How to File FOIA Requests

Have you ever wondered what really happened at Roswell? Or wanted to know how much an F-22 really costs? You can access these records, and more, through the Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA. Under FOIA, federal agencies are required to disclose records to any person who requests access, as long as the information is not protected and the requests are made in writing. To learn how to properly file FOIA requests, read on!

Instructions

1. CREATE A REQUEST TEMPLATE
   FOIA requests must be submitted in writing, although some agencies now allow for electronically submitted requests. You will likely need to contact multiple agencies (see Step 2), so it's a good idea to create a request template that you can customize as needed. In your template, list the following information:
   - Clearly state that the letter constitutes a FOIA request. Put the word "FOIA" in the subject line and also in the very first sentence of your letter. For example, "This letter constitutes a FOIA request. I am requesting information on..."
   - Clearly describe the records that you are requesting, and note that you are only interested in releasable information. The more specific you can be, the better (and cheaper) the information will be.
   - State that you are willing to pay a processing fee and list the maximum amount. For example, "If the processing fees associated with my request will exceed $25, please let me know before processing." If the fees are less than $25, I agree to pay without additional notification." You can also request a telephone call prior to processing to discuss the fees ahead of time.
   - Include your mailing address, phone number, and email address.

2. DETERMINE WHICH AGENCIES ARE LIKELY TO HAVE THE INFORMATION YOU'RE SEEKING
   Because there is no central repository for federal records, you'll need to have a good idea about where the information is located before you can file a FOIA request. To start, review the contact information for of all the federal agencies that regularly field FOIA requests (see the link in the Resource section below). If you know that you're looking for information on a military program, for instance, check the listings for the various agencies listed under Department of Defense. You might need to contact several to obtain the records you'd like. If possible, telephone the FOIA POC prior to filing your request to make sure that they are an appropriate agency.

3. SUBMIT YOUR REQUESTS
   Edit your template for each agency you've chosen using the contact information from the DoJ website (see the link in the Resource section below). To save money on postage, check whether the agencies have the capability submission via fax or email. If so, follow the submission guidelines. If not, mail in your requests, using delivery confirmation if possible. Most agencies will respond within about 30 calendar days.

Tips & Warnings

• If letter-writing is not your thing, search the web for pre-made FOIA request templates.

• Not all federal records are available under FOIA. Exempted information includes classified material, personnel information, law enforcement records, and others.

Resources

• Listing of FOIA contacts at federal agencies