Essential Records

Information systems and applications, electronic and hardcopy documents, references, and records needed to support essential functions during a continuity event. The two basic categories of essential records are emergency operating records and legal and financial rights records. Emergency operating records are essential to the continued functioning or reconstitution of the Department, a Headquarters Office, or Field Element. Legal and financial rights records are critical to carrying out the Department, Headquarters Office, or Field Element’s essential legal and financial functions and essential to the protection of the legal and financial rights of individuals who are directly affected by the Department, Headquarters Office, or Field Element’s activities.

Records an agency needs to meet operational responsibilities under national security emergencies or other emergency conditions (emergency operating records) or to protect the legal and financial rights of the Governmental and those affected by Government activities (legal and financial rights records). Previously referred to as vital records (36 CFR 1223.2b, NARA Essential Records Guide).