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Oregon

With the creation of open record laws like the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), it’s easier than ever to access documents that were once unavailable to the general public. That’s not to say finding criminal, court, inmate, or vital records in Oregon is always simple; only that access to public records has improved over the past few decades.

While access isn’t restricted, finding and requesting records can be a bit challenging. Records are kept by different branches of government and by various state agencies, so it can be challenging to know where to start looking.

Those needing to access records have a right to submit a request through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Every state has different processes, so it’s essential to know the state’s law before requesting any documents.

What does the Oregon public records law say?

In the Beaver State, the Oregon Public Records Law was designed to guarantee that public members have access to documents from every government agency at all levels.

Sometimes, the information is exempt from the Oregon Public Meetings Law or the Oregon Public Records Law. Other times, the information falls under the public records umbrella but is harder to track down because different agencies or departments handle it.

To learn more about the public records law, visit Oregon.gov.

How can I access public records in Oregon?

A straightforward way to request a public record is using the Oregon Sample FOIA Request template. Created by the National Freedom of Information Coalition, the letter can be sent to the agency you believe holds the record.

The sample letter provides much of the information you’ll need to improve your chances of getting a prompt response, including:

In general, a public records request should include:

  • Your name
  • Contact information
  • The name of the document
  • Details about the document
  • A time frame that you would like to receive the materials by
  • Document delivery method, mail or email

Oregon Criminal Records

Oregon state law provides limited public access to criminal history records through Salem’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division.

You can request a copy of your criminal record using your fingerprints or someone else’s using their name, date of birth, and last known mailing address.

The Oregonian or the individual whose record you are requesting must be notified of your request by law.

The CJIS has 14 days to challenge the accuracy of the criminal offender information. Employers or prospective employers must inform the person whose criminal record they will be requested in advance and indicate on the request form how they informed the record-holder.

What’s on an Oregon criminal record?

Oregon’s criminal record results may provide less detailed information than more thorough background checks.

If there is no “rap sheet” to report, or the person’s record consists only of non-conviction data, you’ll get nothing more than a notice that there is no criminal record.

If the request turns up a criminal history, you will receive an Oregon record of conviction or an Oregon record of arrest less than one year in which there has been no acquittal or dismissal.

The main information you will find on the criminal records is:

  • Date of birth
  • Driver license number
  • Photograph/mugshot
  • Fingerprints
  • Current and past addresses
  • Former arrest records
  • Current and past warrants
  • Sex offender status
  • Agency of arrest – police department, sheriff’s office, state police, etc.

Where can I find Oregon criminal records?

The Oregon State Police is the state agency that manages criminal history information for the state.

Access is provided through the Oregon State Police’s CJIS Division’s record program or open records.

Although requests can be made by mail or email by submitting this Request for Oregon Criminal History Information, results that include a criminal history can only be mailed (not emailed).

There is another option for employers seeking to do a more thorough background check on employees or prospective employees. In 2020, Oregon started using the Oregon Criminal History and Abuse Records Data System (ORCHARDS) as its background check system.

The Background Check Unit (BCU) requires employers to obtain authorization from the subject individual (SI) to perform such a check. This is done by requiring the employer to enter an email address for the SI when submitting a background check request. This gives the SI time to enter the permission and any disclosures.

Oregon Inmate Records

There are currently around 30,000 offenders under supervision in Oregon, with approximately 14,900 offenders serving their time in the state’s 14 prisons. 

The Oregon Department of Corrections maintains inmate records in the state.

What’s on an Oregon inmate record?

The information listed on an inmate record varies, but in Oregon, the records usually contain personal information and specific details about a person’s incarceration situation.

Public access to inmate records can provide the following information when accessed:

  • Name and aliases
  • Date of Birth
  • Height and weight
  • DOC ID
  • Booking photo
  • Assigned location
  • Sentence summary

Where can I find Oregon inmate records?

You will visit the Oregon Department of Corrections Offender Search to access the inmate record.

The inmate records search displays information on offenders currently in the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections or a local Community Corrections office.

Results only include information associated with the offender’s current incarceration, not a complete history of all charges, sentences, or incarcerations.

Searches can be done by first, middle, or last name or State Identification (SID) Number.

Oregon Court Records

Many Oregon court records are available through an online record search if you have a public interest in court records, although there are limitations.

The Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) does not provide court related to adoption, juvenile or mental health cases, or cases under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

What’s on an Oregon court record?

Court documents are not available through the OJD Online Records Search, and personally-identifying information—such as social security numbers, addresses, or other private information—will not be shown in the results.

However, most circuit courts have a court kiosk that provides some additional information and access to most documents on public court records.

Where can I find Oregon court records?

The Oregon Judicial Department provides Oregon Judicial Department Online Records Search to access limited case information in the State Courts, Circuit Courts, the Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court, although the results should not be relied upon as an official record of the court.

There are two ways to obtain the full official register for non-confidential case types:

Via the courthouse public terminals or, for some business entities and public bodies, by subscribing to the OJCIN online.

As for the specifics of what information search results will present, you may find:

  • Warrants (including the status, issue date, location, and warrant number)
  • Cases (including the type, district attorney information, file date, police reports, status, and location)
  • Judgments (including the date/time of judgment, type, and award)

Oregon Vital Records

The Center for Health Statistics (CHS) maintains vital records in Oregon.

Oregon’s vital records include:

  • Birth Certificates
  • Death Certificates
  • Marriage Licenses
  • Divorce Decrees

Public record requests for vital records in Oregon will vary depending on the document you are requesting.

Oregon Health Authority – The Center for Health Statistics (CHS)
Oregon Vital Records
P.O. Box 14050
Portland, OR 97293-0050

Phone number: 503-373-0953

What information do I need to request an Oregon birth certificate?

The Oregon Birth Record Order Form will ask for specific information when ordering a birth record.

  • Full name on the birth record
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Place of birth
  • Parents’ full name

Where can I find an Oregon birth certificate?

You can order an Oregon birth certificate online using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of an Oregon birth record by completing the Oregon Birth Record Order Form and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified birth certificate in Oregon is $25.

What information do I need for a death certificate in Oregon?

The Oregon Death Record Order Form will ask for specific information when ordering a death record.

  • Full name on the death record
  • Date of death
  • Place of death
  • Spouses’ full name before marriage

Where can I find an Oregon death certificate?

You can order an Oregon death certificate online using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of an Oregon death record by completing the Oregon Death Record Order Form and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified death certificate in Oregon is $25.

What information do I need for a marriage certificate in Oregon?

The Oregon Marriage Record Order Form will ask for specific information when ordering a marriage record.

  • Spouses’ full names
  • Date of marriage
  • Place where the marriage license was issued

Where can I find an Oregon marriage certificate?

You can order an Oregon marriage certificate online using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of an Oregon marriage record by completing the Oregon Marriage Record Order Form and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified marriage certificate in Oregon is $25.

You can also contact the City Hall that issued the marriage license.

What information do I need for a divorce certificate in Oregon?

The Oregon Divorce Record Order Form will ask for specific information when ordering a divorce record.

  • Spouses’ full names
  • Date of divorce
  • The county that issued the divorce decree

Where can I find an Oregon divorce certificate?

You can order an Oregon divorce certificate online using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of an Oregon divorce record by completing the Divorce Record Order Form and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified marriage certificate in Oregon is $25.

Oregon Property Records

The County Licensing and Recording Division maintains all property records in Oregon.

The property records you can access include:

  • Liens
  • Land records
  • Titles
  • Property deeds
  • Real estate information
  • Mortgages
  • Property tax assessment records
  • Zoning information
  • Probate
  • Ordinance compliance
  • Building permits
  • RFPS information

For data, parcel, and land use maps, you will need to contact the Geographic Information System(GIS) to ask about public access and economic development.

What information do I need to request property records in Oregon?

You will need basic information to access a public property record in Oregon.

Local government forms, fees, and office hours will vary depending on the County Licensing and Recording Division office.

Where can I find an Oregon property record?

You will need to contact the County or City Recorder’s office where the property record is maintained.

Example – Marion County Licensing and Recording Division
Marion County Clerk Property Records website
Marion County Clerk
PO Box 14500
Salem, Oregon 97309

Phone number: 503-588-5225

FAQs

Can a request be submitted by non-residents of Oregon?

There are no residency requirements for obtaining Oregon public records.

Citizens of any state can submit an Oregon public records request form.

Is there a records custodian in Oregon?

Oregon does not designate a records custodian. Records management is the responsibility of individual government agencies.

What exemptions exist for public records in Oregon?

The exemptions in Oregon are relatively straightforward.

Records that contain personal information deal with matters of public safety, or include addresses of elected officials, for example, are all exempt from public disclosure.

Most exemptions of Oregon’s Public Records Law are standard in and the public interest.

How long does Oregon have to respond to a public records request?

Oregon does set a deadline in terms of business days.

However, the Oregon public records law states that agencies should be given a “reasonable opportunity to inspect and copy records.”

Is there an appeals process for public records requests in Oregon?

There is no appeals option in the state of Oregon.

While many states offer the possibility of an administrative appeal through the Attorney General, Oregon does not.

A requester can, however, file a lawsuit according to Oregon Revised Statutes.

What fees are associated with requesting public records in Oregon?

Fees must be kept to the actual costs of searching and copying records. It is always best to check fee schedules.

Agencies must provide the requestor with an estimate if the price exceeds $25 before proceeding. There are fee waivers for media outlets.

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