Federal Agency

Department of State

Foreign policy, diplomacy, passports, visas

File a FOIA request with STATE

First request is free. No account needed to start.

File Request

How to Submit

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Online Portal

https://foia.state.gov/

Phone

202-261-8484

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Mail

Office of Information Programs and Services, SA-2, Department of State, Washington, DC 20522-8100

Legal Framework

Governing LawFreedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Citation5 U.S.C. § 552

Response Deadline20 business days

Est. Response Time~55 business days

Read the full Federal public records guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a FOIA request with Department of State?▾

You can file a request with Department of State (STATE) through FOIAfile in under 3 minutes. We'll format your request with proper legal citations under 5 U.S.C. § 552 and deliver it via online portal, mail.

How long does STATE have to respond to a FOIA request?▾

Under 5 U.S.C. § 552, Department of State must respond within 20 business days. FOIAfile tracks your deadline automatically and notifies you if the agency misses it.

What if STATE denies or ignores my request?▾

If Department of State denies your request or fails to respond within the deadline, you may have legal options including administrative appeals and court action. FOIAfile provides appeal letter templates and can connect you with a FOIA attorney for a free consultation.