Your Right to Federal Records

Sample FOIA Request Letter

Date

Freedom of Information Act Request
Agency FOIA Officer
Name of agency or agency component
Address (see discussion on pages 2-3 on whom to contact)

Dear __________________:

Under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S. C. subsection 552, I am requesting access to [Identify the records as clearly and specifically as possible].

If there are any fees for searching for or copying the records, please let me know before you work on my request. [Or, please supply the records without informing me of the cost if the fees do not exceed $_____________ which I agree to pay.]

If you deny all or any part of this request, please cite each specific exemption you think justifies your refusal to release the information and notify me of appeal procedures available under the law.

Optional: If you have any questions about handling this request, you may telephone me at _________(home phone) or at _____________(office phone).

Sincerely,

Name
Address

Sample Privacy Act Request Letter

Date

Privacy Act Request
Agency FOIA/Privacy Act Officer
Name of agency or agency component
Address (see on whom to contact)

Dear __________________:

Under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. subsection 552, and the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. subsection 552a, I am requesting access to [identify the records as clearly and specifically as possible].

If there are any fees for searching for or copying the records, please let me know before you work on my request. [Or, please supply the records without informing me of the cost if the fees do not exceed $______________ which I agree to pay.

If you deny all or any part of this request, please cite each specific exemption you think justifies your refusal to release the information and notify me of appeal procedures available under the law.

Optional: If you have any questions about handling this request, you may telephone me at ______________(home phone) or at ______________ (office phone).

Sincerely,

Name
Address
Enclosure (proof of identity)