Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
The Freedom of Information Act (1966) gives any person the right to request access to federal agency records. Agencies must respond within 20 business days and may charge reasonable fees for search, duplication, and review.
What types of records are considered public?
Public records include court filings, criminal records, property deeds, vital records (births, deaths, marriages), business registrations, government spending data, and most correspondence of public officials.
Can federal agencies deny a FOIA request?
Yes, under nine exemptions covering national security, internal agency rules, trade secrets, banking records, personal privacy, law-enforcement investigations, certain agency memos, oil and gas wells, and geological data.
What is the difference between federal and state public-records laws?
FOIA covers federal agencies. Each state has its own open-records or sunshine law with different request procedures, response timelines, fees, and exemptions governing state and local government records.
How long does it take to receive records after a FOIA request?
Federal agencies must acknowledge a request within 20 business days. Actual production of records varies widely from days to years depending on the agency's backlog, complexity, and whether you request expedited processing.