Sample Freedom of Information Act Appeal Letter

Agency Head or Appeal Officer 
Name of Agency 
Address of Agency 
City, State, Zip Code 

Re: Freedom of Information Act Appeal 

Dear : 

This is an appeal under the Freedom of Information Act. 

On (date), I requested documents under the Freedom of Information Act. My request was assigned the following identification number: __________. On (date), I received a response to my request in a letter signed by (name of official). I appeal the denial of my request. 

[Optional] The documents that were withheld must be disclosed under the FOIA because.... 

[Optional] I appeal the decision to deny my request for a waiver of fees. I believe that I am entitled to a waiver of fees. Disclosure of the documents I requested is in the public interest because the information is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of government and is not primarily in my commercial interest. (Provide details) 

[Optional] I appeal the decision to require me to pay review costs for this request. I am not seeking the documents for a commercial use. (Provide details) 

[Optional] I appeal the decision to require me to pay search charges for this request. I am a reporter seeking information as part of news gathering and not for commercial use. 

Thank you for your consideration of this appeal. 

Sincerely, 

Name 
Address 
City, State, Zip Code 
Telephone Number [Optional]