How To File a WV Freedom of Information Act Request Easily

iEditorial Note: These blog posts represent the opinion of DoNotPay’s Writers, but each person’s situation and circumstances vary greatly. As a result, you should make sure to do your own independent research. Because everyone is unique, our self-help tools are never guaranteed to help with any specific situation. DoNotPay is not a law firm, is not licensed to practice law, and is not equivalent to the services of a licensed lawyer. DoNotPay provides a platform for legal information and self-help, and does not offer legal services. Third party news articles mentioned on our website do not necessarily reflect the views of the company, or the current services that we offer.

All You Need To Know About the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act

The WV Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law that was established in America in 1966. The FOIA ensures that members of the public can access any information concerning the workings of any government body. Filing a WV Freedom of Information Act request doesn’t require a statement of purpose.

If you want to file a FOIA request, you need to know a few details about the fees, exemptions, request forms, and FOIA status checks.

DoNotPay can help you learn all that information and give you a fast and simple way to file your WV FOIA request.

What You Should Know About West Virginia Freedom of Information Act

If you want to file a FOIA request in West Virginia, you should check the instructions on the specific agency’s website. Many agencies will offer the option of filling out online request forms, while others will accept requests in writing exclusively.

What Information You Can’t Get—The FOIA Exemptions

You can get your hands on any information that’s available under the FOIA, but the state of West Virginia exempts the disclosure of the following records:

  • Examinations
  • Trade secrets
  • Private information
  • Some historical and archeological sites
  • Investigations of the law enforcement
  • Individuals' security data about infrastructure and electronics
  • Financial investigations
  • Internal memos

The West Virginia FOIA exemptions align with almost all of the federal FOIA exemptions, except for one.

The Fees of the WV FOIA

When it comes to paying for public information, usually the first few copies are free. Each agency has its system for charging fees—it’s not clear what affects FOIA fees in WV.

Agencies start charging after 100 pages of black and white copies.

How To File a WV Freedom of Information Act Request

Guidelines on how to file a WV FOIA request depend on the agency you’re requesting the information from. Some general instructions apply to the majority of request processes. Find them in the table below:

The Method of Filing a RequestThe Steps to Filing the Request

Online

  1. Check if the agency already made the information you’re after public
  2. Visit the agency’s website and find the File a FOIA Request option
  3. Fill out the online request form with all the required information
  4. Submit your request

Email

  1. Go to the agency’s website to find the email address that you need to send the request to
  2. Write your request letter and include all the required information, such as your full name, agency name, details about the document you seek, etc.
  3. Name the subject The FOIA Request
  4. Attach your request letter
  5. Send the request

Mail

  1. Write The FOIA Request on your envelope clearly
  2. Compose the letter—you can use our template
  3. Describe the record you want
  4. Mail the letter to the FOIA requests office of the agency

If the company rejects your request, you can file an appeal.

How To File a WV FOIA Request With DoNotPay

We’ve discovered how important the FOIA is when an activist from Austin filed a FOIA request on himself. Scott Crow accessed FBI records and proved that the Bureau had been tailing him for three years.

If you feel like there is some information you want to uncover, we can help you file a FOIA request in under five minutes. Open DoNotPay in any and follow these instructions to start the process:

  1. Use our search feature to find the Freedom of Information Act product
  2. Select one of two agency types—State or Federal
  3. Indicate in which format you would like to get the information in
  4. Provide information about the agency’s name and details about the records you’re requesting, such as title, author, date, etc.
  5. Tell us if you want a fee waiver or expedited processing

When you complete the steps, DoNotPay will present you with the request letter with the information you provided. We will send the letter to your designated agency, and you only need to wait for their response.

Are There Other State FOIA Requests DoNotPay Can Help With?

is a versatile platform that can help you file a FOIA request not only in West Virginia but also in other states, including:

This isn’t all! DoNotPay will also help you file a FOIA request with any agency. It doesn’t matter whether the agency is local, state, or federal—DoNotPay covers all of them.

To give you an idea of what kind of agencies you can get help with, we’ve compiled a list:

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