Employee Rights to Access Personnel Records by State

State law generally governs whether an employee has the right to inspect or copy the employee's personnel records. In many states, employees enjoy a limited right to inspect specific personnel records. Certain states allow employees to include a written statement disputing any information contained in their personnel files that they deem to be inaccurate. Also, some states require employers to notify employees if negative information is placed in their files.

The following chart indicates whether an employee in each state has the right to inspect or copy the employee's personnel file. For details regarding those rights, and employers' obligations in those states, click on the name of each state. The chart also provides links to any applicable employee handbook statements that relate to employees' rights to access personnel records. If there is no handbook statement for a state, the chart cell is marked N/A.