U.S. Department of Commerce

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Office

What do I include in my FOIA request?

  1. Clearly state that you are requesting documents under the Freedom of Information Act.
  2. Regardless of whether you make your request by mail, fax, or e-mail, please provide your mailing address. It also helps to include your daytime telephone number in case staff need to contact you for clarification about your request.
  3. Be as specific as possible about the records you are requesting. (NOTE: The FOIA does not require agencies to create new records; therefore, please be sure you are requesting existing records.) Include information such as the subject matter and date and any other information that will help us search for documents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau | Office of Analysis and Executive Support (Policy Office) | 1-301-763-6440 | Last Revised: September 19, 2012