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How to File a Freedom of Information Request

Most countries give the public a legal right to request documents a government agency already holds β€” here's how the process generally works.

  1. Find the right portal

    Find your country or region's freedom of information portal, or the specific agency's request page if there's no central portal. Creating an account, where available, usually lets you track your request and its outcome in one place.

  2. Select the agency to request from

    Search for and select whichever government body β€” a national ministry, local authority, or public agency β€” is most likely to hold the information you're after.

  3. Write your request

    Describe exactly what you want to know, and choose how you'd like to receive it β€” in person, as copies, or as an electronic file. The more specific your request, the more likely you are to get exactly what you need.

  4. Submit and confirm receipt

    Submit your request online and save the confirmation or reference number β€” it's useful for checking on progress later.

  5. Track the statutory deadline

    Public agencies are generally required to decide whether to disclose within a set statutory period (commonly around ten business days, though this varies by country), with one extension usually allowed if they notify you in writing with a reason.

  6. Receive the information

    Once approved, you'll typically receive the material by viewing it, as copies, or electronically; a processing fee may apply for large amounts of copies or printouts.

  7. Appeal if denied

    If your request is denied in full or in part, most jurisdictions let you file an internal appeal, or escalate to an ombudsman, tribunal, or court depending on local procedure.

How is this different from a general complaint?

A general complaint or service request asks an agency to take some action, while a freedom of information request simply asks to see or receive documents the agency already has on file β€” the two processes and legal rights involved are quite different.

Who is allowed to file one?

In most countries, any resident or citizen can file a request without needing to show a personal stake in the matter, and many countries extend the same right to non-residents under certain conditions β€” check your local law for specifics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does filing a request cost money?

Simply viewing records is usually free, but requesting copies or printouts can incur a fee based on volume. Check the requirements of the specific agency you're filing with.

What happens if there's no response after the deadline passes?

If the statutory period (plus any notified extension) passes without a response, you can generally file an appeal or pursue further review through an ombudsman or tribunal for the delay or refusal.