Free letter template
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request letter
A standard FOIA request to a federal agency's FOIA office.
Recommended: Certified + return receipt ($17.99)The agency's 20 working days count from receipt; the return receipt fixes that date.
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Re: Freedom of Information Act request
To [Agency and FOIA office]: Under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, I request copies of the following records: [Records requested] I would like to receive the records as [Format]. I am willing to pay fees up to [Maximum fees you'll pay]; please contact me before incurring higher fees. Please let me know if any part of this request is unclear. Thank you. Sincerely, [Your name]
When to use this letter
- You want records held by a federal agency
Where to send it
The agency's FOIA office address from FOIA.gov or the agency's FOIA page.
Tips before you mail it
- Include an email address for faster contact.
- For records about yourself, add Privacy Act identity verification.
The full template text
Re: Freedom of Information Act request
To {{agency}}:
Under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, I request copies of the following records:
{{records}}
I would like to receive the records as {{format}}. I am willing to pay fees up to {{feeLimit}}; please contact me before incurring higher fees.
Please let me know if any part of this request is unclear. Thank you.
Sincerely,
{{signature}}Text in {{double braces}} is filled in from the form above. This is a general template, not legal advice.