ByHow To File a VA Foia Request the Easy Way
The Freedom of Information Act has made it possible for every individual to access public records. If you want to get insight into Virginia public documents, you must learn what your VA FOIA request letter should look like. Knowing all the ins and outs of VA FOIA law will increase your chances of getting the desired record.
You are in luck, for DoNotPay is here to explain how to get the document you requested without any trouble!
What Does the Virginia Freedom of Information Act Constitute?
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act allows the Commonwealth citizens and media representatives to access public records. A public record constitutes:
- A paper record
- An electronic file
- An audio or video recording
- Any other type of file format in the ownership of a public body or its officers, agents, and employees
The purpose of the FOIA in Virginia is to raise public awareness of governmental activities. The Virginia government will disclose any public record if it doesn’t fall under one of the statutory exemptions or exclusions, and those mainly involve:
- Tax returns
- Medical files
- Police reports
- Educational files
- Personnel records
- Real estate papers
- Public safety records
- Criminal investigation documents
- Administrative investigation records
- Vendor proprietary information software
- Negotiation and award of a contract records
- Governor working papers and correspondence
- Attorney-client privilege or attorney work records
Virginia law states that all citizens can ask for insight into public records, except those currently incarcerated.
You don’t have to justify your reasons for the request and can use the documents for any purpose once you obtain them. Any public body must respond to your request at least five business days since you filed it.
How To File a Virginia FOIA Request
You can file a FOIA request in Virginia in several ways. Depending on the public body that holds the record, you may use a phone, fill out an online form, or write a request letter.
You will increase your chances of receiving the document if you send a written request. It will allow you to give more detailed information and help keep a record of your request.
Every public body has its own set of requirements for the people filing a request. If you choose to compose a request letter, there are some general guidelines you can follow:
| Writing Step | Details |
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Personal information |
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Public body information |
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Document or information description |
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Personal identification and purpose of the request |
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Additional requests |
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File a VA Freedom of Information Act Request With DoNotPay
Even with all these guidelines, writing a FOIA request letter on your own is difficult. If you need to send numerous requests and fulfill different requirements, you will be overwhelmed. The government can also use insufficient information in your letter as an excuse to deny your request.
The easiest way is to use DoNotPay! While FOIA applies to federal agencies, our app allows you to send a request to any local or state agency you want.
All you have to do is open DoNotPay in your and:
- Look for the FOIA request feature
- Choose the type of agency and provide the name
- Indicate the type of records you are looking for
- Point out if you would like a fee waiver or expedited processing
We will use the details you provided to write and send the request letter on your behalf.
Use our knowledge base to discover if you can file a FOIA request on yourself. Check out how to file a FOIA appeal, where to check your FOIA status, and what the Freedom of Information Act of 1966 involves!
Can DoNotPay Help Me Get Records From Other Agencies?
The answer is yes! can help you handle any FOIA request with no trouble. Take a look at how to get records from the army, navy, and air force. Our extensive database will grant you access to information from many federal and state institutions, such as:
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
- Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)
- Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
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