National Archives and Records Administration: where to mail a FOIA request
To send a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to National Archives and Records Administration, mail it to National Archives and Records Administration, Special Access and FOIA Staff (RD-F), Room 5500, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001. NARA holds permanent federal records already transferred into the National Archives — military service, immigration, census, and other historical agency records. A record still held by an active federal agency (not yet transferred) should go to that agency's own FOIA office instead. Include a clear description of the records you want, any identifying details, and a return address, and confirm the office on the source below before anything time-sensitive.
National Archives and Records Administration — FOIA request address
National Archives and Records Administration Special Access and FOIA Staff (RD-F) Room 5500 8601 Adelphi Road College Park MD 20740-6001
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests only. Regular correspondence, complaints, or media inquiries should go to National Archives and Records Administration's general contact address instead.
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National Archives and Records AdministrationSpecial Access and FOIA Staff (RD-F)8601 Adelphi RoadCollege Park, MD 20740-6001
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Key facts
- This is National Archives and Records Administration's published FOIA correspondence address — a different mailbox from its general correspondence address.
- Requests are made under the Freedom of Information Act.
- Statutory response window: 20 business days from receipt, extendable for large or complex requests.
- FOIA itself has no filing fee, though an agency can bill for search and duplication time beyond the first free hours/pages — most individual record requests fall under that free threshold.
- If refused or ignored, you can appeal to the agency's FOIA appeals office, then the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) or federal court.
- PostPal prints your request and mails it for you — no printer, envelope, stamps, or post office trip.
How to send your letter
- 1
Write your request
State clearly that this is a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and describe the records you want as specifically as you can — dates, names, file or reference numbers, and the office or program area, if you know them. Vague requests take longer to process.
- 2
Include what they need to identify you
If you're requesting your own file, include your full name and any identifying number the institution uses (case, claim, or file number) so they can locate the right record. FOIA itself has no filing fee, though an agency can bill for search and duplication time beyond the first free hours/pages — most individual record requests fall under that free threshold.
- 3
Address it to the request office
First line: National Archives and Records Administration. Then: Special Access and FOIA Staff (RD-F). Then: Room 5500. Then the street: 8601 Adelphi Road. Then the final line: College Park MD 20740-6001.
- 4
Send it with PostPal
Write or upload your request to PostPal with the address above prefilled. We print it, add your return address, and mail it for you — no printer, envelope, stamps, or trip to the post office.
Common questions
What is the National Archives and Records Administration FOIA mailing address?
National Archives and Records Administration, Special Access and FOIA Staff (RD-F), Room 5500, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001. This is the office's published FOIA correspondence address — confirm it on the source below before anything time-sensitive, since request offices occasionally relocate.
What records can I request from NARA under FOIA?
NARA holds permanent federal records already transferred into the National Archives — military service, immigration, census, and other historical agency records. A record still held by an active federal agency (not yet transferred) should go to that agency's own FOIA office instead. Requests are made under the Freedom of Information Act.
How long does NARA have to respond?
The statutory response window is 20 business days from when the request is received, though it can be extended for large or complex requests — the office is required to notify you if that happens.
Does a FOIA request cost anything?
FOIA itself has no filing fee, though an agency can bill for search and duplication time beyond the first free hours/pages — most individual record requests fall under that free threshold.
What if my request is refused or I don't get a response?
You can appeal to the agency's FOIA appeals office, then the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) or federal court. Keep a copy of your original request and the date you sent it — you'll need both for an appeal.
How do I mail a FOIA request without a printer?
Write or upload your request to PostPal with the address prefilled. We print it, add your return address, and mail it for you — no printer, stamps, or post office trip needed.
Sources
Addresses verified September 2026 against official sources. Always confirm on the official site before time-sensitive filings.