How do I make a FOIA request to the Department of Justice? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

Details / How it works

Under 28 CFR 16.3, the Department of Justice maintains a decentralized FOIA system in which each component designates its own FOIA office to process records requests. All components can receive requests electronically via email or a web portal. For the quickest possible response, a requester should address the request to the FOIA office of the specific component that maintains the records sought. Each component's FOIA office and any additional submission requirements are listed in Appendix I to Part 16. The Department's FOIA Reference Guide, accessible under 28 CFR 16.1, and Part 0 of the chapter, summarize the functions of each component and help requesters determine where to direct their request.

Contact options for the Mail Referral Unit

If a requester is unsure which component maintains the records, requests may be sent to the FOIA/PA Mail Referral Unit, which will forward the request to the component(s) most likely to maintain the sought records.

• Mail: FOIA/PA Mail Referral Unit, Justice Management Division, Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20530-0001
• Email: MRUFOIA.Requests@usdoj.gov
• Fax: (202) 616-6695

Description of records sought

Requesters must describe the records sought in sufficient detail to enable Department personnel to locate them with a reasonable amount of effort. To the extent possible, requesters should include specific information that may assist a component in identifying the requested records, such as the date, title or name, author, recipient, subject matter of the record, case number, file designation, or reference number. Before submitting a request, requesters may contact the component's FOIA contact or FOIA Public Liaison for assistance in describing the records. If a component determines that a request does not reasonably describe the records sought, it will inform the requester what additional information is needed.

Exceptions & edge cases

• Third-party records: Where a request pertains to a third party, a requester may receive greater access by submitting a notarized authorization, a declaration under 28 U.S.C. 1746, or proof that the individual is deceased (e.g., a death certificate or obituary).
• Requests about the requester: A requester making a request for records about himself or herself must comply with the verification of identity provisions set forth in Subpart D of Part 16.
• Insufficient descriptions: If a request does not reasonably describe the records sought, the agency's response may be delayed, and the requester may discuss reformulation with the component's FOIA contact, FOIA Public Liaison, or a representative of the Office of Information Policy (OIP).