How long does a mandatory declassification review request usually take to get an answer?

A mandatory declassification review (MDR) is a formal way for any requester to ask an agency to re-examine specific classified records and release whatever no longer needs protection. Unlike automatic declassification, which happens on a schedule, an MDR is triggered by a request and tied to a particular set of documents.

The honest answer: expect months, often longer

There is no single guaranteed turnaround. In practice, agencies typically acknowledge a request within a few weeks, but a substantive decision commonly takes anywhere from several months to a few years. Simple, well-identified records may move faster; large or sensitive holdings can take considerably longer.

The governing executive order on classified national security information sets the basic expectation that agencies make a determination within roughly a year of receiving a request, where practicable. Treat that as a target, not a promise. Backlogs, staffing, and the nature of the material all affect real timelines.

What drives the timeline

• Specificity of the request. Records you can describe precisely (titles, dates, file numbers) are easier and faster to locate.
• Referrals to other agencies. If a document contains another agency’s equities, it must be reviewed by each, which adds time.
• Volume and sensitivity. Large page counts and highly sensitive subjects require more line-by-line review.
• Agency workload. Existing backlogs are often the single biggest factor.

How to keep things moving

• Submit a clear, narrowly scoped request and keep a copy with the date sent.
• Ask for a tracking or case number and confirm the agency received it.
• Follow up periodically and ask for a status update if the expected window passes.
• Know your appeal rights. If records are withheld or you receive no timely response, you can usually appeal within the agency, and ultimately to an interagency panel that reviews classification challenges.

A note on choosing your path

MDR and the Freedom of Information Act are separate routes that sometimes cover overlapping records. Each has its own timelines and appeal mechanisms, so requesters occasionally pursue both.

For related guidance on how classified records are reviewed and released, see the declassification topic hub.