FBI - CIA Records Request

Answer 1

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This letter allows you to verify whether the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has any information about you in their records. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides that any person may obtain federal agency records except those that fall within specified exemptions of the FOIA. The Privacy Act establishes limits on how executive agencies may gather, maintain, and disseminate personal information. The Privacy Act also allows individuals to obtain personal information from a federal agency. You may only request information about yourself under the Privacy Act.

The federal government compiles a wide range of information about individuals. To facilitate the agency's research, you should provide as much information as possible explaining why you think the agency may have information about you. For example, if you served in the military or were employed by a federal agency, there should be a record of your service. You may use the "Freedom of Information Request" (included in this program) to obtain such information.

Under the Privacy Act, the agency can only charge for the cost of copying the records and not for any time spent locating or reviewing the records. However, there is no time limit for the agency's response. Therefore, this letter also makes the request under the FOIA, which requires an agency to respond within twenty (20) days of your request, subject to certain exceptions.

Most agencies require proof of identity. This letter requires your signature to be notarized and, thus, provides sufficient proof of your identity.

If the FBI's or CIA's information about you is incorrect, you have the right to request that the records be amended. Include all pertinent documentation to support your suggested amendment. If you become dissatisfied with the agency's response to your request or the information provided, you may appeal under the FOIA or by using the individual agency's Privacy Act appeal procedures.