Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Access FBI records through the FOIA request process.
About FOIA at the FBI
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives the public the right to request access to federal agency records. The FBI processes thousands of FOIA requests each year from individuals, researchers, journalists, and organizations.
What You Can Request
- Investigative files and case records
- Background information on individuals or organizations
- Policy documents and administrative records
- Historical files and declassified documents
Exemptions (What May Be Withheld)
- Classified national security information
- Internal personnel rules and practices
- Information exempted by other laws
- Trade secrets and confidential business information
- Inter-agency or intra-agency memoranda
- Personal privacy information
- Law enforcement records that could interfere with investigations
- Bank examination information
- Geological and geophysical information
How to Submit a FOIA Request
Provide as much detail as possible about the records you seek, including names, dates, locations, and case numbers if known.
Submit through the online FOIA portal, by mail, or by email.
The FBI will acknowledge your request and assign a tracking number. Processing time varies based on complexity.
You will receive the requested records, a notice of no records found, or an explanation of exemptions applied.
FOIA Contact Information
FBI FOIA Section
1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20535-0001
Phone: (540) 868-4596
Email: foia@fbi.gov
Fax: (540) 868-4391
Resources
Check Request Status
Track the status of your FOIA request online.