Staff/Aug 5, 2025

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request Template for Federal Records

[Your Name or “A Concerned Citizen”]
[Your Address, Optional]
[City, State, ZIP Code, Optional]
[Email Address or Phone Number, Optional for Contact]
[Date]FOIA Officer
[Name of Federal Department or Agency, e.g., Department of Justice, Office of the Director of National Intelligence]
[Agency Address]

Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request

Dear FOIA Officer,Under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552), I request access to the following records held by [insert agency name]:[Customize this section with specific records sought. Examples include:

NOTE: The four examples below should be replaced with the records information you are requesting.

• The classified annex to Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s 2019 report, Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election, referencing evidence of criminality by Obama administration officials related to the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA).
• The classified annex to Special Counsel John Durham’s 2023 report, including the 29-page appendix declassified on July 31, 2025, detailing alleged evidence of criminality or unprosecuted leads related to the 2016 election.
• All documents declassified by DNI Tulsi Gabbard in July 2025, including the 2020 House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence oversight report alleging Obama administration manipulation of the 2017 ICA.
• Other records: Describe in detail, e.g., “All emails from [specific official or office] between [dates] regarding [topic]” or “Reports related to [specific event or program] from [year].”]

I request these records in [specify format, e.g., electronic (PDF) or paper copies], sent to [your email address or mailing address]. If portions are exempt under 5 U.S.C. § 552(b), please provide non-exempt portions and cite specific exemptions. If fees exceed [insert amount, e.g., $25], please notify me in advance. I may qualify for a fee waiver, as disclosure serves the public interest by promoting government transparency.

Please confirm receipt of this request and provide a tracking number. I expect a response within 20 business days, as required by FOIA. Contact me at [your email address or phone number] for clarification.

Thank you for your attention to this request.

Sincerely,
[Your Name or “A Concerned Citizen”]

Instructions for Use:

• Agency Selection: Identify the federal department or agency holding the records (e.g., Department of Justice for Mueller and Durham reports, Office of the Director of National Intelligence for Gabbard’s documents). Find FOIA contact details at www.foia.gov or agency websites.
• Customization: Replace the bracketed section with specific record descriptions. Be precise about dates, document types, and subjects to avoid delays.
• Submission: Submit via email (e.g., foia.request@usdoj.gov for DOJ, ODNI-Pre-Pub@odni.gov for ODNI), online FOIA portals, or mail. Check agency-specific requirements.
• Challenges: Classified records (e.g., Mueller/Durham annexes) may be denied under FOIA exemption 1 (national security). Request declassified portions to maximize access. Grand jury records are typically exempt (5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(3)).
• Appeals: If denied, appeal within 90 days to the agency’s FOIA appeals office, citing public interest.

“This template is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a legal professional for guidance.” Classified records may face redactions or denials. Visit www.foia.gov for agency contacts. We encourage persistence, as agencies may release partial records after appeals.

“This template is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a legal professional for guidance.”