How to Obtain Your FBI File
The Freedom of Information Act mandates that individuals can request a copy of their FBI file and have it sent to them. In order to receive your FBI file, you must fill out the appropriate FOIA request document along with an attachment that includes other identifying information. This form must be submitted to the FBI's headquarters located in Virginia, but you may also want to send the request information to field offices located near areas of the country in which you have lived.
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Instructions
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Navigate to the "Requesting FBI Records" web page on the FBI's website. Follow the instructions under "Privacy Act Request "near the bottom of the page.
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Click on the "Get Started" arrow button once you have navigated to the "Get My FBI File" website. Fill out information fields concerning your name, aliases, address and birthplace. State the amount you are willing to pay for the request if your FBI file is larger than 100 pages. You will not have to send money with your request. The FBI charges 10 cents per page after the 100-page limit and will bill you for that overage amount later.
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Click on the appropriate check boxes below "Where do you want to send your requests?" if you wish to send additional requests to different field offices located within your area or areas in which you have lived previously. If you only wish to send your request to the FBI's headquarters, leave these selections blank.
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Click on the "Print Letters" arrow button located on the bottom of the form page. You will see the partially completed form. Print the form using your Internet browser's print function. Use a pen to fill in your date of birth, social security number and to sign your name at the bottom of the printed request document or documents.
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Make a photocopy of your driver's license or identification card. Mail this photocopy with your file request forms to the FBI headquarters address. If you printed additional requests for different FBI field offices, you will need to mail these to their respective office locations.
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Wait two to three weeks to receive an acknowledgment letter from the FBI. If there are records available, you should receive a copy of your FBI file in three to nine months.
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Tips & Warnings
"Get My FBI File" is a free website resource that will populate an FBI request file for you to send to FBI headquarters, once you have typed in your information. Some users may find this site easier to navigate than the FBI's website (See Resources).
References
Resources
- Photo Credit file image by Jan Will from Fotolia.com
