How to File a New York Public Records Request

New York's Freedom of Information Law provides public access to government records. Agencies must respond within 5 business days.

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Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

LawFreedom of Information Law (FOIL)

CitationPublic Officers Law § 84-90

Response Deadline5 business days (acknowledgment) + reasonable time

Appeal Process

Appeal to the agency head within 30 days. Then petition the Committee on Open Government or file an Article 78 proceeding in Supreme Court.

Key Provisions

&check;Agencies must acknowledge within 5 business days
&check;Must provide records within a 'reasonable time'
&check;Appeal to agency head, then Article 78 proceeding
&check;Committee on Open Government provides advisory opinions
&check;Attorney fees available if agency had no reasonable basis for denial
&check;Presumption of access — burden on agency to justify withholding

New York Agencies

10 agencies available for filing. Click any agency for contact details and submission instructions.

Albany Police Department

APD-NY·~10 day response·Email accepted

Buffalo Police Department

BPD-NY·~10 day response

Nassau County Police Department

NCPD·~15 day response

New York Attorney General

AG-NY·~5 day response·Email accepted

New York City Police Department

NYPD·~20 day response

New York Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC-NY·~5 day response·Email accepted

New York Department of Health

DOH-NY·~5 day response·Email accepted

New York Department of Transportation

NYSDOT·~5 day response

New York Governor's Office

GOV-NY·~5 day response

Suffolk County Police Department

SCPD·~15 day response·Email accepted

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a FOIL request in New York?▾

File a New York FOIL request through FOIAfile. We format your request under Public Officers Law § 87 with proper legal language.

How long does a New York agency have to respond?▾

Agencies must acknowledge your request within 5 business days and provide records within a 'reasonable time.' They can grant, deny, or state they need more time.

What can I do if my FOIL request is denied?▾

Appeal to the agency head within 30 days. If still denied, file an Article 78 proceeding in Supreme Court or seek guidance from the Committee on Open Government.

Public Records Laws by State

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) · 20 business days

Ohio Public Records Act · Prompt (no fixed deadline; courts consider reasonableness)

California Public Records Act (CPRA) · 10 calendar days (+ 14-day extension)

Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) · 10 business days

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