FOIA

Here you can learn all about FBI records—including how to find records already released and how to request unreleased records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or the Privacy Act. You can also find other information that will help you understand these records and the work of the FBI. See the menu to the right for hot topics and other links.

Understanding FBI Records

The FBI—along with every other government agency—creates or obtains records as it carries out its responsibilities. In the Bureau, these records are generally organized into case files. Our common records include investigative files and personnel files. Our files are generally indexed in our Central Records System. This computerized index contains most of our records; some of our earliest records are not indexed. Some of our records have also been transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration. To learn more, see:

Obtaining FBI Records

Records Available Now

A large number of FBI records are already available for reading and research in the FBI FOIA Library (The Vault).

• In the Vault—our new electronic FOIA library—you can read our most popular documents from the comfort of your own computer. The files are organized alphabetically by name or topic and by category or subject—including civil rights, counterterrorism, popular culture, unusual phenomenon, and violent crime. New releases of broad interest to the public can also be found on our Hot Topics page. While the Freedom of Information Act requires that the FBI make certain categories of records available in its libraries, it may at its discretion include other types of records: 1. Final Opinions and Orders – No records available at this time; 2. Agency Policy Statements;  3. Administrative Staff Manuals and Instructions; and 4. Frequently Requested Records.
• If you would rather review the material in your own home, all FOIA Library documents are available on CDs. The information contained on the CDs is of the same quality as the original materials in the FOIA Library. To obtain these records, you must submit a FOIA request either by e-mail, regular mail, or fax.

Records Available by Request

The FBI recently launched eFOIA, a system designed to allow requesters to electronically submit FOIA requests and receive FOIA responses, which should eventually help reduce mailing and paper costs as well as response time. For complete information on when and how to submit a request through eFOIA or by mail, fax, or email, see Requesting FBI Records

To learn what information you will receive, how long it takes, and how to file an appeal, see What Happens After Making a Request.

If you have questions about preparing or submitting requests, e-mail foipaquestions@ic.fbi.gov or call our FOIA Requester Service at Center (540) 868-1535 to hear helpful recorded information.