How to File a Federal FOIA Request

The Freedom of Information Act gives any person the right to request access to federal agency records. Agencies must respond within 20 business days.

File your first FOIA request for free

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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

LawFreedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Citation5 U.S.C. § 552

Response Deadline20 business days

Appeal Process

File an administrative appeal with the agency's FOIA Appeals Officer within 90 days. If denied, you may sue in U.S. District Court.

Key Provisions

&check;Any person can file — no citizenship requirement
&check;Agencies must respond within 20 business days
&check;Nine exemptions (national security, privacy, law enforcement, etc.)
&check;Fee waivers available for public interest requests
&check;Attorney fees recoverable if you substantially prevail in court
&check;Right to expedited processing for urgent needs

Federal Federal Agencies

20 agencies available for filing. Click any agency for contact details and submission instructions.

Central Intelligence Agency

CIA·~120 day response

Department of Defense

DOD·~60 day response

Department of Education

ED·~28 day response·Email accepted

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS·~35 day response·Email accepted

Department of Homeland Security

DHS·~50 day response

Department of Justice

DOJ·~45 day response

Department of State

STATE·~55 day response

Department of Transportation

DOT·~32 day response·Email accepted

Environmental Protection Agency

EPA·~30 day response·Email accepted

Federal Aviation Administration

FAA·~35 day response

Federal Bureau of Investigation

FBI·~90 day response

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA·~25 day response·Email accepted

National Archives and Records Administration

NARA·~25 day response·Email accepted

National Security Agency

NSA·~120 day response

National Transportation Safety Board

NTSB·~30 day response·Email accepted

Securities and Exchange Commission

SEC·~40 day response·Email accepted

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA·~30 day response

U.S. Department of the Treasury

TREASURY·~35 day response

United States Army

ARMY·~60 day response

United States Secret Service

USSS·~45 day response

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a federal FOIA request?▾

You can file a FOIA request online through FOIAfile in under 3 minutes. Select a federal agency, describe the records you need, and we'll format and deliver your request with proper legal citations.

How long does a federal agency have to respond?▾

Under 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(A), agencies must respond within 20 business days of receiving your request. They may take a 10-day extension in 'unusual circumstances.'

What happens if the agency doesn't respond?▾

If the agency fails to respond within the statutory deadline, you've exhausted your administrative remedies and may file suit in federal district court under 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(4)(B).

Can agencies charge fees for FOIA requests?▾

Agencies can charge search, review, and duplication fees, but fee waivers are available when disclosure is in the public interest. FOIAfile can request a fee waiver on your behalf.

Public Records Laws by State

Ohio Public Records Act · Prompt (no fixed deadline; courts consider reasonableness)

California Public Records Act (CPRA) · 10 calendar days (+ 14-day extension)

Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) · 5 business days (acknowledgment) + reasonable time

Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) · 10 business days

File your Federal FOIA request today

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