---
kind: "section"
citation: "36 C.F.R. § 1226.20"
title: "36"
number: "1226.20"
heading: "How do agencies temporarily extend retention periods?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/36/1226.20"
---

# §1226.20. How do agencies temporarily extend retention periods?

- (a) Agencies must secure NARA written approval to retain records series or systems that are eligible for destruction under NARA-approved schedules except when:
  - (1) The agency has requested a change in the records schedule in accordance with [§ 1225.26](/cfr/36/1225.26.md) of this subchapter, in which case the agency is authorized to retain records eligible for destruction until the new SF 115 is approved;
  - (2) The records will be needed for less than one year; or
  - (3) **A court order requires retention of the records.**
- (b) To request an extension, agencies must send a letter to NARA, by mail at National Archives and Records Administration; Office of the Chief Records Officer (AC); 8601 Adelphi Road; College Park, MD 20740-6001, or by email at RM.Communications@nara.gov. Along with a justification, the request must include:
  - (1) **A concise description of the records series for which the extension is requested.**
  - (2) A citation to the agency records schedule or the GRS currently governing disposition of the records;
  - (3) A statement of the estimated period of time that the records will be required; and
  - (4) For records in the agency's custody, a statement of the current and proposed physical location of the records.
- (c) Agencies must ensure that records in records storage facilities are retained for the duration of the extension.

## Notes

### Amendments

[74 FR 51014, Oct. 2, 2009, as amended at 83 FR 13653, Mar. 30, 2018]

### Authority

Authority: 44 U.S.C. 2111, 2904, 3102, and 3301.

### Source

Source: 74 FR 51014, Oct. 2, 2009, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[74 FR 51014, Oct. 2, 2009, as amended at 83 FR 13653, Mar. 30, 2018]