U.S. Office of Personnel Management www.opm.gov - Recruiting, Retaining and Honoring a World-Class Workforce to Serve the American People

FOIA Appeals

When OPM denies records or a fee waiver, you may file an appeal in writing to:

U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Office of the General Counsel
1900 E Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20415-1300

If the denial is for information maintained by the Office of General Counsel, you may file an appeal to:

U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Deputy Director
1900 E Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20415-0001

An appeal should include a copy of the initial request, a copy of the letter denying the request, and a statement explaining why you disagree with OPM's decision. You should write "Freedom of Information Act Appeal" on the front of the envelope and on the first page of the appeal letter.

Judicial Review

If your appeal has been decided and you still believe that OPM has not handled your FOIA request in accordance with the law, you may seek judicial review. Judicial review is a litigation process in which you challenge OPM's action in a lawsuit filed in Federal Court. You may file the suit in a Federal District Court in any of the following places: (1) where you reside; (2) where you have your principal place of business; (3) in the District of Columbia; or (4) where the records are located.