How to file a FOIA request

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lets anyone ask a U.S. federal agency for its records. This is a practical how-to, not legal advice. For anything tricky, use the official help offices linked below.

1. Check whether it's already public

Agencies post a lot online already. Search first:

• FOIA.gov: How to make a FOIA request
• CIA FOIA Electronic Reading Room
• FBI Records: The Vault

2. Pick the right agency

Each agency has its own FOIA office and rules. Find it here:

• FOIA.gov: Identify an agency to request from

3. Write the request

• It must be in writing and reasonably describe the records you want. There is no special form.
• Be specific: names, dates, places, document types, a date range. Narrow requests tend to come back faster.
• Say what format you'd like (e.g. electronic copies).
• Agencies don't have to create new records, do research or answer questions; ask for records.
• Many agencies take requests online: FOIA.gov: Create a request

4. Track it, and know where to get help

• Keep the tracking number. Each agency has a FOIA Requester Service Center for status questions.
• FOIA.gov: Frequently asked questions
• DOJ Office of Information Policy: FOIA resources
• OGIS, the federal FOIA ombudsman at the National Archives

Posting here

• One thread per request: agency, what you asked for (paraphrase is fine), date filed, tracking number optional.
• Post updates and the response as replies. Describe the redactions and the exemption codes cited.
• Link, don't upload. If the agency published the release, link its page. Remove personal details (yours and anyone else's) before you quote anything.