Things You'll Need:
- Manager of Records office address
- Written request for specific information
- Request must say "Freedom of Information Act"
- Check or money order
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Step 1
Type or write a request for specific information. If you are seeking old addresses for an individual, specify the name, current address and number of years for which you are requesting an address. If you are requesting the past address designation for a specific place where a utility company has changed the address, indicate the current address. Make sure your request states that you are seeking information under the Freedom of Information Act.
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Step 2
Mail or fax your written request to the following address:
Manager, Records Office
U.S. Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza S.W., Room 5821
Washington DC 20260-5821
Send your fax to the Manager of Records Office at (202) 268-5353. -
Step 3
Pay fees to the records office. The records office charges $32 an hour to search and review. They also charge 15 cents for each page they copy for you. Other fees may apply as well.
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Step 1
Review the names on bulk rate mail that is delivered. Bulk rate mail, such as advertising, is addressed to a specific name or current resident. Therefore, items may be delivered to the address under the previous owners' names. Items may also be delivered that contain previous addresses for your location. In some cases, utility companies have changed street numbers.
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Step 2
Ask the mail carrier. When mail carriers have delivered the same mail route for several years, they often remember old addresses. This will only be an oral response.
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Step 3
Check with the local postmaster for previous addresses used for the same house. The local postmaster cannot give out names.
