A FOIA request only has to be in writing and reasonably describe the records you want; there is no required form. Many federal agencies accept requests by web form, email or fax. Find the right component's FOIA office on FOIA.gov, mark the fax “FOIA Request”, and keep the delivery report. Agencies generally have 20 working days to decide, counted from receipt by the proper office. Fax online with SendFaxFast from $2.89.
At a glance
| Law | Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552 |
| Form needed? | No; a written request that reasonably describes the records |
| Where | The FOIA office of the agency component that holds the records (FOIA.gov directory) |
| Time limit | Generally 20 working days, extendable in unusual circumstances |
| Cost with SendFaxFast | $2.89 for 1–5 pages |
Can you send a FOIA request by fax?
Yes, to many agencies. FOIA.gov says the request simply must be in writing and reasonably describe the records, and that most federal agencies accept requests electronically, including by web form, email or fax (FOIA.gov: How to make a FOIA request). Each agency publishes its own channels. The IRS, for example, lists separate FOIA fax numbers for taxpayer records and for policy records on its FOIA guidelines page.
Find the right FOIA office
Most departments are decentralized: each component has its own FOIA office. Send your request to the component that holds the records, using the contact details in the FOIA.gov agency list or on the agency's FOIA page. A request sent to the wrong office may be forwarded, but agency rules often say the clock starts only when the proper office receives it (for example 15 CFR § 4.4 and 49 CFR § 7.24 allow up to ten working days for that).
What to write
- Mark the top of the cover page and the request: “FOIA Request”.
- State that you are requesting records under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552.
- Describe the records as precisely as possible: subject, date range, offices, people, file or case numbers.
- Say which format you prefer (for example electronic copies).
- State a fee limit you're willing to pay, or ask for a fee waiver with reasons.
- Give your full name, mailing address, email and phone.
Requests for records about yourself can also fall under the Privacy Act, and agencies may ask you to verify your identity. Check the agency's FOIA page for its requirements.
The 20-working-day rule
Agencies generally must decide whether to comply within 20 working days after the proper FOIA office receives your request. In unusual circumstances, such as a large volume of records or the need to consult other offices, they can take longer. That's why the receipt date matters, and why a fax delivery report showing date and time is useful for your own records.
How to fax it online
- Save your request (and cover page) as one PDF.
- Go to sendfaxfast.com, upload the PDF, enter the FOIA office's fax number.
- Pay once by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. No account.
- Keep the delivery report from your email together with your request. Note any tracking number the agency sends back.
Faxing during the agency's business hours is a good habit; see Best time to fax a US government office.
Canada and Australia
Canada (Access to Information Act) and Australia (Freedom of Information Act 1982) have their own laws, rules and mostly online request forms. If an institution lists a fax number for requests, you can fax there from SendFaxFast to +1 or +61 at the same price. Always check the institution's own access or FOI page first.
Pricing
| Pages | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1–5 pages | $2.89 |
| 6–20 pages | $3.99 |
| 21–40 pages | $5.69 |
| 41–100 pages | from $7.18 |
Prices in USD. One-time payment. No subscription required.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special form for a FOIA request?
No. FOIA.gov says there is no specific form. The request must be in writing and reasonably describe the records.
Which agencies accept FOIA requests by fax?
Many federal agencies do, but not all and not every component. Check the agency's entry on FOIA.gov or its FOIA page for the current fax number.
How long does an agency have to respond?
Generally 20 working days from receipt by the proper FOIA office, with extensions possible in unusual circumstances.
How do I prove when my request arrived?
Keep the fax delivery report showing the date, time and receiving number, plus a copy of what you sent.
What does it cost to fax with SendFaxFast?
$2.89 for 1–5 pages, $3.99 for 6–20 pages. One-time payment, no subscription.