Your Comprehensive Guide to Mississippi Public Records
Mississippi Public Records
Public records in Mississippi provide citizens with access to government information, promoting transparency and accountability in state operations. These records encompass a wide range of documents created, maintained, or received by public bodies in the course of their official business. The Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983 (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.) establishes the framework for public access to these records, outlining procedures for requesting information and specifying which records are available for public inspection.
Mississippi's commitment to government transparency is reflected in its public records laws, which allow residents and non-residents alike to examine documents that shed light on governmental activities, decisions, and expenditures. Understanding how to access these records empowers citizens to participate more fully in civic affairs and hold public officials accountable.
Are Mississippi Records Public?
Yes, most records created, maintained, or received by Mississippi governmental entities are considered public and available for inspection. According to the Mississippi Public Records Act, public records include "all books, records, papers, accounts, letters, maps, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings or reproductions thereof, and any other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been used, being in use, or prepared, possessed or retained for use in the conduct, transaction or performance of any business, transaction, work, duty or function of any public body."
However, not all government records are publicly accessible. The Mississippi Public Records Act contains specific exemptions for certain types of information, such as:
- Records related to ongoing criminal investigations
- Certain personnel records
- Records containing confidential commercial or financial information
- Records containing attorney-client privileged communications
- Records containing personal information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
The presumption under Mississippi law favors disclosure, meaning that government agencies must provide a specific legal basis for denying access to requested records.
What Information Is Included in Mississippi Public Records?
Mississippi public records encompass a vast array of documents and information, including:
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates)
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Court records (civil and criminal case files, judgments)
- Business records (corporate filings, licenses)
- Voter registration information
- Criminal history records
- Tax records
- Government contracts and expenditures
- Meeting minutes of public bodies
- Professional licenses
- Environmental permits and reports
- Vehicle registration and driver's license information (with certain privacy protections)
- Government employee information (names, positions, salaries)
- Election results and campaign finance reports
These records are maintained by various state and local agencies, each responsible for specific categories of information. The format of these records may vary from paper documents to electronic databases, depending on the agency and the age of the records.
What Does the Mississippi Public Records Law Do?
The Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.) establishes the legal framework for public access to government records in the state. This law:
- Declares that public records shall be available for inspection by any person during regular business hours
- Establishes procedures for requesting and obtaining public records
- Sets reasonable fees that agencies may charge for providing copies
- Defines exemptions for records that are not subject to public disclosure
- Provides remedies for individuals whose records requests are improperly denied
- Requires agencies to respond to records requests within specified timeframes
- Establishes penalties for agencies that willfully violate the law
The Mississippi Ethics Commission plays a key role in enforcing the Public Records Act, hearing complaints about denied records requests and issuing advisory opinions on the law's application.
Additionally, the Mississippi Open Meetings Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-41-1 et seq.) complements the Public Records Act by ensuring that meetings of public bodies are open to the public, with limited exceptions for executive sessions.
How To Find Public Records in Mississippi in 2025
Accessing public records in Mississippi typically involves the following steps:
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Identify the appropriate agency: Determine which government agency maintains the records you seek. For example, vital records are held by the Mississippi State Department of Health, while property records are typically maintained by county chancery clerks.
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Submit a written request: While some agencies accept verbal requests, it's advisable to submit requests in writing. Your request should:
- Be addressed to the agency's records custodian
- Clearly describe the records sought
- Include your contact information
- Specify your preferred format for receiving the records
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Pay applicable fees: Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and, in some cases, searching for records.
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Receive and review records: Once your request is processed, you'll receive the requested records, subject to any applicable exemptions.
Many Mississippi agencies now offer online access to certain public records, allowing for immediate retrieval without the need for a formal request. For example:
- The Mississippi Secretary of State's Office provides online access to business filings and UCC records
- The Mississippi Electronic Courts system offers online access to court records in participating counties
- Many county tax assessors and chancery clerks provide online property record searches
For records not available online, you'll need to contact the specific agency that maintains the records you seek.
Does Mississippi Have Free Public Records?
Mississippi law allows for inspection of public records at no cost during regular business hours. However, agencies may charge reasonable fees for:
- Copying records
- Searching for and reviewing records (in some cases)
- Staff time required to fulfill complex requests
- Special computer programming needed to extract requested information
Some records are available for free online, particularly through state agency websites. For example, the Mississippi Secretary of State's website offers free access to certain business filings, campaign finance reports, and administrative regulations.
It's important to note that while inspection is free, obtaining copies of records typically involves some cost. Additionally, certain specialized records (such as certified vital records) carry statutory fees regardless of the method of access.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Mississippi?
The cost of obtaining public records in Mississippi varies depending on the agency, the type of records requested, and the format in which they are provided. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, agencies may charge "reasonably calculated" fees to cover the actual cost of searching, reviewing, and duplicating records.
Typical fees include:
- Photocopies: $0.25 to $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: Additional $1.00 to $5.00 per document
- Electronic records: Varies by agency and complexity
- Staff time: Some agencies charge for time spent searching for and reviewing records, particularly for complex requests
Specific examples of record fees include:
- Birth certificate (Mississippi State Department of Health): $17.00 for first copy, $6.00 for each additional copy
- Criminal history record (Mississippi Department of Public Safety): $32.00
- Vehicle title search (Mississippi Department of Revenue): $15.00
- Corporate records (Secretary of State): Varies by document type
Agencies must provide an estimate of fees before processing requests that will incur significant costs. Some agencies may waive fees for small requests or when disclosure primarily benefits the general public.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Public Records in Mississippi?
Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, agencies must provide records or deny requests with a written explanation within seven working days of receipt. However, this timeframe may be extended by written notice in unusual circumstances, such as when:
- Records must be retrieved from separate facilities
- The request involves a large volume of records
- The agency needs to consult with another agency that has a substantial interest in the request
In practice, response times vary significantly depending on:
- The complexity of the request
- The volume of records requested
- The agency's workload and staffing
- Whether the records require review for exempt information
Simple requests for readily available records may be fulfilled immediately, while complex requests involving extensive searches or legal review may take weeks or even months to complete. Some specialized records, such as certified vital records, may be available within minutes if requested in person at the appropriate office.
To minimize delays, requesters should make their requests as specific and narrow as possible, clearly identifying the records sought and the preferred format for delivery.
What Records Are Confidential In Mississippi?
While Mississippi law favors transparency, certain records are exempt from public disclosure under the Public Records Act and other state laws. These exemptions include:
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Personal information, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Home addresses and telephone numbers of law enforcement officers, judges, and prosecutors
- Medical records
- Personnel records (except for names, positions, salaries, and lengths of service)
- Tax return information
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Law enforcement records, including:
- Active investigation files
- Confidential informant identities
- Law enforcement techniques and procedures
- Juvenile records
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Business information, including:
- Trade secrets
- Confidential commercial or financial information
- Proprietary software
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Educational records protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
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Attorney-client privileged communications and attorney work product
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Records specifically exempted by statute, including:
- Certain adoption records
- Child abuse reports and investigations
- Grand jury proceedings
- Certain economic development records
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Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
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Critical infrastructure information that could compromise public safety if disclosed
These exemptions are not absolute, and agencies must redact exempt information while providing access to the remainder of the record whenever possible.
Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Mississippi
Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, "any person" has the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records. This includes:
- Mississippi residents
- Out-of-state residents
- Foreign nationals
- Media organizations
- Businesses and corporations
- Non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
- Incarcerated individuals (though their access may be subject to certain limitations)
The law does not require requesters to:
- Provide identification
- State the purpose of their request
- Be a Mississippi resident
- Be a U.S. citizen
However, agencies may ask for contact information to communicate about the request and arrange for delivery of records. Some specialized records, such as certain vital records or criminal history information, may have additional restrictions on who can access them and may require identification or proof of relationship.
What Can Be Done With Public Records in Mississippi
Public records obtained in Mississippi may be used for various purposes, including:
- Research and education: Studying government operations, historical events, or demographic trends
- Business purposes: Conducting due diligence, market research, or competitive analysis
- Legal matters: Preparing for litigation, investigating claims, or gathering evidence
- Real estate transactions: Researching property ownership, liens, or zoning information
- Genealogical research: Tracing family history through vital records and property documents
- Journalistic reporting: Investigating government activities, spending, or potential misconduct
- Political activism: Monitoring government actions and advocating for policy changes
- Personal information: Locating individuals, verifying identities, or conducting background checks (subject to privacy laws)
While most public records can be freely used once obtained, certain restrictions may apply:
- Commercial use of some records may be restricted or subject to additional fees
- Republication of copyrighted materials may be limited
- Use of personal information for marketing or solicitation may be restricted by state or federal law
- Records obtained cannot be used for illegal purposes such as identity theft or harassment
Users should be aware that while information may be legally obtained through public records, its subsequent use may be governed by other laws, such as privacy statutes, copyright law, or regulations concerning unfair business practices.
Key Agencies and Departments for Public Records in Mississippi
Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration
501 North West Street, Suite 1301, Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 359-3402
Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-1212
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Mississippi Department of Revenue
500 Clinton Center Drive, Clinton, MS 39056
(601) 923-7000
Mississippi Department of Revenue
Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records
222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157
(601) 206-8200
Mississippi State Department of Health
Mississippi Secretary of State
401 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 359-1350
Mississippi Secretary of State
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
200 North Street, Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 576-6850
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Mississippi Supreme Court
450 High Street, Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 359-3697
Mississippi Supreme Court
Mississippi State Library
3881 Eastwood Drive, Jackson, MS 39211
(601) 432-4111
Mississippi Library Commission
Mississippi Department of Education
Central High School Building, 359 North West Street, Jackson, MS 39205
(601) 359-3513
Mississippi Department of Education
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
515 East Amite Street, Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 961-5171
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
1141 Bayview Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39530
(228) 374-5000
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
Mississippi Department of Transportation
401 North West Street, Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 359-7001
Mississippi Department of Transportation
Mississippi Attorney General's Office
550 High Street, Suite 1200, Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 359-3680
Mississippi Attorney General's Office
Mississippi Ethics Commission
660 North State Street, Suite 100-C, Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 359-1285
Mississippi Ethics Commission
Mississippi Home Corporation
735 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 718-4642
Mississippi Home Corporation
City of Jackson Clerk's Office
219 South President Street, Jackson, MS 39205
(601) 960-1035
City of Jackson
How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Mississippi
If your request for public records in Mississippi is denied, you have several options for appeal:
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Informal resolution: Contact the agency's records custodian to discuss the denial and provide additional information that might help resolve the issue.
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Administrative appeal: File a complaint with the Mississippi Ethics Commission within 12 months of the denial. The process involves:
- Submitting a written complaint describing the denial
- The Ethics Commission investigating the complaint
- A hearing before the Commission
- The Commission issuing a written decision, which may order the agency to produce the records
Mississippi Ethics Commission
660 North State Street, Suite 100-C, Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 359-1285
Mississippi Ethics Commission -
Judicial appeal: File a lawsuit in the chancery court of the county where the public body is located or where the records are kept. The court may:
- Order the production of improperly withheld records
- Award attorney's fees to a successful plaintiff
- Impose civil penalties for willful violations
The Mississippi Public Records Act provides that any person denied access to public records may bring a lawsuit to compel disclosure. The burden of proof is on the public body to demonstrate that records fall within an exemption.
If the court determines that a denial was made in bad faith, it may award reasonable attorney's fees and actual costs to the person seeking the records. Additionally, any public body that denies access to public records in violation of the law may be liable for a civil penalty of up to $100 per violation.
Difference Between Federal and Mississippi Public Records
Federal public records are regulated under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. § 552), which provides the public with the right to request records from federal executive branch agencies. Mississippi public records, on the other hand, are governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983 (Mississippi Code Annotated § 25-61-1 et seq.), which applies to state, county, and municipal records in Mississippi.
Key distinctions include:
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Jurisdiction: FOIA applies exclusively to federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Justice, Department of Defense, or the Environmental Protection Agency. It does not govern records maintained by Mississippi state or local agencies. The Mississippi Public Records Act applies to all state agencies, boards, commissions, counties, municipalities, school districts, and other public entities in Mississippi.
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Exemptions: FOIA has nine exemptions, covering areas like national security, law enforcement investigations, and personal privacy. Mississippi law contains its own exemptions, including certain law enforcement records, trade secrets, and personal data where disclosure would be an invasion of privacy.
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Right to Access: Under FOIA, any person—regardless of citizenship or residency—may request records. Mississippi law also allows any person to inspect or copy public records, without requiring proof of residency.
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Response Time: FOIA agencies must respond within 20 business days, with extensions possible for unusual circumstances. Mississippi agencies generally must provide records within 7 working days of receiving the request, unless more time is justified.
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Filing and Appeals: FOIA denials are appealed first within the agency, then potentially in U.S. District Court. In Mississippi, appeals are generally handled through the state court system, as the Public Records Act does not provide for a formal administrative appeal process.
U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Information Policy (FOIA)
441 G St NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20530
Phone: (202) 514-3642
U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Information Policy (FOIA)
Mississippi Ethics Commission – Public Records Complaints
660 North Street, Suite 100-C, Jackson, MS 39202
Phone: (601) 359-1272
Mississippi Ethics Commission – Public Records