Freedom of Information Act

1. Research before you request

• Search all government websites
• Federal Register
• List of federal agencies
  • FOIA requires agencies to post information requested on their website, e.g., the CIA's Freedom of Information Act Reading Room.

FOIA applies to all federal agencies.  It does not apply to:

• The Judicial Branch and Federal Courts
• The Legislative Branch and Congress
• State Governments and Courts  (Please see Ohio FOIA Laws or NFOIC's list of state laws)

2. Contact the agency

• Try an informal request first.
• Search for an agency and its FOIA officers' contact information.
• Research the agency's FOIA regulations.  Each agency has its own FOIA regulations, e.g., the Environmental Protection Agency's FOIA regulation.
  • This appears in the "Agency mission" section of FOIA.gov's search.
  • A formal request typically only needs to be a simple letter.

Sample Request Forms

Most agencies post a FOIA Request Form or instructions on their websites.  For example:

• Department of Justice: Make a FOIA Request to DOJ;
• Department of State's How to Make a FOIA Request;
• Central Intelligence Agency's How to File a FOIA Request;
• Federal Communications Commission's How to File a FOIA Request;
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement FOIA Request Form;

For more information, please see the National Security Archive's guide to Effective FOIA Requesting for Everyone.