FOIA Appeals
When OPM denies records or a fee waiver, you may file an appeal in writing to:
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Office of the General Counsel
1900 E Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20415-1300
If the denial is for information maintained by the Office of General Counsel, you may file an appeal to:
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Deputy Director
1900 E Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20415-0001
An appeal should include a copy of the initial request, a copy of the letter denying the
request, and a statement explaining why you disagree with OPM's decision. You
should write "Freedom of Information Act Appeal" on the front of the envelope and on
the first page of the appeal letter.
Judicial Review
If your appeal has been decided and you still believe that OPM has not handled your
FOIA request in accordance with the law, you may seek judicial review. Judicial review
is a litigation process in which you challenge OPM's action in a lawsuit filed in Federal
Court. You may file the suit in a Federal District Court in any of the following places:
(1) where you reside; (2) where you have your principal place of business; (3) in the
District of Columbia; or (4) where the records are located.