Federal Regulations Citation Guide

Aug 29, 2025

Overview

This guide explains how to properly cite federal regulations using the Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), including examples and APA style guidelines. Additional information is provided about accessing property records through Countyoffice.org.

Where to Find Federal Regulations

  • Federal regulations are published in the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
  • The Federal Register is a daily publication featuring new and proposed regulations.
  • The CFR organizes and codifies regulations by subject, making it the preferred citation source.

Citing the Federal Register

  • A Federal Register citation requires the volume number, page number, and publication date.
  • Example: 87 Fed. Reg. 12345 (January 1, 2022).

Citing the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

  • A CFR citation includes the title number, part or section number, and the year.
  • Example: 29 CFR 1980.103 (2022); title 29 relates to labor, section 1980.103, updated in 2022.
  • For whole parts, use "pt" (e.g., 29 CFR pt. 1980 (2022)).

CFR Updates and Revision Dates

  • CFR is updated quarterly:
    • Titles 1โ€“16 as of January 1st
    • Titles 17โ€“27 as of April 1st
    • Titles 28โ€“41 as of July 1st
    • Titles 42โ€“50 as of October 1st

APA Style Citations for Regulations

  • APA citation format: Title of regulation, CFR title and section number, year (e.g., Protection of Human Subjects, 45 CFR ยง 46.109 (2009)).
  • In-text APA citation: (Protection of Human Subjects, 2009)
  • Capitalize regulation titles; include section number and year.

Key Points to Remember

  • Always cite the most recent edition of the CFR.
  • Include the title number, part or section number, and year.
  • Follow specific style guides for format (e.g., APA).

Accessing Property Records via Countyoffice.org

  • Countyoffice.org allows users to access over 150 million property records for free.
  • Records include owner names, mortgage details, and sale prices.
  • Users can create a free account on the website for full access.