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If you're in need of obtaining your personal FBI file from the federal government, you'll need to fill out and notarize a Privacy Act Request Form. This page will walk you through the necessary steps.
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Tips
- Fill out the request forms completely and give as much information as you can.
- Make sure you indicate how much you are willing to pay for the copy of your file should it be longer than 100 pages.
- Do not sign or date your request form until in the presence of the Notary Public.
- Submit your request to FBI field offices if you think your files may be located there instead of in the Central Records System.
-
If you're in need of obtaining your personal FBI file from the federal government, you'll need to fill out and notarize a Privacy Act Request Form. This page will walk you through the necessary steps.
-
Tips
- Fill out the request forms completely and give as much information as you can.
- Make sure you indicate how much you are willing to pay for the copy of your file should it be longer than 100 pages.
- Do not sign or date your request form until in the presence of the Notary Public.
- Submit your request to FBI field offices if you think your files may be located there instead of in the Central Records System.
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- by Leslie B.
Introduction
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is part of the United States' Executive Branch of government and resides as a unit within the Department of Justice.Official Site: Federal Bureau of Investigation The FBI has jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 areas of federal law, including international and domestic terrorism, civil rights, fraud and white-collar, cyber, violent and organized crime.FBI.gov: About Us - Quick Facts
- The FBI maintains files on persons, businesses, organizations, events and incidents under investigation. You're only likely to have a file if you have been under investigation by the FBI at some point.FBI.gov: Top Ten Myths in FBI History Please note that an identification record (or FBI "rap sheet") is not the same as your FBI file (though it can also be requested).FBI.gov: FBI File Fact Sheet
- Copies of your FBI file may be requested from the FBI by following the steps described below.
Step 1: Fill out a Privacy Act Request Form
- Fill out the FBI Privacy Act Request form.
- This form will ask you to provide:
- Complete name and mailing address.
- Identifying data such as your date and place of birth and Social Security number.
- Notarized signature and date.
- If you are seeking files on a specific incident, you must describe as such on this form.FBI.gov: FOIA Privacy Instructions
- The FBI will not charge you for duplication of the first 100 pages of the requested file, but anything beyond 100 pages will be charged at ten cents per page.GetMyFBIFile.com: Get My FBI File FAQ You must indicate on your request how much you are willing to pay for them to copy the file for you should it surpass 100 pages.
Step 2: Get the Privacy Act Request Form Notarized
- Next you will need to get your form notarized, signed and dated. A Notary Public can notarize your form for you. A Notary Public serves as an official and impartial witness in the presence of signing a document.National Notary Association: FAQ
- It is best not to sign and date your form until you are in the presence of the Notary Public as it is typical that they need to witness this step in order to notarize your form.National Notary Association: FAQ
- You should also make sure to bring current legal identification with you, such as a birth certificate, passport, driver's license or state-issued ID so the Notary Public can positively verify your identity.
- The Notary Public will mark your form with a stamp or seal for the state within which he or she is appointed.National Notary Association: FAQ This is your proof that your form has been notarized.
Finding a Notary Public
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Notary Publics can often be located in [[:Category:Banks|banks]], insurance offices and state offices such as the Department of Licensing. Also try courthouses, post offices and other municipal offices. Some charge for their services, so be prepared for
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Or, find qualified Notary Public officers near you by using the Notary Public Directory.NotaryPublic.com: Notary Public Directory
Step 3: Submit your Privacy Act Request Form to the FBI
- Mail your Privacy Act Request form to the FBI at:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Record Information/Dissemination Section
- 170 Marcel Drive
- Winchester, VA 22602-4843
- Your request will be searched for in the FBI's Central Records System, maintained in Washington, D.C.FBI.gov: Central Records System They will search for your "main file," defined as a file about a specific person, place or event. If you think your files might be located at one of the FBI's Field Offices, you'll also need to submit an additional request to the office you think may have them.FBI.gov: Your Local FBI Office FBI.gov: FOIA & Privacy website
Cross-References
- If desired, you must also provide identifiable information on any cross-references (people, places or events) related to your file.FBI.gov: FOIA & Privacy website Additional details useful to processing your cross-reference request include: FBI.gov: FOIA & Privacy website
- Dates, locations and circumstances of your requested subject's contact with the FBI.FBI.gov: FOIA & Privacy website
- Names and aliases used by the subject of your request.FBI.gov: FOIA & Privacy website
- Names of associates of the subject that may help identify relevant records.FBI.gov: FOIA & Privacy website
- Social Security number, date of birth, home address of subject.FBI.gov: FOIA & Privacy website
Step 4: Wait
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According to the Get My FBI File website, you should get a letter from the FBI acknowledging your request in about 10-20 days. You will also be notified if the FBI cannot find any records.GetMyFBIFile.com: Now What?
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Requests typically get fulfilled in three to four months while larger files might take longer. Your requested file(s) will be mailed to you.GetMyFBIFile.com: Now What?
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