Request public records

What a FOIA request does

Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act provides a route to request existing government records. A request is different from asking an agency to answer questions or create a new analysis.

Anyone can request records. Citizenship and voter registration are not prerequisites. Exemptions and redactions may apply.

Make the request specific

• Identify the public body likely to hold the record.
• Describe the existing document, record type, or data clearly.
• Include a relevant date range and preferred format.
• Keep a copy of your request and any response.

Examples of records

An approved policy, meeting minutes, a dated contract, or an existing aggregate report. A records request about conduct is separate from a misconduct complaint.