State Sample FOI Request Letters

The resources described below are provided by the National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC).

Submitting an open records request to a state, county or local government is not difficult. However, a complete, well-written letter or email submitted to the right agency may increase your chances of getting a satisfactory response and avoiding delays or the need for further correspondence.

Most states’ FOI laws require that public records requests be made in writing. Even if your state does not, it is often a good idea to make a written request so that you have documentary evidence that the request was made.  If you wish to submit an open records or FOIA request to the federal government versus a state, county, or local government, see these Federal sample FOIA request letters.