---
title: "Public Records Requests"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/technology-and-digital-law-en/public-records-requests-en"
field: "Technology & Digital Law"
description: "Public records requests under the General Administrative Code: the openness rule, the 10-day deadline and appeal of refusals. Legal.ge."
reviewed: "2026-02-15"
updated: "2026-10-14"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Public Records Requests

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/technology-and-digital-law-en/public-records-requests-en

## The legal regime of public records requests in Georgia

Public records requests in Georgia are governed not by a separate statute but by the freedom-of-information norms of the General Administrative Code. This is an institution of administrative law: its object is information held by public agencies, and its purpose is the transparency of the work of government. One common misunderstanding is set aside on this page: requesting one's own personal data is not done through the public records institution — that falls under a different regime of personal data protection, whereas here we deal with public information.

The corresponding chapter of the General Administrative Code defines what public information is, who and how must release it, and within which deadlines. Knowledge of these norms matters for both sides: for a citizen, a journalist and a business — to know what may be requested and within which period a response must arrive; for a public agency — to avoid groundless refusal and the violation of deadlines.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/technology-and-digital-law-en/public-records-requests-en

### Who may request public information?

Public information is open, except for cases provided for by law and protected categories. The detailed rules for submitting a request are defined by other norms of the relevant chapter of the General Administrative Code, while the protected categories are state, professional and commercial secrets and personal data.

### Within what period must public information be released?

Immediately or no later than 10 days. The term may be used only in three cases: searching for information from a subdivision in another settlement or from another agency, processing a significant volume of unrelated documents, or consultation. Where the term is used, the requester is notified immediately upon the request.

### May personal data be transferred from one agency to another?

Yes, on the basis of a proper written request, if the information is necessary for resolving a matter and the written consent of the corresponding person is submitted. The releasing and requesting agencies are obliged to protect the secrecy of such data.

### What happens when the terms expire?

As soon as the terms expire the agency adopts a decision on releasing the information or on refusal. A refusal decision may be appealed before a superior organ and before a court.