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Frequently Asked Questions about CIA and the Freedom of Information Act

1. How do I file a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request with the CIA?

Under CIA's regulations, you may submit requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act in either of two ways. You may send your request through the US mail to:
     Information and Privacy Coordinator
     Central Intelligence Agency
     Washington, D.C. 20505.
Alternatively, you may send a facsimile to 703-613-3007. We regret that we cannot accept FOIA requests via electronic mail.

2. May I ask for any information I want?

The FOIA is designed to permit requesters to obtain information from the Government on subjects in which they are interested. Sharply focused and specific requests will facilitate the Agency's processing of your request by helping us to identify those records systems likely to contain information responsive to the request and to identify any responsive materials the Agency may have previously released. The FOIA does not require agencies to answer questions or do research.

3. In what order will the CIA process my request for information?

CIA typically receives several thousand requests for information each year. Every requester is entitled to courteous treatment, serious consideration of his or her request, a reasonable search, careful review of the responsive documents, if any, and a response as quickly as possible.

Agency regulations require the CIA to process FOIA requests on a "first in, first out" basis but also permit the Agency to respond to relatively simple requests more quickly than requires involving complex and/or voluminous records. This process permits the Agency to respond to everyone fairly and as expeditiously as possible.

4. I need a fast response. How can I get expedited treatment for my request?

The CIA will approve requests for expedited processing only when the requester has demonstrated a "compelling need" to the satisfaction of the CIA. The FOIA statute and the Agency's regulations define a "compelling need" as:

    • a matter involving imminent threat to the life or safety of an individual, or
    • present when a person primarily engaged in disseminating information asks for information relevant to a matter of public urgency regarding actual or alleged federal government activity.

When the CIA grants a request for expedited processing, the request moves to the head of the processing line. Therefore, once the CIA has started to process a FOIA request, a request for expedited processing becomes moot. CIA must decide whether to grant a request for expedited processing within 10 calendar days of receiving a proper request.

5. How can I check on the progress of my request?

Please call our FOIA Requester Service Center at 703-613-1287. Our regular business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Eastern Standard Time. If you call before or after business hours, please leave a message and someone will return the call. Please be specific and include your name, telephone number, and case number, if you have one. We regret that we cannot receive or respond to electronic mail messages.

6. Why didn't I get what I asked for?

The Freedom of Information Act authorizes government agencies to protect certain information from release, including, but not limited to, information that is currently and properly classified. All requesters receive an explanation of these exemptions with the Agency's response. CIA cannot withhold requested, responsive information unless one of nine of the FOIA's exemptions applies.

7. I don't like CIA's response to my request. May I ask the Agency to reconsider?

Agency regulations provide requesters with the right to file an administrative appeal with the Agency within 45 calendar days of the date of the CIA's decision to deny all or part of the requested information or to provide a "no records located" response.

Requesters should address appeals to the CIA Agency Release Panel in care of the CIA Information and Privacy Coordinator, CIA, Washington, D.C., 20505. Alternatively, requesters may send their appeal via facsimile to 703-613-3007. We regret that we cannot accept appeals via electronic mail.

8. Where can I find your regulations?

Click here to go directly to the CIA's FOIA regulations, published in the Code of Federal Regulations. You will find information on, among other things, how to file a FOIA request with the CIA, fees associated with FOIA requests, fee waivers, and your administrative appeal rights.

9. Where can I find CIA's annual report?

Annual reports dating back to 1997 may be found online by going to http://www.foia.cia.gov/annual_report.asp

10. Where can I find CIA's FOIA improvement plan that Executive Order 13992 requires?

The Improving Agency Disclosure of Information document may be found online in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF) at http://www.foia.cia.gov/txt/ImprovingDisclosure.pdf