What is the difference between a partial denial and a full denial of a FOIA request?

When an agency responds to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, it does not always release everything. The response often falls somewhere between full disclosure and a complete refusal. Understanding the difference between a partial denial and a full denial helps requesters know what they actually received and what options remain.

Full Denial

A full denial means the agency withholds all of the responsive records, releasing nothing from what the request covered. This typically happens when:

• Every responsive record (or the records in their entirety) falls under one or more FOIA exemptions, such as those protecting national security, personal privacy, law enforcement information, or certain internal deliberations.
• The agency locates no responsive records at all (sometimes called a “no records” response).
• The request is improper or the records are not subject to FOIA.

In a full denial, the requester walks away without any of the requested content, though they should still receive an explanation.

Partial Denial

A partial denial means the agency releases some information while withholding the rest. The agency discloses the portions it can and removes only the protected material. Common features include:

• Redactions, where exempt text is blacked out or removed but the surrounding releasable content is provided.
• Segregation of records, where releasable documents are sent and exempt ones are held back.
• A clear marking of where and why information was withheld.

Agencies are generally expected to release any reasonably segregable, non-exempt portion of a record rather than withholding an entire document when only part of it qualifies for an exemption.

What Both Have in Common

Whether the denial is partial or full, the agency should:

• Cite the specific exemption(s) relied upon for each withholding.
• Explain your appeal rights, including the deadline and where to send an administrative appeal.
• Inform you of the option to seek dispute resolution services where available.

For both partial and full denials, you generally have the right to file an administrative appeal, and to pursue further review if the appeal is unsuccessful. Reviewing the cited exemptions closely is the best first step, because agencies sometimes release more on appeal.

To explore related topics, visit the FOIA and public records hub.