How to Make a FOIA Request
The Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, became law in 1967. It gives anyone the right to request information from the government. In 1974, the law was strengthened to make governments comply with a request. Electronic information was included in the law in 1996. It is not difficult to get a form that follows the guidelines of a FOIA request, but getting a response is not always guaranteed.
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Instructions
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Do your research first. Find out the correct place to send your form so that it doesn't get lost in the massive amounts of paperwork generated by government agencies. Most government agencies give the contact information for a Freedom of Information Act request on their websites.
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Prepare to pay a fee for the documents you request. News media and educational institutions are typically exempt from paying for information, but agencies are allowed to charge the public. Fees vary.
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Write your request with concise and specific information. Mention the FOIA in your letter and that you are sending the request under protection of that law. Look at sample letters at www.gwu.edu or use a nonprofit agency online to write the letter for you.
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Get your signature notarized. It will save time and questions that could hold up your request.
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Find out to who the request has been turned over and make contact with that person after a reasonable amount of time, preferably a couple of weeks. Follow up on a regular basis. Keep track of all phone calls and correspondence.
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Tips & Warnings
Expect delays and do not get angry when you get put off. You must allow 20 days to appeal an agency's lack of response and 60 days to receive the documents before you can appeal in court.
Do not hound the person handling your request. It will only put them off.
Do not write an essay about why you want the information.
Do not include personal feelings or political leanings in your request. Keep it simple and to the point.
