1. Identify the agency
Send the request to the agency that is likely to hold the records. State and local governments use separate public-records laws.
Education
FOIA guide for the public
The U.S. Freedom of Information Act gives any person the right to request federal agency records, subject to exemptions. This page is educational—not legal advice.
2. Describe records reasonably
Name documents, date ranges, offices, or topics clearly enough for staff to search.
3. Ask for a fee waiver when eligible
Public-interest requesters can request fee waivers; agencies decide based on statutory factors.
4. Track, appeal, publish carefully
Keep correspondence. Administrative appeals may be available. Redact private data before republication when appropriate.
Helpful starting points
- FOIA.gov — government portal for requests and agency contacts
- DOJ Office of Information Policy — FOIA policy guidance
- OGIS — FOIA ombuds services