Identification

Requests for public records are known as "Freedom of Information Act" (FOIA) requests, for the 1966 federal law that requires federal agencies to divulge information at the public's request, according to George Washington University (GWU).

Features

No standard FOIA form exists. Requests are made in writing, reports GWU, and fees may be charged for the search or copying documents.

Misconceptions

The FOIA does not apply to state and local governments, according to the Student Press Law Center, although some states, such as California, have public information laws. Requests made to state and local governments are more informal, and they needn't provide information unless required by state law.

Time Frame

FOIA requests can take a long time, according to GWU, with the possibility of appeals and denials before you receive the information. Extraneous factors, such as multiple agencies contributing to single document, also may bog down your request.

Tips

GWU suggests writing FOIA requests in a polite and respectful manner, identifying the specific documents needed and their source to expedite the process. The FOIA does not demand that agencies perform original research, only retrieve files.

Source:

George Washington University: FOIA Basics

George Washington University: Making the FOIA Work for You

Student Public Law Center

Resource:

California Legal Code Section 6250-6270: Public Records Act