Public Records Request Template – Free FOIA Forms

This public records request template is designed for journalists, researchers, attorneys, advocacy groups, citizens, businesses, and anyone seeking access to government documents, records, or information held by federal, state, or local government agencies in the United States. This template is jurisdiction-specific to the United States and can be customized to comply with the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), state public records laws, and local sunshine laws.

This comprehensive template provides the proper format and language for requesting public records from government entities, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and maximizing the likelihood of request approval. It covers essential components including clear identification of the requesting party, specific description of records sought with sufficient detail for agency identification, preferred format for records delivery (paper copies, electronic files, or inspection), fee waiver requests based on public interest or news media status, and expedited processing justifications when applicable. The template also addresses timeframe specifications, appeal procedures for denied requests, and statutory references to applicable public records laws.

Ideal for investigative journalism, academic research, legal discovery, government accountability efforts, business due diligence, genealogical research, and citizen oversight activities, this template helps requesters obtain information about government operations, spending, policies, enforcement actions, contracts, correspondence, and decision-making processes. It ensures proper formatting that agencies expect, includes necessary legal language citing disclosure obligations, and provides framework for follow-up communications and appeals when requests are delayed, denied, or subject to redactions.