Using ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini in your paper? Here's exactly how to cite them in APA 7, MLA 9, and Chicago, plus when you're required to disclose and when you'd better not.
First, check your professor's policy
The single most important step: read your syllabus. Some classes ban AI entirely. Some require disclosure. Some encourage it. Misjudging this gets students reported for academic dishonesty more often than anything else in 2026.
APA 7 citation format for ChatGPT
Reference: OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Mar 2024 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
In-text: (OpenAI, 2024)
APA also recommends including the prompt and AI response in your methodology section or appendix for transparency.
MLA 9 citation format
'Describe what you asked' prompt. ChatGPT, 17 Feb. version, OpenAI, 17 Feb. 2026, chat.openai.com/chat.
In-text: ('Describe what you asked' prompt)
Chicago / Turabian format
Footnote: OpenAI, ChatGPT, response to author, March 14, 2024, https://chat.openai.com/.
Chicago doesn't require AI in the bibliography unless you treat it as a source of analysis.
When you must disclose AI use (even without citing it)
You used AI for: idea generation, outlining, paraphrasing, summarizing sources, code review, draft generation. Even if you don't cite specific AI output, most universities now require a methods-section disclosure: 'The author used [AI tool] to [specific use] during [stage].'
When you should NOT use AI at all
Identity statements (admission essays, personal statements, reflections). Reading comprehension tests. Original research. Take-home exams. Even disclosed AI use is often penalized in these contexts.
Key takeaways
- Check syllabus before anything
- APA: OpenAI. (Year). ChatGPT [LLM]. URL
- MLA: prompt + tool + date
- Disclose AI in methods section
- Never use AI for admission essays