---
openapi: get /dwn/v1/records/{target}/{recordId}
title: Query Specific Record
description: Retrieve a single record by its unique identifier
og:title: DWN Record Retrieval
---

<Info>
  Direct record access provides the most efficient way to retrieve known records.
</Info>

## Record Components

### Core Fields
- **recordId**: Unique identifier (usually a CID)
- **data**: Actual payload (base64 encoded)
- **descriptor**: DWN message metadata
- **authorization**: Access proof

### Metadata Fields
- **protocol**: Conforming protocol URI
- **schema**: Data validation schema
- **parentId**: Hierarchical relationship
- **published**: Visibility status

### Encryption Details
- **isEncrypted**: Encryption status
- **encryptionMetadata**: Consensus encryption info
- **keyVersion**: Key rotation tracking

## Access Patterns

<Tip>
  Cache frequently accessed record IDs to avoid repeated queries.
</Tip>

### Public Records
```bash
# No authorization needed
snrd query dwn record did:sonr:alice record_public_123
```

### Private Records
```bash
# Requires permission or ownership
snrd query dwn record did:sonr:alice record_private_456
```

### Encrypted Records
```bash
# Auto-decrypts if authorized
snrd query dwn encrypted-record did:sonr:alice record_encrypted_789
```

<Warning>
  404 errors may indicate either non-existence or lack of permissions.
</Warning>