Official portals for submitting and tracking FOIA requests to federal agencies.
FOIA.gov — Official Federal FOIA Portal FOIA.gov — How to Make a Request FOIA.gov — Federal Agency Search DOJ Office of Information Policy National Archives — FOIADirect FOIA request pages for frequently requested federal agencies.
FBI — FOIA/Privacy Act Requests USCIS — Immigration Records FOIA Treasury Department FOIA GSA — FOIA Requests OPM — FOIA PortalFree government data portals and public information resources.
Data.gov — U.S. Open Data Portal GovInfo — Official Government Publications USA Spending — Federal Spending Data Federal Register Congress.gov — Legislative InformationFrequently Asked Questions
What is FOIA?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that gives any person the right to request access to records from any federal agency. Agencies must disclose records unless they fall under one of nine exemptions covering national security, personal privacy, law enforcement, and other protected categories.
How do I file a FOIA request?
Visit FOIA.gov and use the "Make a Request" tool to identify the correct agency and submit your request. You can also send a written request directly to the agency FOIA office by mail, email, or fax. Include a clear description of the records you seek and any date ranges.
How long does a FOIA request take?
Agencies have 20 business days to respond, but complex requests or backlogs can extend the timeline to weeks or months. You can request expedited processing if you demonstrate a compelling need or urgency.
Is there a fee for FOIA requests?
Fees vary by agency and requester category. News media and educational requesters often pay only duplication costs. Commercial requesters may pay search, review, and duplication fees. Most agencies waive fees under $25 or when disclosure is in the public interest.
Do states have their own open records laws?
Yes. Every state has its own open records or sunshine law that governs access to state and local government records. These laws vary in scope, exemptions, response times, and fees.
What are the nine FOIA exemptions?
The exemptions cover: (1) classified national defense/foreign policy, (2) internal agency personnel rules, (3) information exempted by other statutes, (4) trade secrets and confidential business information, (5) inter-agency or intra-agency privileged communications, (6) personal privacy, (7) law enforcement records, (8) financial institution regulation, and (9) geological and geophysical information about wells.