How to make a FOIA Request

Freedom of Information Act

You may make a FOIA request for any agency records; however, the records may be protected by one of the FOIA exemptions or exclusions. You must submit your FOIA request in writing and prominently note, "Freedom of Information Act Request" on the first page. Your FOIA request should describe the records sought in sufficient detail to enable us to locate the records with a reasonable amount of effort. Whenever possible, you should include specific information about each record sought, such as the date, number, title or name, author, recipient, and subject matter of the record.

Please be aware that the FOIA does not require us to do research for you, to analyze data, to answer written questions, or to create records in response to a request.

Helpful Reference Materials

• U.S. Postal Service Freedom of Information Act Regulations (39 C.F.R. § 265)
• U.S. Postal Service Privacy Act Regulations (39 C.F.R. § 266)
• U.S. Department of Justice FOIA and Privacy Act Web Pages
  (Includes the text of the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act as well as several useful guides)