How to Access FBI Files

You can ask to see FBI files with a Freedom of Information request.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, like all federal government agencies and departments, is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The law requires agencies to make their file information available to the public upon request, unless the agency finds that the information is covered by one of the exemptions under FOIA. The FBI has released millions of pages of documents in response to FOIA requests.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Check the FBI Electronic Reading Room. Many of the FBI's most famous files that have been released through FOIA requests are available online at the FBI website, ranging from files on the American Nazi Party to the X-Files.

2. Visit the FBI's Reading Room in Washington D.C., where you can view additional FOIA files that the FBI has released but not made available online. You can review a full list of Reading Room files at the FBI website.

3. Submit an online FOIA request to the FBI. The bureau's website has a copy of an FOIA request document you can use to request information from FBI files. Use the form to describe the information you're seeking, the reason for your request (used by the FBI to determine your fee category), your willingness to pay a fee for copied records, your name and basic contact information.

   You can request information on any organization or on any person of interest to you who is no longer living. There is no guarantee the FBI will make the files available. Each request is evaluated independently.

   You also can use the FOIA form to request a CD of any materials available in the public Reading Room as an alternative to visiting the Reading Room in person. The FBI charges $15 per CD as of August 2010.

4. Submit a Certification of Identity form to the FBI if you want to see your own files. The form is available at the FBI FOIA website. Use the form to provide your name, contact information, Social Security number and place of birth.

   You also can use this form to request files on another living person, but you must have that person's consent to make the request. The person also must fill out and sign a Certification of Identity form in order for the request to be considered by the FBI.

References

• Federal Bureau of Investigation: "Electronic Reading Room"
• Federal Bureau of Investigation: "Headquarters Reading Room"
• Federal Bureau of Investigation: "Reading Room Index"
• Federal Bureau of Investigation: "eFOIA Request Form"
• Federal Bureau of Investigation: "Certification of Identity"

Resources

• Federal Bureau of Investigation: "FBI Records: Our Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Website"