Interior Dept Begs: Review Our Access Forms One More Time
Published Date: 1/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of the Interior wants to keep using its Access and Consent Forms and is asking for your thoughts by February 9, 2026. This affects anyone who fills out these forms, helping the government keep things clear and simple without adding extra hassle or costs. It’s all about making sure the paperwork stays easy and fair for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Digital submission requirement per CASES Act
The forms are based on OMB Memorandum M-21-04 and the CASES Act, which require agencies to accept access and consent forms from individuals who are identity-proofed and authenticated remotely and to post the forms and digital submission instructions on the agency privacy page. This means individuals may be able to submit Privacy Act requests digitally when properly identity-proofed and authenticated.
DOI keeps Privacy Act forms
The Department of the Interior is proposing to renew two Privacy Act forms, DI-4016 (request access) and DI-4017 (consent for disclosure), under OMB Control Number 1093-0013 so individuals and households can continue using them to request or consent to disclosure of records. The renewal effort is a continuation of existing forms and does not add fees or mandatory filings.
Parents/Guardians can use forms
The DI-4016 and DI-4017 forms may be used by the parent of a minor or a legal guardian acting on behalf of an individual declared incompetent by a court. This explicitly allows parents or legal guardians to submit access requests or give consent for disclosure for those they represent.
Estimated time burden and no fees
DOI estimates 1,325 annual respondents and responses, with each response taking about 15 minutes, totaling 331 burden hours per year; the collection is voluntary and the agency reports no annual non-hour costs. The agency is soliciting comments with a deadline of February 9, 2026.
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