Submit a Privacy Act Request

Only the individual to whom the record(s) pertain or their legal representative [with appropriate documentation] may submit a Privacy Act (PA) request. The information requested must be maintained within a system of record in the custody of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) at the time of your submission.

The FOIA/PA Office is not a repository for documents maintained or released by DFAS. Requests received in this office will be forwarded to the functional area that has the responsibility for the subject matter requested.

DFAS was established in 1991. Therefore, we do not have any records for individuals who were federal civilian employees prior to our founding. Please direct your request to the National Archives and Records Administration.

PA requests must contain your original signature.  You must include a copy of valid photo identification: state/federal, driver’s license, student ID or a notarized statement confirming your identity.  A Power of Attorney is required for legal representatives.

You cannot use another agency’s request/release/claim form to obtain DFAS records.

Prepare Your Request

  • Provide a detailed description of what you are requesting
    • Document name or form number
    • Period(s) to search
    • Military: branch of service and whether Active, Reserve/National Guard (NG)
    • For Reserve/NG records dated prior to 1976, must provide:
      • Major Command(s)
      • Unit(s) of assignment for each command,
      • City/State for each assignment
      • Dates served in each command
    • Civilian: agency for which you worked
  • Full social security number; we cannot conduct a search without it
  • Complete postal mailing address
  • Phone number and email address (if applicable)
  • Copy of government-issued (federal/state) photo identification (front and back)

Submit Your Request

Army & Air Force (Active/Reserve/Guard), Civilian payroll records

Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Corporate Communications
FOIA/PA Adherence Division
8899 East 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249-0150
Fax: (317) 275-0391

Email: dfas.foia@mail.mil


Navy (Active/Reserve/Guard), Retired & Annuitant Pay, Garnishment, Civilian payroll records

Defense Finance and Accounting Service
FOIA/PA Adherence Division
1240 East Ninth Street, Room 1429
Cleveland, OH 44199-8006
Fax: (317) 275-0391

Email: dfas.foia@mail.mil

Marine Corps

Complete the attached Record Service Request Form and forward using one the methods below:

Email: DFAS.CLEVELAND-OH.JFL.MBX.MCRECORDS@MAIL.MIL

Fax: (216) 367-3606