Per the Public Records Act, agencies may charge to recover the actual cost of making and providing copies of records when fulfilling requests. The Department of Corrections' (DOC) charges and fees are outlined in RCW 42.56.120 and WAC 137-08-110.
Types of Records
| Record Format | Description |
|---|---|
| Printed Records | Photocopies of public records or printed copies of electronic public records |
| Electronic Records | Public records in electronic format |
Record Production Charges
| Production Method | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Printed | A per-page charge for photocopies or printed copies of requested records | $0.15 per page |
| Electronic Scanned | A per-page charge for converting a record from a printed copy to an electronic format | $0.10 per page |
| Digital storage media or device | Delivered on a DOC purchased portable storage device (e.g., CD, DVD, USB flash drive/thumb drive) | Actual cost of digital storage media or device |
Record Delivery Charges
| Delivery Method | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mail Delivery | The delivery of physical printed records or digital storage media or devices | Actual cost of any box or envelope used to mail the copies to the requestor and the actual postage or delivery charge |
| Electronic Delivery | The transmission of public records in an electronic format | $0.05 for every four electronic files or attachments uploaded to email, cloud-based data storage service, or other means of electronic delivery |
Other Possible Charges or Fees
| Charges or Fees | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Transmission Fee | Fees may be applicable for records delivered electronically | $0.10 per gigabyte for the transmission of public records in an electronic format or for the use of agency equipment to send the records electronically |
| Customized Service Charges | Charges may be imposed if the request requires the use of information technology expertise to prepare, or provide customized electronic access services | A customized service charge reimburses the agency up to the actual cost of providing the services |
| Deposit | DOC may require a deposit | An amount not to exceed 10% of the estimated cost of providing copies for a request, including a customized service charge |