DHS Lets FOIA Requesters Pay Fees Online, at Last
Published Date: 10/30/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting November 30, 2026, if you request info under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act from the Department of Homeland Security, you can now pay your fees electronically using pay.gov instead of just checks or money orders. This update makes paying faster and easier for everyone who files these requests. It’s a smooth move into the digital age for DHS and anyone needing government info!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Pay FOIA/Privacy Act Fees Electronically
Starting November 30, 2026, if you request records from the Department of Homeland Security under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or the Privacy Act/Judicial Redress Act (JRA), you may pay request fees electronically via pay.gov or another electronic payment platform DHS selects. You can still pay by check or money order if you prefer, and DHS says electronic payments may shorten the time between your payment and DHS sending a response.
Fee Commitment Up to $25 for Requests
When you make a FOIA request to DHS, it is considered a firm commitment to pay all applicable fees charged under Sec. 5.11, up to $25.00, unless you seek a waiver of fees. When you make a Privacy Act or JRA request, it will be considered a firm commitment to pay all applicable fees charged under the cited provision, up to $25.00; components ordinarily will collect applicable fees before sending copies.
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