How to file a public records request (FOIA)
Government in a democracy belongs to the people. That principle is not merely rhetorical — it is enforced by law. The Freedom of Information Act gives every American the right to request records from federal agencies. Similar laws exist in every state. These tools are underused by ordinary citizens and overused by journalists who know how powerful they are.
What FOIA covers
The Freedom of Information Act, enacted in 1966, requires federal executive branch agencies to make their records available to anyone who requests them — citizen or non-citizen, journalist or private individual, no reason required. Agencies must respond within 20 business days, though complex requests often take longer. Records released under FOIA have uncovered government misconduct, revealed policy decisions, documented regulatory failures, and illuminated the inner workings of agencies that prefer to operate without scrutiny.
What is exempt
Nine categories of records are exempt from disclosure: classified national security information, internal personnel rules, information exempted by other statutes, trade secrets, internal agency communications, personal privacy information, law enforcement records that could harm investigations, information about financial institutions, and geological data about wells. Agencies may withhold exempt information but must release the non-exempt portions of a document. If an agency withholds records, it must explain why, and you can appeal the decision.
How to submit a request
Write a letter or email to the FOIA office of the specific agency that holds the records you want. Be as specific as possible: describe the records by subject matter, date range, and any identifying information you have. Vague requests take longer and produce less. Many agencies have online FOIA portals. FOIA.gov lists the contact information for every federal agency's FOIA office. Include your contact information and a statement that you are making the request under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552.
State records laws
Every state has its own public records law — often called "sunshine laws" or "open records acts." These apply to state agencies, county offices, city halls, school boards, and other units of local government. State records laws vary considerably in their scope, exemptions, and response timelines. Many local accountability stories — zoning decisions, police disciplinary records, school spending — are obtained through state public records requests rather than federal FOIA. Your state's attorney general's office typically publishes a guide to the state open records law.