Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Federal, State, and Local Agency Requests

If you are a Representative for a State or Federal agency, you have the right to request information from DFAS. How you request information and what is required to submit a request depends on your agency, select the most appropriate option below to learn more. 
 

Who is Making The Request?

Federal Investigators - Agents who require records for investigatory purposes (fraud, theft, etc.), forward your request to the DFAS Internal Review-Criminal Investigations Directorate at dfas.dscc.hi.mbx.rfa@mail.mil.

Federal Employees (Non-Investigators) - If you are a federal employee making a request in your official capacity as a representative of your agency, you do not need to obtain a subpoena/court or coordinate with our office to obtain records. Instead, you may contact the responsible DFAS mission area directly, visit DFAS Customer Service to learn more. If you cannot locate a point of contact (POC), we will provide you a POC. You are also welcome to send your request to the FOIA/Privacy office.

What Should I Submit for My Request to be Considered?

Whether you coordinate directly with the responsible DFAS mission area or the FOIA/Privacy office, your request must include the elements listed below. Failure to provide the required information to support your request will delay or prevent consideration of your request.
 


Detailed Reason For the Request

Information About the Individual To Whom the Records Pertain

  • Name
  • Full Social Security Number
  • Status (Federal Civilian Employee, Military Service Member, Annuitant, etc.)
  • Agency (or agencies) the Individual Works/Worked (if applicable)
  • Branch of Service (Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force - if applicable)
  • Component – (Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Military Academy - if applicable)

Description of Requested Information

  • Be as specific and detailed as possible
  • Spell out any acronyms
  • Do not request ‘any and/or all’ records
  • Form Number (if known)

Search Period 
Must be actual calendar dates: Start date (month/year) and End date (month/year).

How Do I Submit A Request?

Your request MUST be on Official Letterhead and contain your name, title, agency, phone number and email address. Requests may be submitted via one of the methods below. Do not send multiple inquiries.

Option 1: Email: Submit your request from your official government address to dfas.foia@mail.mil.

Option 2: Online Portal: FOIA.gov

Option 3: Fax: (317) 275-0391.

Option 4: U.S. Mail:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service   
Corporate Communications – FOIA/PA                    
8899 East 56th Street 
Indianapolis, IN 46249-0150
 

Who is Making The Request?

State, City and County Investigators - Agents who require records for investigatory purposes (fraud, theft, etc.), please forward your request to the DFAS Internal Review-Criminal Investigations Directorate at dfas.dscc.hi.mbx.rfa@mail.mil.

State, City and County Employees (Non-Investigators) - Department of Defense Manual 5400.07 - DoD Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program states, “Local or State government officials, foreign officials requesting on behalf of their governments, foreign individuals, or foreign organizations requesting DoD Component records pursuant to the FOIA are treated the same as any other FOIA requester.” As such, you are subject to FOIA Exemptions and Exclusions.

What Should I Submit for My Request to be Considered?

Your request must include the elements listed below. Failure to provide the required information to support your request will delay or prevent consideration of your request.
 

Information About the Individual To Whom the Records Pertain

  • Name
  • Full Social Security Number
  • Status (Federal Civilian Employee, Military Service Member, Annuitant, etc.)
  • Agency (or agencies) the Individual Works/Worked (if applicable)
  • Branch of Service (Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force - if applicable)
  • Component – (Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Military Academy - if applicable)

Description of Requested Information

  • Be as specific and detailed as possible
  • Spell out any acronyms
  • Do not request ‘any and/or all’ records
  • Form Number (if known)

Search Period 
Must be actual calendar dates: Start date (month/year) and End date (month/year).

Fee Statement
Your inquiry must include the maximum amount you are willing to pay for search and copies fees. If you do not specify a maximum amount, we will assume you will pay at least $25. If the estimated fees exceed $25, we will contact you prior to conducting a search.

How Do I Submit A Request?

Requests may be submitted via one of the methods below. Do not send multiple inquiries.

Option 1: Email: Submit your request from your official government address to dfas.foia@mail.mil.

Option 2: Online Portal: FOIA.gov

Option 3: Fax: (317) 275-0391.

Option 4: U.S. Mail:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service   
Corporate Communications – FOIA/PA                    
8899 East 56th Street 
Indianapolis, IN 46249-0150
 

Additional Information

Wage/Income Information

As mandated by Section 453(n) of the Social Security Act, DFAS reports the name, social security number and wages paid to each employee during the previous quarter to the Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS). All states have access to this information.  If you experience difficulties or are unfamiliar with this service, please contact your home office  or review the FPLS State Services Portal for assistance and information.

Military Health Insurance

  • To verify military health insurance, you must contact the Military Health System FOIA Service Center.
  • DFAS cannot enforce Court Orders requiring military members to obtain health insurance for their dependents. Please contact the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) Support Office at 1-800-538-9552 or visit TRICARE for assistance.
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Do You Need Additional Help With Your Request?

For additional assistance or questions about our office, visit DFAS FOIA Liaison.
 


Page Updated: Aug. 26, 2026