How to Get Free Access to Government Records
Most government records that do not contain classified information or details about private citizens are publicly accessible. While some records---such as federal budgets---are regularly printed and available through libraries and the Internet, more detailed records of day-to-day government activities and hearings are available only upon special request.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Make a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Under FOIA, private citizens may obtain certain government records through a written request to the U.S. Department of Justice. To make a request for documents under FOIA, you must list, in detail, what documents you are requesting and list your full identity, including your full name, address and telephone number. You also must sign your letter in the presence of a notary public in order to certify your identity.
-
2
Visit a Federal Depository Library. These libraries contain both electronic and print copies of government journals and publications. The documents in these libraries are free for public viewing, although there may be a charge if you need photocopies of the documents.
-
-
3
Review documents through the court clerk's office. If you are looking for legal documents, you can access them for free in the records division of the clerk's office at the court where the matter was heard. If you are not able to visit the courthouse in person, you may make a written request for the documents, but the court may charge a per-page fee to cover the cost of copying the records.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiter Images © 2009
