ATTORNEY REQUESTS (NON-SUBPOENA)

 
Your request for personal records must include: a) Attorney letter; and b) Authorization from the Individual to whom the records pertain. The requirements for each are detailed below.

Attorney Letter

  • Must be on office letterhead and contain date & signature of attorney or paralegal  
  • Detailed description of records you seek. Be specific; we cannot search for ‘any and/or all’ records
  • Search Period: Start date (month/year) and End date (month/year)
  • Please include a valid email address 
     
  • For Service Members, list:  
  1. Branch of service – Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy
  2. Component – Active Duty or Reserve/National Guard (NG)
  3. If multiple branches, list each branch and dates served 
  • Army Reserve/NG records dated prior to 1976, must also provide:
  1. Name(s) of Major Command member was assigned for the requested period(s)
  2. Name(s) of Unit of Assignment for each command
  3. City/State for each Unit of Assignment
  4. Dates she/he served in each command 
  • For Federal Civilian Employees, list:
  1. Agency or agencies for which the Individual worked
  2. Dates he/she worked in each agency

Release Authorization* 

  • Written/typed statement from the Individual to whom the records pertain that specifically authorizes the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to release his/her personal records
  • Name and contact information of Individual to whom records are to be released 
  • Individual’s full social security number
  • List record(s) to be released
  • Individual’s printed name and signature
  • Date
  • His/her contact information – phone number, mailing address, email
  • Copy (front & back) of Individual’s valid, government-issued (state or federal) photo ID or a Notarized Statement verifying his/her identity
*Individuals (military members and civilian employees) may utilize the Request Pertaining to Military Records (SF-180) to authorize the release of personal records. However, a copy of his/her valid, government-issued photo ID or notarized statement verifying identity must accompany the SF-180, along with the attorney letter.
 

Submit Your Request

Email and fax are the preferred submission methods.

dfas.foia@mail.mil
Fax: (317) 275-0391
However, you may forward your request via postal mail or the online portal.
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Corporate Communications – FOIA/PA
8899 East 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249-0150
 
Online: https://www.foia.gov

Online submissions must still include a copy of the Individual’s valid, government-issued photo ID or a Notarized Statement verifying his/her identity.
Page Updated August 17, 2023