DHS Digitizes Privacy Act and FOIA Filings
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 22, 2026, if you want info from the Department of Homeland Security under the Privacy Act of 1974 or the Freedom of Information Act, you’ll need to send your requests online. This update makes it easier and faster to handle your requests by using web portals instead of paper forms. It affects anyone asking DHS for records and helps the government save time and money by going digital.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Online-only submission requirement
Starting January 22, 2026, you generally must submit FOIA and Privacy Act requests to DHS online at https://www.dhs.gov/foia, https://www.foia.gov/, or a DHS component website. DHS will generally no longer accept requests mailed to the DHS Privacy Office, or submitted by fax or email.
30-working-day response requirement for clarifications
If DHS asks you for more information to clarify a request, you must reply by electronic mail or portal message within 30 working days of DHS's electronic request. If you do not respond within 30 working days, DHS may administratively close your request.
Exceptions for people who can't file online
DHS will consider limited exceptions to online filing upon request (for example, incarceration). If you cannot submit electronically, DHS FOIA public liaisons may facilitate an alternative method; you should contact the Office or DHS Component you are seeking records from.
Privacy Office will route and notify on misdirected requests
If you do not know which DHS component holds records, you may ask the DHS Privacy Office to identify and forward your request; DHS will notify you which component(s) received it, provide FOIA Public Liaison contact information, and explain administrative appeal rights. The recipient DHS component is given the same number of days to respond as provided in 6 CFR 5.4(c) and 5.5(a).
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