Request

You can submit a records request through the FOIA Public Portal. When submitting a request, you will provide the required information, which is then routed to the appropriate agency for processing. You can track the status of your request through the portal and view or download any released records.

Submitting a request

To submit a FOIA request, click the Create Request button in the navigation bar.

Step 1/6: Select Government Agency

Steps:

1. Select an agency. You can expand the agency card to view its details. Details include areas of specialty, processing time estimates, and contact information.
   
2. Click Next.

Step 2/6: Request Information

Steps:

1. Enter your case narrative, or request description. Be as detailed as possible so the responding agency has a clear picture of the records you are requesting.
2. Add any attachments that will further define your request.
   
3. Click Next.

Step 3/6: Fees & Fee Waiver

On this screen, you select a requester category, then enter the amount you are willing to pay for the records. You can also request a fee waiver.

Steps:

1. What type of requester are you?—select from one of the following options:
   • Commercial
   • Educational or Scientific
   • Media
   • Other
2. Fee amount willing to pay—enter the amount you are willing to pay for the records.
3. Request a fee waiver?—slide to toggle to the right to indicate Yes. If you indicate Yes, a box appears where you must also enter a justification for the waiver. Expand the Fee Waiver Requirements section to view details on qualifying for a fee waiver.
   
4. Click Next.

Step 4/6: Expedited Processing

Steps:

1. Request expedited processing?—slide to toggle to the right to indicate Yes. If you indicate Yes, a box appears where you must also enter a justification for the expedited request. Expand the Expedited Processing Requirements section to view details on qualifying for expedited processing.
   
2. Click Next.

Step 5/6: Contact Information

Steps:

1. Complete the following:
   • Requester's First Name
   • Requester's Last Name
   • Your Organization
   • Email Address
   • Phone Number
   • Request Type—select an option from the drop-down menu. Options include:
     • FOIA—this is the standard request type for agency records.
     • Privacy Act—is a first-party request in which the requester is the individual named in the records or is authorized to represent that individual.
     • FOIA Third Party—is a request for records about another person, organization, or entity.
2. Click Next.

Step 6/6: Review & Submit

Review your request details, then click Submit Request. If you need to edit any of your responses, use the Back button to return to the appropriate screen.

Next steps

After you submit your FOIA request, the request details are sent to the coordinator for the agency you selected. The agency will communicate with you regarding any additional information needed and provide updates on the overall progress of your request.