Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request

Since 1967, FOIA has provided the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. Certain records may be exempt from disclosure under one or more of the nine FOIA Exemptions and Exclusions.
 

What Type of Information Can I Request From DFAS?

Information that can generally be requested from our office includes:

  • Existing Contracts
  • Invoice Payments
  • Gross Pay
  • DFAS Agency Policies or Directives.
  We are not required to answer questions, analyze data, conduct research beyond locating the records, perform calculations, or create records in response to a FOIA request.

What Does It Cost?

The Freedom of Information Act provides for the charging of fees "applicable to the processing of requests" and sets limitations and restrictions on the assessment of certain fees. There are three types of fees that may be assessed in response to FOIA requests: search, review and duplication.

Fees are calculated depending on the category of the requester. To learn more, visit 32 CFR § 286.12 - DOD FOIA Program.
 

Can My Request be Expedited?

There are several acceptable reasons for the expedited processing of a request. To learn why a request may be expedited or how to expedite your request, select the most appropriate option below. If you need the information sooner, visit Expedited Processing for details on expedited requests.

Expedited FOIA Requests call-to-action, click to go to expedited requests.

What Must I Provide for my Request to be Considered?

We do not require a specific form to make a FOIA request. However, the details you must include depend on the type of information you are seeking.
 
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General Agency Records or Information
To request general agency records or information you must include the following information:
 

Detailed Description of Requested Records – The information you provide must be sufficient to permit an organized, non-random search of DFAS’ filing arrangements and existing retrieval systems

  • Name of document, report, or information
  • Contract/Solicitation Number (if applicable)
  • Voucher or Check Number (if applicable)
  • Complaint Number (if applicable)
  • Form Number (if known)
  • System Name (if known)
  • Emails - If you’re requesting emails, provide the complete email address(es) of the individual(s) concerned


Search Period - Start Date (month/year) and End Date (month/year)

Fee Statement - One of the below statements must be included in your request

  • "I am willing to pay all FOIA search and copy fees.”
  • “I am willing to pay $______ for search and copy fees.”
Keep in mind...
  • Regardless of the information you’re requesting, be specific. For us to assist we must be able to determine what information or documentation you are requesting. Failure to provide enough information to support your request may delay or prevent consideration of your FOIA request.
  • Be as specific and detailed as possible. Avoid acronyms or operational lingo.
  • Do not request ‘any and/or all’ records; this is not a searchable parameter.
  • If you do not specify a maximum amount, we will assume you will pay a minimum of $25 per request. If the fees exceed $25, we will contact you prior to performing a search. 
  • You may request a waiver of FOIA fees. However, your justification must qualify pursuant to 32 CFR § 286.12(l) – Requirements for waiver or reduction of fees. The inability to pay is not a legal basis for granting a waiver.

 
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Personal Records or Information
To request personal records or information of an individual other than yourself, you must provide the following:

Information About the Individual

  • 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)

If the Individual is Deceased

  • Certificate of Death
  • Coroner’s Report of Death
  • Funeral Director’s Signed Statement of Death
  • Verdict of Coroner’s Jury

Detailed Description of Requested Records – The information you provide must be sufficient to permit an organized, non-random search of DFAS’ filing arrangements and existing retrieval systems

  • Name of document, report, or information
  • Form Number (if known)


Search Period - Start Date (month/year) and End Date (month/year)

Fee Statement - One of the below statements must be included in your request:

  • "I am willing to pay all FOIA search and copy fees.”
  • “I am willing to pay $______ for search and copy fees.”

Army Reserve or Army National Guard Information Dated Prior To 1976 (if applicable):

  • Name(s) of the Major Command(s) Member Was Assigned To During The Requested Period(s)
  • Name(s) of the Unit(s) of Assignment for Each Command
  • City/State for Each Unit of Assignment
  • Dates Served In Each Unit
Keep in mind...
  • Regardless of the information you’re requesting, be specific. For us to assist we must be able to determine what information or documentation you are requesting. Failure to provide enough information to support your request may delay or prevent consideration of your FOIA request.
  • Be as specific and detailed as possible. Avoid acronyms or operational lingo.
  • Do not request ‘any and/or all’ records; this is not a searchable parameter.
  • If you do not specify a maximum amount, we will assume you will pay a minimum of $25 per request. If the fees exceed $25, we will contact you prior to performing a search. 
  • You may request a waiver of FOIA fees. However, your justification must qualify pursuant to 32 CFR § 286.12(l) – Requirements for waiver or reduction of fees. The inability to pay is not a legal basis for granting a waiver.
  • Certain records and information are prohibited from disclosure pursuant to FOIA Exemptions and Exclusions and/or the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.
  • DFAS does not maintain any records for the Coast Guard (military or civilian). Visit, U.S. Coast Guard Freedom of Information & Privacy Acts regarding this matter.

How Do I Submit a FOIA Request?

Submitting your request is as simple as 1…2…3… just follow the steps below.

1. Verify

Before submitting a request, check to see if the information you are looking for isn’t already available in our Electronic Reading Room

2. Gather Required Information

Review the instructions detailed above, "What Must I Provide for my Request to be Considered?"

3. Submit

You may submit your request via any of the methods below. DO NOT SEND MULTIPLE INQUIRIES.

Option 1: Email: 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

What to expect after submitting a request…
We have 20 business days to complete your request. Business days do not include date of receipt, weekends or national holidays. Delays such as legal review/clarification or document retrieval may extend this time. If 20 business days have passed and you would like to check the status of your request, please email or fax the FOIA/Privacy office.

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Do You Need Help With Other DFAS Matters?

If you have questions concerning your pay, garnishments or debts, etc., visit DFAS Customer Service for assistance.
 


Page Updated: Aug. 31, 2026