June 1, 2026 [recipient name] [recipient address] Re: Public Records Request Dear FOIA Officer: Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) and/or applicable state public records law, I request copies of the following records: [records sought] Facts / context: [facts] Requested resolution: [desired outcome] I request a fee waiver as this request is in the public interest. If fees will exceed $25, please contact me before processing. Please respond within the statutory timeframe (typically 20 business days). Sincerely, [user full name] [user address]
Open Records · New York
Need to request official records from a New York federal agency?
Generate a formal Public Information Request to compel the agency to release the files.
Government entities operate on public funds, and their records belong to the public. If you need to access agency communications, contracting records, regulatory documents, or enforcement records from a federal agency, you must submit a structured petition. Use our self-help software to format a professional Open Records Request that starts the agency's mandatory compliance clock under N.Y. Pub. Off. Law §§ 84–90. Typical records include internal emails, contractor records, enforcement actions, policy memoranda, FOIA logs, and inspection reports.
Your rights under N.Y. Pub. Off. Law §§ 84–90
Governing statute
New York Freedom of Information Law (Pub. Off. Law §§ 84–90)
New York FOIL requires written acknowledgment within 5 business days, and the Committee on Open Government provides free advisory opinions on disputed requests.
Strict deadline rule
5 business days to acknowledge, with a reasonable schedule for production.
Cost protection floor
Fees limited to $0.25 per page for standard photocopies; minimal labor fees.
Typical records
Internal emails, contractor records, enforcement actions, policy memoranda, FOIA logs, and inspection reports.
Make your request count
Identify the exact agency division or component, narrow the date range as precisely as possible, and use specific terms the agency would have used internally.
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✓ Cites 5 U.S.C. § 552 — 20-day federal response window
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