What is a Freedom of Information form?

No particular form is required to make a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act. To request information from any federal agency, all that is needed is a written description of the information addressed to the relevant agency.

The FOIA, passed in 1967, enables the public to request access to federal records. Nearly 50 years later, many agencies publish frequently requested information without a formal request being made.

Not all information is available. There are nine exemptions covering matters of national security, law enforcement, and matters of personal or corporate privacy, such as attorney-client privilege or trade secrets.