Archive operates on the basis of the following legal acts: - Federal law from 08.05.2010, № 83-FЗ"Оn Amendments to Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation in connection with the changes of the legal status of state and municipal institution" - Decision of authorities of the Stavropol Kray from 17.11.2010 № 379-P changing the type of State archival institution and establishing the State Archive of Contemporary History of Stavropol Kray.