a rejection.
What CORA Actually Covers
CORA is written into Colorado law as C.R.S. Section 24-72-201 through 206. It requires that most public records, meaning writings made, maintained, or kept by a government office, be made available for inspection by any person, unless a specific legal exception applies. This is a broad definition. It covers documents, emails, photographs, recordings, maps, and other digitally stored data created or held by a state or local government agency, as long as the records involve the receipt or spending of public funds, or the exercise of a legally authorized government function.
Importantly, CORA does not require an agency to create a new document, analyze data, or offer an interpretation or opinion in response to a request. It only requires access to records that already exist.
What CORA Does Not Cover
- Criminal justice records: these are governed separately under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act (CCJRA), not CORA
- Certain tax, DMV, and licensing records: many of these are restricted from release by other specific laws, even though they are held by a government office
- Personnel and some personal records: records containing certain private personal information are often exempt or redacted before release
How to Submit a CORA Request, Step by Step
1. Identify the correct agency. records must be requested directly from the specific government office that holds them. A request sent to the wrong department will simply be redirected, costing you time
2. Put your request in writing. CORA requests are typically submitted by email, mail, or an online request form, depending on the agency. A phone call alone generally will not start the formal process
3. Be specific. vague, broad requests often come back with a high fee estimate or a request for clarification. Include relevant date ranges, specific document types, and names or search terms where possible
4. Include your contact information. most agencies ask for your name, mailing address, and a phone number or email so they can reach you if the request needs clarification
5. Wait for the response window. agencies generally must respond within 3 working days of receiving the request, though this can extend to 7 working days if the agency documents extenuating circumstances
What a CORA Request Actually Costs
| Item | Typical Cost or Rule |
| First 25 pages of copies | Often no charge, though this varies by agency |
| Additional pages beyond 25 | Up to $0.25 per page |
| Staff research and retrieval time | No charge for the first hour; up to $41.37 per hour after that, for specialized retrieval |
| Standard response deadline | 3 working days from the day the request is received |
| Extended response deadline | Up to 7 working days if the agency shows extenuating circumstances |
Fees can vary slightly by agency, and any cost charged cannot exceed the agency’s actual cost of producing the records. If a request is expected to generate a significant fee, most agencies are required to give you an estimate before proceeding, so you can narrow the request if needed.
Tips for Writing a Request That Actually Works
- Narrow your date range: a request for “all emails about X” over several years will likely be expensive and slow. A specific, shorter date range moves faster and often costs less
- Check if it is already public first: many routine filings, such as campaign finance records, business filings, and lobbyist registrations, are already posted online and do not require a formal CORA request at all
- Ask about format before you pay: electronic records are often cheaper and faster to receive than paper copies, and most agencies will send digital files by email when available
- Keep a written record of your own request: note the date you submitted it and to whom, since the response clock starts from the day the agency actually receives and opens it
Why This Process Matters
Open records laws exist because government accountability depends on the public actually being able to see how decisions get made, not just being told the outcome. Whether the question is about how a public contract was awarded, how a budget was spent, or how a policy decision was reached, CORA is the legal tool that turns “we deserve to know” into an actual, enforceable right to ask.
Staying informed does not stop at the ballot box. Understanding how to request public information is one of the most direct ways any Colorado resident can hold their local and state government accountable between elections, not just during them.
Stay Informed, Stay Involved
Understanding your rights as a Colorado resident, from how to vote to how to request public records, is part of staying engaged in the decisions that affect your family and community. Follow along for more voter resources and practical guides on how Colorado government actually works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can submit a CORA request in Colorado?
Any person can submit a CORA request. You do not need to be a Colorado resident, a journalist, or have a specific legal reason to request public records.
How long does a Colorado agency have to respond to a CORA request?
Agencies generally must respond within 3 working days of receiving the request. This can be extended up to 7 working days if the agency documents extenuating circumstances, such as needing more time to review records for exemptions.
Does it cost money to request public records in Colorado?
It can. Many requests are free or low-cost if they involve a small number of pages and little staff time, but larger requests may include per-page copy fees and hourly research charges beyond the first hour of staff time.
Can I request records from any government office in Colorado?
You can request records from any Colorado state or local government agency, but each agency is only responsible for records it actually holds. Requests for another agency’s records must be redirected to that specific agency.
What if my CORA request is denied?
Agencies must cite a specific legal exception if they deny access to a record. If you believe a denial was improper, Colorado law allows you to challenge it in court, though consulting an attorney or a press freedom organization first is generally recommended.