i
Editorial 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 and is not licensed to practice law. DoNotPay provides a platform for legal information and self-help.
Top Resources
Freedom of Information Act

How To File a FOIA Request on Yourself

Filing a FOIA request can be difficult. You have to research agencies and existing public records, define which records you want, and write a compelling FOIA request letter. Templates can help, but you are the one who has to do the hard work. If you want to file a FOIA request on yourself, you need to . . .
Freedom of Information Act

What Is a FOIA Request Form?

Filing a FOIA request is no easy feat. It implies that you are familiar with the agency that has your records and everything that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) covers. Government agencies often look for excuses to deny your request, so it is useful to know whether to use a FOIA request form or . . .
Freedom of Information Act

Learn How To File a FOIA Request Easily

The Freedom of Information Act 1966 ( FOIA) was established to allow anyone to request public access to records from federal and state agencies. If you want to look up such documents, you’ll have to file a FOIA request. The easiest way to do so is with DoNotPay! What Is the Freedom of Information . . .
Freedom of Information Act

The FOIA Meaning Explained

The FOIA, meaning the Freedom of Information Act 1966, exists so that people can practice democracy and request to see federal information. There are some rules and exemptions, of course, but if you meet all the requirements, you may send a FOIA request and get the records you’re interested in. What . . .
Most Popular Resource

⭐ All You Need to Know About Making FOIA Requests

The Freedom of Information Act of 1966 (FOIA) provides access to the records of any government agency. The public can submit FOIA requests, and the agencies should disclose the req . . .
Explore More Resources

Learn How To File a USCIS FOIA Request Fast

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a government agency that ensures safe and legal immigration to the U.S. To access some of their records, you can submit a USCIS FOIA request. We’ll guide you through the process and explain how to use DoNotPay to handle it all the easiest way! . . .

Read More Uscis Foia

Does a FOIA Request Template Exist?

If you are looking to access some government information for the first time, you probably don’t know what the request for that info should look like. FOIA request template should give you an idea of the most important information you need to include in your letter. We’ll tell you more about using . . .

Read More Foia Request Template

Learn How To File a CBP FOIA Request Easily

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is in charge of protecting the United States borders. Anyone has the right to send a CBP FOIA request and see the information they are interested in. You’ll find various ways of submitting the request, but the most straightforward one is DoNotPay. Send a Customs . . .

Read More Cbp Foia

Learn How To File an EOIR FOIA Request Easily

The Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) gathers records related to immigration matters that can be of interest to a lot of people. If you wish to access records from this agency, you can send an EOIR FOIA request. The easiest way to do this is DoNotPay ! How To . . .

Read More Eoir Foia

What You Need To Know About the FOIA in Michigan

Since the Freedom of Information Act has been established, people have been able to access public records in the ownership of the Michigan government. If you want to perform a records search, the FOIA in Michigan makes that possible for every citizen without a current criminal conviction. While filing . . .

Read More Foia Michigan

How To Draft a VA FOIA Request

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 . . .

Read More Va Foia Request

Learn All There Is To Know About the DHS FOIA

Thanks to The Freedom of Information Act of 1966, the general public can have insight into the workings of many federal agencies, including the CIA, FBI, IRS, and the State Department. The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is no exception. By filing a DHS FOIA request, you will be able . . .

Read More Dhs Foia

How To File a FOIA Request on Yourself

Filing a FOIA request can be difficult. You have to research agencies and existing public records, define which records you want, and write a compelling FOIA request letter. Templates can help, but you are the one who has to do the hard work. If you want to file a FOIA request on yourself, you need to . . .

Read More Foia Request On Yourself

FDA FOIA Regulations 101

The Freedom of Information Act of 1966 states that the general public can access most of any federal agency’s documents, including those of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Giving the public insight into the workings of federal agencies helps to raise awareness of government processes. . . .

Read More Fda Foia

The Simple Guide to FOIA Fees and Costs

Submitting a FOIA request doesn’t come without charges. Whether you want records from the CIA, FDA, ICE, or any other federal agency, you must cover the expenses of searching, reviewing, or copying the desired documents. You don’t have to dread the FOIA fees! In many cases, they depend on your ability . . .

Read More Foia Fees

Everything To Know About OBIM FOIA Requests

The Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) provides biometric services to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). OBIM is dedicated to securing fast and accurate biometric analysis and contributing to national security. If you are interested in filing an OBIM FOIA request, look no further. . . .

Read More Obim Foia

The EEOC FOIA Request Explained

According to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you can submit a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) FOIA request to obtain copies of their records. This procedure might be complex and lengthy, but DoNotPay can help you file your EEOC FOIA request in a few clicks. Our app can inform . . .

Read More Eeoc Foia

A FOIA Appeal From A to Z

Although the Freedom of Information Act of 1966 is the epitome of transparency, democracy, and freedom of information, federal agencies can still deny FOIA requests. We’ll answer any questions you may have about writing and submitting a FOIA appeal letter. This article will also give you insight into . . .

Read More Foia Appeal

Get the Lowdown on the Virginia FOIA Council

The Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory (FOIA) Council is a state agency providing guidance for FOIA requesters and helping both sides—an agency and a requester—to resolve disputes over FOIA issues. This article will give you insight into the Virginia FOIA Council ’s services. We’ll also . . .

Read More Virginia Foia Council

Find Out How To Check a FOIA Status

Once you go through the time-consuming process of filing your FOIA request or take the easy route and submit it with DoNotPay, you have to wait for the agency in question to respond to your request. We’ll break down all the ways you can check your FOIA status and give you tips on the next steps. . . .

Read More Check Foia Status

What Is the FOIA Response Time?

While there is a time limit which federal agencies should adhere to, the time to respond to FOIA requests varies depending on: The agency in question Its workload Request backlog The complexity of the request Broad requests Specific requests and those demanding fewer pages of records Extensive . . .

Read More Foia Response Time

What Does a FOIA Officer Do?

During your FOIA search and FOIA request submission, you might have a lot of questions. You may have heard of a FOIA officer, but you’re not entirely sure what they do or whether you can contact them. We’ll answer all your questions regarding a FOIA officer ! You can also count on DoNotPay to walk . . .

Read More Foia Officer

How To File a FAA FOIA Request

If you’re interested in accessing any documents of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you’re in the right place. We’ll answer any questions you may have about filing FAA FOIA requests and make sure your request finds its way to the right department . . .

Read More Faa Foia

OSHA FOIA Request Explained

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request submission can be a drawn-out process in general but especially with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). How and where you send your request depends on your location and the type of records you seek. Luckily, you don’t have to go it . . .

Read More Osha Foia Request

How To Access FOIA Military Records

You may want to access military records for government benefits or historical research. Regardless of your reasons, this article will assist you in filing any FOIA requests for military records . Does the Freedom of Information Act Apply to Military Records? The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), . . .

Read More Foia Military Records

How To Write an NSA FOIA Request Letter

The Freedom of Information Act of 1966 (FOIA) states that the workings of federal agencies, such as the CIA, FBI, IRS, or FDA, should be public knowledge. The National Security Agency (NSA) is one of many U.S. federal agencies obligated to release public records on request. The NSA FOIA rules are simple, . . .

Read More Nsa Foia

Hud FOIA Requests in No Time

In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a law mandating all federal agencies to disclose their records to the public upon request. It means that people can keep up with the actions of government bodies and demand public information for various purposes, although . . .

Read More Hud Foia

The Beginner's Guide to USDA FOIA Requests

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is one of many federal agencies covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Since 1966, this law has enabled citizens to demand, inspect, and copy the records managed by government bodies, unless they fall under a few FOIA exemptions. If you haven’t . . .

Read More Usda Foia

Learn How To File an OPM FOIA Request in Five Minutes

The FOIA stands for the Freedom of Information Act. This law has been around since 1966 and enables anyone to access various records from federal agencies. With DoNotPay, you can file an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) FOIA request in no time. We’ll also help you learn more about the FOIA fees, . . .

Read More Opm Foia

Learn How To Submit an Air Force FOIA Request Fast

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), established in 1966, is a law that enables the public to access records from the federal government. In most cases, you can file FOIA requests both online and in writing. If you need to file an Air Force FOIA request, you’ve come to the right place. Our article . . .

Read More Air Force Foia

Navy FOIA Requests Explained

If you want to obtain information from the Navy records, you can refer to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1966. This law gives any person the right to access government records, apart from some exemptions. You can send a FOIA request to get the details you seek. Sending a Navy FOIA request can . . .

Read More Navy Foia

How To Obtain FOIA Police Reports

Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1966, you can request access to federal agencies’ records. If you want to obtain information from police reports, you should file a FOIA request. DoNotPay is here to give you more details on the meaning of FOIA and help you submit your FOIA police reports . . .

Read More Foia Police Reports

Learn How To File an FBI FOIA Request Easily

The purpose of FOIA is to allow anyone to request and see records from various government institutions. If you want to access some of the information the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) owns, you’ll need to send an FBI FOIA request. We have the tips and tricks on tackling the process easily using . . .

Read More Fbi Foia

What Is a FOIA Request Form?

Filing a FOIA request is no easy feat. It implies that you are familiar with the agency that has your records and everything that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) covers. Government agencies often look for excuses to deny your request, so it is useful to know whether to use a FOIA request form or . . .

Read More Foia Request Form

How To File Army FOIA Requests

Do you want to find Army records on yourself or any other subject? If yes, you can call upon the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). To obtain the information you seek, you need to file an Army FOIA request. The process of submitting a FOIA request may turn out to be nightmarish, but don’t be discouraged. . . .

Read More Army Foia

Who Conducts the FOIA Training?

According to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), any person can request access to federal agencies’ records, with specific exemptions. To ensure the FOIA request process flows smoothly, agencies organize various training programs for their FOIA officers. DoNotPay is here to help you learn more about . . .

Read More Foia Training

How To File a CIA FOIA Request Easily

Accessing records from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is simpler than you may think. According to the Freedom of Information Act of 1966, everyone has the right to request to see public records from various agencies. There are several exemptions, but other than that, you should have no issues . . .

Read More Cia Foia

How To Get the IEPA FOIA Records

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1966 allows you to access federal agencies’ records, with certain exemptions. If you want to obtain information from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) records, you have to file a FOIA request. DoNotPay is here to help you understand the meaning . . .

Read More Iepa Foia

The Easiest Way To File USPS FOIA Requests

Aiming to secure the transparency of its institutions’ activities, the U.S. government introduced the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in 1996. The FOIA allows you to seek information from federal and state agencies’ records. If you want to access the United States Postal Service records, you must . . .

Read More Usps Foia

Learn How To File a FOIA Request Easily

The Freedom of Information Act 1966 ( FOIA) was established to allow anyone to request public access to records from federal and state agencies. If you want to look up such documents, you’ll have to file a FOIA request. The easiest way to do so is with DoNotPay! What Is the Freedom of Information . . .

Read More Foia

The FOIA Meaning Explained

The FOIA, meaning the Freedom of Information Act 1966, exists so that people can practice democracy and request to see federal information. There are some rules and exemptions, of course, but if you meet all the requirements, you may send a FOIA request and get the records you’re interested in. What . . .

Read More Foia Meaning

How To Use FOIAonline

FOIAonline is a tool that allows users to access records for certain agencies on the web. You cannot use this platform to send a FOIA request online for every agency, but you can choose to do so with a more convenient option called DoNotPay! What Agencies Does FOIAonline Work With? You can find a . . .

Read More Foia Online

ICE FOIA Requests Explained

Since the FOIA was adopted in 1966, federal agencies’ records have become available to all citizens and different organizations. The workings of agencies such as the CIA, FBI, State Department, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are not top secret anymore! If you want to gain insight into . . .

Read More Ice Foia

Learn How To File an SEC FOIA Request

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a 1966 law that regulates citizens’ right to information that the government agencies hold. Anyone can file a FOIA request using the right template, and the most interesting part is—you can file a FOIA request on yourself. The U.S. Securities and Exchange . . .

Read More Sec Foia

Public Records Requests Under the FOIA and PA Explained

Reasons for requesting government records are various—from journalistic work to personal investigations. Not all procedures are the same, nor do they refer to the same laws. You can request most public records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a federal law introduced in 1966, but in some . . .

Read More Foia Pa

What Does FOIA for I-140 Mean?

Form I-140—also known as Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers—is a special form that employers submit to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). By putting it forward, they ask for the alien workers to get permission to work in the USA permanently. These forms belong to the government-related . . .

Read More Foia For I140

Social Security FOIA Requests Explained

The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) is an agency of the U.S. federal government that provides Social Security benefits, such as disability, retirement, and survivor benefits. This article will give you the ins and outs of filing Social Security FOIA requests and help you along the . . .

Read More Social Security Foia

Learn How To File a New York FOIA Request

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law dating back to 1966 that makes public information available to anyone. The FOIA is applied differently in various states. The New York FOIA had a few amendments from 1974 to 2008. This state also established the specific exemptions and ways to file New York . . .

Read More New York Foia

How Do You File a White House FOIA Request?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a 1966 federal law that allows anyone to gain access to government records. One would naturally wonder whether they can file a White House FOIA request or the presidential records are exempt from disclosure. We will cover everything you need to know about the . . .

Read More White House Foia

File CMS FOIA Requests Easier Than Ever Before

According to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), any person has the right to demand access to the records maintained by federal agencies and other government bodies. People are interested in getting such information for various reasons—writing journalistic articles, targeting potential customers, . . .

Read More Cms Foia

How To File an FCC FOIA Request the Easy Way

If you need records held by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), you can request them under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Since this law was enacted in 1966, it has pushed federal agencies to reveal government-related information if citizens request to access them. The main step towards . . .

Read More Fcc Foia

All You Need to Know About Making FOIA Requests

The Freedom of Information Act of 1966 (FOIA) provides access to the records of any government agency. The public can submit FOIA requests, and the agencies should disclose the requested information. An agency can deny a request if it falls under one of the exemptions, such as protecting personal privacy, . . .

Read More Foia Requests

FOIA Expedited Processing Explained

The Freedom of Information Act of 1966 (FOIA) allows citizens to request access to public records from a federal agency. Once you file a FOIA request, you’ll have to wait for a few days to receive the requested info. Response time is different for each request, but you can ask for FOIA expedited processing . . .

Read More Foia Expedited Processing
1