🔓 How to File a FOIA Request
Request records from federal agencies under FOIA.
💰
Search and duplication fees may apply; first 2 hours of search and 100 pages usually free for non-commercial requesters
⏱️
Statutory response time ~20 working days; complex requests often take months
Ad space
📋 Documents you'll need
- Description of the records you want
- Time period and names/subjects involved
- Your contact information
- Fee-category statement (media, academic, commercial, or other)
🪜 Step-by-step
- Identify which federal agency likely holds the records; each agency has its own FOIA office.
- Write a clear, specific description of the records, including dates and subjects.
- Submit via the agency's FOIA portal (foia.gov links to all of them), email, mail, or fax.
- State your fee category and the maximum fee you accept, and ask for a fee waiver if the request serves the public interest.
- Track the request number; agencies must respond within about 20 working days, though complex requests take longer.
- If denied or redacted, appeal to the agency's FOIA appeal office, and consider the Office of Government Information Services for mediation.
| Estimated cost | Search and duplication fees may apply; first 2 hours of search and 100 pages usually free for non-commercial requesters |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | Statutory response time ~20 working days; complex requests often take months |
Note This guide is general information and procedures, fees, and rules can change and vary by state or agency. The official authority is always the relevant government office and its official website. See our Disclaimer.
Ad space
Frequently asked questions
Can I ask questions instead of records?
No. FOIA covers existing records, not answers to questions; describe the documents you want.
What if the agency says records can't be found?
You may appeal, narrowing or clarifying the request, or ask OGIS to review the search adequacy.
More guides
Browse all how-to guides →