How do I file a FOIA on myself?

FOIA Yourself Since this is a request for information about yourself, it is also a Privacy Act request, which means you must provide evidence that you are who you say you are. To do that, download and fill out this Certification of Identity. On the outside of the envelope, write: FOIA/PA Request.

What does the FOIA apply to?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that generally provides that any person has a right, enforceable in court, to obtain access to federal agency records. 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.

Can you search FOIA requests?

Before making a FOIA request, we encourage the public to first use this search tool to see what has already been made available on the topic across the federal government. The search tool is located under the “Find” tab on FOIA.gov.

How to request records through the Freedom of Information Act?

To Receive Your Records as Efficiently As Possible 1 Visit the CBP Newsroom to confirm we have not already posted the records you need. 2 Request only the records you need, as we can return precise requests faster. 3 Make your request with the right agency by reviewing the sections below. Records contained in the A-file are processed… More …

Are there any exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act?

Not all records are required to be released under the FOIA. Congress established nine exemptions from disclosure for certain categories of information to protect against certain harms, such as an invasion of personal privacy, or harm to law enforcement investigations.

Can a FOIA request be made for any record?

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.

How to file a request under the Privacy Act?

See the How to File a Privacy Act Request section for instructions on submitting a Privacy Act request (U.S. citizens and lawfully admitted aliens to request information on themselves or another living person.) Provide a reasonable description of the record (s) requested. Provide your full name and address.

How to file a Freedom of Information Act request?

Information For… The IRS FOIA Guide describes the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in general and gives specific instructions for making a FOIA request, including a sample letter, an explanation of potential fees and where to file requests.

When did the Freedom of Information Act start?

Since 1967, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has provided the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under…

Who is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act?

Agencies within the executive branch of the federal government, including the Executive Office of the President and independent regulatory agencies are subject to the FOIA. State governments, municipal corporations, the courts, Congress and private citizens are not subject to the FOIA. All IRS records are subject to FOIA requests.