U.S. Department of Commerce

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Office

Sample FOIA Request Letter

Date

Freedom of Information Act Request

ATTN: FOIA Office
(select appropriate address information above depending on the manner of delivery)

To Whom it May Concern:

Under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. ยง 552, I am requesting copies of [identify the records as clearly and specifically as possible, specifying dates and record location if possible].

If there are any fees for searching or copying the records, please let me know before you fill my request. [Or, please supply the records without informing me of the cost if the fees do not exceed $______, which I agree to pay.]

If you deny all or any part of this request, please cite each specific exemption you think justifies your withholding of information. Notify me of appeal procedures available under the law. Optional: If you have any questions about handling this request, you may telephone me at ___________ (home phone) or at ___________ (office phone).

Sincerely,

Name
Address

Source: U.S. Census Bureau | Office of Analysis and Executive Support (Policy Office) | 1-301-763-6440 | Last Revised: September 19, 2012