FOIA.gov

Official site: https://www.foia.gov

What This Site Is

FOIA.gov is the federal government's central portal for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. It exists to help the public request access to non-public federal records held by U.S. government agencies.

FOIA.gov does not store the records themselves. Instead, it helps you determine whether a FOIA request is appropriate, identify the correct federal agency, submit a request directly to that agency, and track and understand FOIA activity across the government.

Each federal agency is legally responsible for handling its own FOIA requests — FOIA.gov coordinates the process but does not decide outcomes.

What You Can Do Here

  • Learn what the Freedom of Information Act covers
  • Decide whether a FOIA request is the right tool
  • Identify the federal agency most likely to hold the records you want
  • Submit a FOIA request to a specific agency
  • Review agency FOIA contact information and processing times
  • View aggregate FOIA statistics (requests received, processed, pending)

Start Here

Screenshot showing where to start on FOIA.gov

Click or press Enter to enlarge

How This Page Works

FOIA.gov has two main navigation areas, each serving a different purpose. Understanding both will save time and prevent misfiled requests.

🔶 Yellow Box (Top Navigation) — Site Sections

The yellow highlighted navigation bar at the top contains educational tools, search guidance, and system-level data.

Use these links when you are learning, researching, or preparing.

  • Learn about FOIA — Explains what FOIA is, what can be requested, and legal limits
  • Before you request — Helps determine if a FOIA request is necessary and how to write one properly
  • Search tool — Guides you to the correct federal agency based on record type
  • Create a request — Begins the FOIA submission process once the correct agency is identified
  • Agency FOIA data — Displays FOIA statistics such as request volume and processing times (Does not show request contents or released documents)

👉 The yellow navigation helps you understand the system and choose the correct path.

🔴 Red Box (Center Tiles) — Start Your FOIA Journey

The red highlighted section routes users based on how ready they are.

  • Learn about the FOIA process — Best for first-time users or those unsure what FOIA can do
  • Use our search tool to find public records or the correct agency — Best starting point for most users. Helps prevent delays caused by filing with the wrong agency
  • Start a request with a specific agency — Use only if you already know exactly which agency holds the records

👉 Most users should start with the search tool, even if they think they know the agency.

Typical FOIA Flow

  1. Use the Search tool to identify the correct agency
  2. Review the agency's FOIA page (mission, processing times, contacts)
  3. Click Continue the FOIA request process
  4. Submit a clear, narrowly scoped request

Questions This Site Can Answer

  • Do I need to file a FOIA request for this information?
  • Which federal agency likely has the records I want?
  • How do I submit a FOIA request properly?
  • How long does a specific agency typically take to respond?
  • What types of records are eligible under FOIA?
  • How active is an agency's FOIA program?
  • Are there alternatives to filing a FOIA request?

Most Common FOIA Mistakes

  • Filing with the wrong agency, causing months of delay
  • Making requests that are too broad or vague
  • Requesting records that are already public
  • Using FOIA for state or local records (FOIA is federal only)
  • Asking questions instead of requesting existing records
  • Requesting documents that do not exist in agency systems
  • Including unnecessary personal information in the request
  • Assuming FOIA guarantees full disclosure (exemptions apply)

When Not to File a FOIA Request

Do not file a FOIA request if:

  • The records are already available on an agency's website
  • You are seeking state or local government records
  • You want real-time data or live updates
  • You are asking for explanations, opinions, or analysis
  • The information is court-sealed, classified, or legally exempt
  • You need immediate access (FOIA responses take time)

In these cases, FOIA will likely be denied or delayed.

Good to Know

  • FOIA applies only to federal agencies
  • Agencies respond independently — there is no central decision-maker
  • FOIA requests can take weeks to months, sometimes longer
  • Processing time depends heavily on request scope
  • Agencies may redact or withhold information under legal exemptions
  • Denials can often be appealed
  • Requests are tracked individually by agency
  • FOIA.gov shows process and statistics, not document contents

Final Tip

FOIA is a precision tool, not a search engine.

The more specific and targeted your request, the faster and more complete the response.

Open FOIA.gov →