Request a public record

The Open Public Records Act (OPRA) is a state law that provides public access to certain government records (both paper and electronic).

Need to know

• To access health records, visit the Somerset County public records portal.
• The state updated the OPRA form on September 3, 2024. You must use the new form (below) to request access to a government record.
• You need to make your request in writing
• Anyone can file a request
• Costs:
  • Free to inspect in-person
  • Paper copies, 5 to 7 cents per page
  • Media (CD, DVD), cost of material
  • Delivery, postage cost varies
  • Special service charge, depends on complexity of request

Before you start

Be as specific as possible in your request. This helps us find exactly what you are looking for. Let us know what records you are looking for, including any dates if you know them. If a request is overly broad, it could be denied. If you are not sure what to ask for, contact us before you make the request.

Steps

• Submit the OPRA request form online.
• You may also download the form and email your request to OPRARequest@SomervilleNJ.org.

What's next

We will respond to some simple requests immediately.

For other records, we will respond within 7 business days of getting the request. The response will either include the records requested or a time estimate for how long it will take us to provide the records.