---
title: "How to make a FOIA request"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source: https://www.foia.gov/how-to.html
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: FOIA.gov (U.S. Department of Justice), \"How do I make a FOIA Request?\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: government-legal
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "How do I make a FOIA Request?"
    publisher: FOIA.gov (U.S. Department of Justice)
    url: https://www.foia.gov/how-to.html
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# How to make a FOIA request

## Summary
First check whether the record is already public. Otherwise send a written request to the agency's FOIA office that reasonably describes the records; no special form is required and most agencies accept electronic requests.

> **General information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by state; check the official source or a qualified professional for your situation.**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: Check first whether the information is already public on the agency website or FOIA.gov.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F2
  claim: A FOIA request must be in writing and reasonably describe the records sought.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F3
  claim: There is no required form; most agencies take requests by web form, email, or fax.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F4
  claim: You can request any agency record and say what format you want it in.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F5
  claim: Agencies do not have to create new records, do research, analyze data, or answer questions.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F6
  claim: Response time depends on complexity and backlog; narrower requests are usually processed faster.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0

## Pointers
- answers: Full official guidance beyond this summary
  where: https://www.foia.gov/how-to.html
  access: open, no account