Who can file a FOIA request? Any person can file a FOIA request , including U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, organizations, universities, businesses, and state and local governments. Federal employees may not use government time or equipment when requesting information under the FOIA.
How long does it take to get a FOIA back?
Under the law, all federal agencies are required to respond to a FOIA request within 20 business days , unless there are “unusual circumstances.” This time period generally begins when the request is received by the FOIA office of the Department of Justice component that maintains the records sought.
Can you FOIA yourself?
The answer is yes . You can file a FOIA request on yourself using the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act. You can write a request letter or fill out an online request form if the agency provides one. After you finish writing the letter, you should submit it to the government agency that has your records.
Can a FOIA request be anonymous?
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests are not confidential . Once a FOIA request is received, it becomes a public record of the USGS. ... The FOIA is designed to inform the public about agency actions, not to benefit individual litigants.
Is a FOIA free?
How much does it cost to make a FOIA request? There is no initial fee required to submit a FOIA request , but the FOIA does provide for the charging of certain types of fees in some instances. For a typical requester the agency can charge for the time it takes to search for records and for duplication of those records.
When can a FOIA be denied?
Can the FCC deny my FOIA request? Yes. If the Bureau or Office that is the custodian of the records determines that there are no records responsive to your request, or that one or more of the FOIA exemptions described above applies to the documents you request, your request will be denied in writing.
How much does a FOIA request cost?
The FOIA permits HHS to charge fees to FOIA requesters. For noncommercial requesters, HHS may charge only for the actual cost of searching for records and the cost of making copies. Search fees usually range from about $23 to $83 per hour , depending upon the salary levels of the personnel needed for the search.
What happens if a FOIA request is ignored?
If the agency denies your request or does not respond within the required time period, you can appeal to the agency's FOIA Appeals Officer . If the agency sent you a denial letter, it should set out the agency's appeal procedures.
What information can I request under the Freedom of Information Act?
Under the Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Information Regulations you have a right to request any recorded information held by a public authority , such as a government department, local council or state school. ... You can ask for any information you think a public authority may hold.
What can you ask for in a FOIA request?
A FOIA request can be made for any agency record . You can also specify the format in which you wish to receive the records (for example, printed or electronic form). The FOIA does not require agencies to create new records or to conduct research, analyze data, or answer questions when responding to requests.
Who is subject to FOIA?
The FOIA is codified at 5 U.S.C. Section 552. “Any person” can file a FOIA request, including U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, organizations, associations, and universities .
Who does FOIA apply?
The FOIA applies only to federal agencies . It does not apply to records held by Congress, the courts, or by state or local government agencies. Each state has its own public access laws that should be consulted for access to state and local records.
Does FOIA apply to private companies?
The FOIA does not require a state or local government or a private organization or business to release any records directly to the public, whether such records have been submitted to the federal government or not.
What does FOI cost?
The FOIA permits HHS to charge fees to FOIA requesters. For noncommercial requesters, HHS may charge only for the actual cost of searching for records and the cost of making copies. Search fees usually range from about $23 to $83 per hour , depending upon the salary levels of the personnel needed for the search.
What is FOIA used for?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides public access to all federal agency records except for those records (or portions of those records) that are protected from disclosure by any of nine exemptions or three exclusions (reasons for which an agency may withhold records from a requester).
Can you request your file from the FBI?
An FBI file is a record of information pertaining to arrests, investigations, federal employment, naturalization, or military service. ... You can request your FBI file through either a Freedom of Information Act Request or a Privacy Act Request . If your request is denied, you can appeal that decision.
