How to Get Your FBI File

Thanks to the Freedom of Information and Privacy acts, we’re all entitled to see what the FBI has on us.

Step 1: Make contact Make contact. The FBI website provides form letters which you can download and complete, or you can write your own letter.
Step 2: State your rights If you are writing your own letter, begin by stating your right to the file via the Freedom of Information and Privacy acts.
TIP: In order to get all the information available, be sure to cite both acts in your request, as each act covers different areas.
Step 3: Provide personal information Next, include the following personal information: full name, aliases, current address, previous addresses, date of birth, place of birth, contact phone numbers, and social security number.
Step 4: Get it notarized Sign the letter and have your signature notarized—this is very important!
Step 5: Mail Mail the letter to: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Record Information/Dissemination Section, 170 Marcel Drive, Winchester, VA 22602-4843
Step 6: Be patient Be patient! It takes several weeks for your letter to go through security checks and be passed along to the FBI.
FACT: In 2006, more than 3 million people requested information under the Freedom of Information Act.