Submit an Appeal

How to Submit an Appeal

Three different methods are available for submitting FOIA Appeals:

  1. Online Form – If you have a FOIAonline account, please login in to your account and submit an appeal under the corresponding request.

  2. Postal Mail or Courier -  Submit your request by mailing the required documentation to:

    Department of Defense Office of Inspector General
    DoD IG FOIA Requester Service Center
    ATTN:  FOIA Appellate Authority, Suite 10B24
    4800 Mark Center Drive
    Alexandria, VA 22350-1500

  3. Facsimile (Fax) – Submit your request by facsimile to:

    (571) 372-7498

Guidelines for Submitting an Appeal

The Chief, Freedom of Information Division processes appeals for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General. Requesters desiring to submit an appeal should follow the guidance provided in the “How to Submit a FOIA Request” section, plus include your original request number and date of the initial determination in any communication/submission. Requesters may appeal any determination that they consider to be adverse. The following are adverse determinations and are subject to appeal:

  • A requested record is denied in whole or in part.
  • A reasonable search of files failed to identify responsive records.
  • The disapproval of a fee category claim by a requester, the disapproval of a request for waiver or reduction of fees, and a dispute regarding fee estimates.
  • A determination not to grant expedited processing.
  • Not providing a response determination to a FOIA request within the statutory time limits.
  • Any determination found to be adverse in nature by the request.