An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
The "Justice Department Guide to the Freedom of Information Act" is an overview discussion of the FOIA's exemptions, its law enforcement record exclusions, and its most important procedural aspects. Prepared by the attorney and law clerk staff of the Office of Information and Privacy, it is updated and revised biennially. Any inquiry about the points addressed below, or regarding matters of FOIA administration or interpretation, should be made to the Office of Information and Privacy through its FOIA Counselor service, at (202) 514-3642 (514-FOIA), ordinarily after initial consultation with an agency FOIA officer.