Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to request federal agency records and access government documents through the Freedom of Information Act.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows you to request access to records held by federal agencies.
Who it's for
Any person can make a request to see federal agency records. There are no specific requirements regarding your profession or citizenship to use this process.
What you get
You get access to government documents and data that are held by federal agencies.
What it costs you
While there is no fee to simply ask, you may be responsible for costs related to the search for documents or the duplication of records. You should also account for the time it takes to manage the request.
The catch to know
It can take several months for an agency to respond to your request. Because of these long wait times, you will likely need to follow up with the agency to ensure your request is being processed.
How to apply
- Identify the specific federal agency that holds the records you need.
- Submit a formal records request to that agency.
- Monitor your request and follow up if you do not receive a timely response.
- Visit the official portal for more information: https://www.foia.gov/