Submitting a FOIA request to a federal agency is not difficult, but a complete, well-written request may help you avoid delays and further correspondence with a government agency.
This letter generator is designed to help you create a simple FOIA request letter. It asks you for all pertinent information, guides you through the options available, and even lists a number of federal agencies and their addresses.
Your full name, as you want it to appear in the letter:
Your address, again as you want it to appear in the letter:
Your daytime phone number:
Profession (if applicable):
Journalist
Author
Scholar
(other)
This information will be added to the letter in a sentence saying, "As I am making this request as a [journalist, author or scholar] and this information is of timely value, I would appreciate your communicating with me by telephone or email, rather than by mail, if you have questions regarding this request."
(Select from the table below, or choose "none of these" and supply a name and address below.
If you choose from the table and leave the box below empty, more information about that agency and
how it receives requests will be available in the next step of this letter generator.)
If none of the above, enter the agency name and address here. (and be sure to leave the "None" option selected above.)
Here, clearly describe what you want. Include identifying material, such as names, places, and the period of
time about which you are inquiring. If you think they will help to explain
what you are looking for, include news clips, reports, and other documents
describing the subject of your research when you mail your letter.
I request access to and copies of ...
Format: Choose desired format for records only if you want
them in an electronic or other non-paper form.
Paper
Electronic
Microfiche
Other
If you need to further explain the format preference (e.g., on CD-ROM), enter that here.
A. Fee benefit. Are you a member of the news media?
Yes
No
I.e., do you want to request a fee benefit, which only applies to journalists? If no, jump to Question B below, in this section.
Fill this out only if you answered yes. Give a short answer, not a detailed description as above.
I am gathering information on ...
... that is of current interest to the public because ...
Give the name of your news organization:
If a freelancer, provide information such as experience, publication
contract, etc., that demonstrates that you expect publication. If a blogger,
describe the purpose of your blog and the frequency with which you post to it, etc.
B. Fee waiver. Will you ask for a fee waiver?
Yes
No
This is only available if release of the information is in the public
interest because it will contribute significantly to public understanding
of government operations and activities.
If you answered "Yes" above, you may wish to address some of the criteria
for waiver as described in the law. An author or scholar would want
to show how ultimately the information will be available to the public.
A library may want to identify researchers who will use it.
C. Fee limit.
Enter a dollar limit for the amount of fees you are
willing to pay. The agency will be told to notify you if the amount will
exceed this. Most agencies will not consider your request properly filed
unless you state something about the fees -- either your willingness to
pay or your request for a fee waiver. If you set an amount up front, the
agency will begin to process your request, and you can retain some control
over the ultimate amount you will have to pay. If you select the fee waiver
option above, this amount will be ignored.
Amendments to FOIA passed in 1996 allow for expedited processing of
some requests. Choose an option if it applies, and choose only one of
them. Your letter will say that you "certify" that your stated
need is true. Journalists should select the first option.
not selected
Option A:
If you are a reporter or a person who is "primarily engaged in disseminating information," and your request concerns a matter of "compelling need," a request for expedited processing may be honored.
Describe occupation:
"The public has an urgent need for information about ... " (describe the government activity involved)
"... because ..." (establish the need for bringing information on this subject to the public's attention now. The need may involve an impending decision to which informed members of the public might contribute through lobbying or other contacts with public officials and in these instances delay would simply rob the public of its ability to make known its views in a timely manner. Another need could be for the public to address serious allegations of governmental wrongdoing in a timely manner.)
Option B:
If you have a life-threatening need for the information or delayed disclosure could threaten the physical safety of any individual, a request for expedited processing may be honored.
"Please provide expedited processing because delayed disclosure could threaten (choose one:) life or physical safety because ..." (describe the circumstances surrounding the need for expedited processing under this standard.)
Option C: If your request is to the Department of Justice or any of its components such as the FBI and delay could cause a loss of substantial due process rights, you may be entitled to expedited processing of your request.
"Please provide expedited processing because delay in disclosure could cause a loss of substantial due process rights." (Explain the circumstances that would cause this loss.) In addition: If your request is to the Department of Justice or any
of its components such as the FBI and your request concerns a
matter of "widespread and exceptional media interest in which there exist
possible questions about the government's integrity which affect public
confidence," you should explain why your request meets these criteria in a
request for expedited processing addressed to the Director of Public Affairs,
U.S. Department of Justice, Room 1128, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20530-0001. At the end of this request you should state:
I certify that my statements concerning the need for expedited processing
are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.