Request Public Records

Public Records Request Guide

 

NDOT’s goal is to provide transparency to the processes of the agency and how Nebraska’s transportation system is built and maintained. Below are the requirements and guidelines for requesting public records under Nebraska Statute.

 

How should I submit my request? 

Requests must be submitted in writing. There are several ways to submit your request:

  • Online Form: Complete the request form on this page.

  • Email: Send requests to NDOTPublicRecords@Nebraska.Gov.

  • Mail or In-Person:

    Nebraska Department of Transportation

    1500 Nebraska Parkway

    P.O. Box 94759

    Lincoln, NE 68502

  • Or to the addresses listed on the district and division contact pages.

Note: Telephone or text requests are not considered open records requests. NDOT no longer accepts open records requests by fax.

 

What Information Do I Need to Provide?

When submitting your request, please include:

  1. Your full name and contact information.

  2. A clear and detailed description of the records you are requesting.

This helps ensure that NDOT can locate the records efficiently and accurately.

 

Will There Be Any Costs?

Nebraska Statute outlines the following guidelines for fees:

  • Nebraska Residents:

    The first 8 hours of searching, identifying, physically redacting, or copying are free. Fees for computer analysis and programming (e.g., query building) may begin immediately.

  • Non-Residents:

    Fees for searching, identifying, physically redacting, or copying begin immediately.

In all cases, NDOT will provide an estimated cost and required deposit before starting work. If there is no reply to the second notice within 5 business days, the request will be closed.

  • Very broad requests (e.g., “All records related to Project XYZ”) may result in higher costs and longer processing times.

  • Bulk data requests can vary in scope and cost, depending on the systems and expertise needed.

Tip: Work with NDOT to narrow the scope of your request. Adjusting your original request or submitting subsequent requests can help ensure you receive the information you need.

 

What Happens After I Submit My Request?

  • NDOT will provide an acknowledgment of your request and an estimated timeline for the records to be provided.

  • If payment is required, NDOT will contact you with an estimate before beginning work.

Request Public Records