# 2026-19223: State Dept Goes Digital: FOIA Requests Now Online-Only, No More Paper Chase! 2026-19223, Public Access to Information, is a Federal Register rule from State Department published 2026-09-21, effective 2026-10-21; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-09-28). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19223 - As of: 2026-09-28 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Document number: 2026-19223 - Title: Public Access to Information - Type: Rule - Agencies: State Department - Citation: 91 FR 59698 - Published: 2026-09-21 - Effective: 2026-10-21 - Comments close: not stated - Significant: no - Touches household money: yes - Regulation identifier numbers: 1400-AG32 - Last updated: 2026-09-28 ## In one line State Dept Goes Digital: FOIA Requests Now Online-Only, No More Paper Chase! ## Summary Starting October 21, 2026, the Department of State is making it easier and faster for you to get public information. They’re updating rules to encourage checking online first, accepting only electronic requests through official websites, and simplifying how you describe what you want. These changes help everyone save time and avoid paperwork, with no extra costs involved. ## Abstract The Department of State revises its regulations governing the availability to the public of information that is under the control of the Department. This rule reflects changes in the Department's organization and procedures since the last revision of the Department's regulations on public access to information, including relating to the use of email to submit requests for information under this part. ## Effects PRIA read - Search FOIA Library First: benefit, low. Before filing, you are encouraged to search the Department's FOIA Library at https://foia.state.gov/FOIALIBRARY/FOIALIB2.aspx to see if the records you want are already public. Doing this can let you find records immediately without filing a FOIA request. - Electronic FOIA/PA Submissions Required: benefit, medium. Starting October 21, 2026, the Department will accept FOIA and Privacy Act requests for the Information Access Programs Directorate and the Directorate for Passport Services only electronically via the National FOIA Portal (www.foia.gov) or the Department's FOIA website (https://foia.state.gov/). - Simplified Record Description Rules: benefit, low. The rule simplifies how you must describe the records you seek and gives examples of helpful details (bureau, dates, names, subject, case number). Visa record requests should include full name and any aliases, current address, email, and date and place of birth. - Privacy Act Identity Verification Rules: benefit, medium. Requests under the Privacy Act must include a signed, dated statement (under penalty of perjury) verifying identity that is dated within 6 months of the request. The Department prefers certification via the Department FOIA website, the National FOIA Portal, or submission of form DS-4240-R; forms fr… - Passport Records ID Requirement: benefit, low. If you request copies of Passport Services records, you must provide detailed identifying information (dates of birth, passport number if known, etc.) and include a clear copy of both sides of a valid government-issued photo ID (for example, a driver's license). - Parents/Guardians May Request Minors' Records: benefit, low. A parent or guardian may request records under the Privacy Act on behalf of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident minor (an unmarried person under age 18) by providing proof of identity for the child and documentation of the parental or guardian relationship (for example, a birth certificate… - 30-Working-Day Appeal Decision Standard: benefit, medium. A/SKS/IAP, OIG, or the Foreign Service Grievance Board will decide appeals from denials of Privacy Act amendment requests within 30 working days of receipt, unless an extension for good cause is needed. Appeals to A/SKS/IAP must be sent by email to [email protected] or by mail to the address on the… - Records 25+ Years Go to NARA: benefit, low. The Department ordinarily transfers records designated as historically significant to the National Archives when they are 25 years old; requests for Department records 25 years old or older should be submitted to the National Archives. - Certain Systems Exempt From Privacy Act: cost, medium. The rule updates the list of systems of records that are exempt from specified Privacy Act provisions. Examples named include Passport Records (STATE-26), Visa Records (STATE-39), Security Records (STATE-36), and Office of Inspector General Investigation Management System (STATE-53). ## Related documents - [2026-20079](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20079): International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): Review of the U.S. Munitions List and Related Definitions and License Exemptions, 2026-10-01 - [2026-17655](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-17655): Passports: Expanding Online Passport Renewal Overseas, 2026-08-28 - [2026-04931](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-04931): Schedule of Fees for Consular Services-Fee for Administrative Processing of Request for Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United St…, 2026-03-13 - [2025-17851](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2025-17851): Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates-Visa Services Fee Changes, 2025-09-16 - [2025-14826](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2025-14826): Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program, 2025-08-05 - [2026-20082](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20082): International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Syria Country Policy Revision, 2026-10-01 ## Sources - [2026-19223 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/21/2026-19223/public-access-to-information) - [2026-19223 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-21/pdf/2026-19223.pdf) ## Related - [Previous: 2026-19211, International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Modification of U.S. Munitions List…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19211) - [Next: 2026-19231, Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Diphenidine in Schedule I](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19231) - [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register) Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19223 (as of 2026-09-28).