What is a FOIA tracking number and how do I use it to check the status of my request?

A FOIA tracking number is a unique identifier an agency assigns to your Freedom of Information Act request after it is received. Think of it as a case number: it ties all correspondence, searches, and records about your request to a single reference so both you and the agency can find it quickly.

When you get one

Federal agencies generally must acknowledge a request and, where the agency expects it will take longer than ten working days to process, provide a tracking number you can use to follow up. You typically receive it in an acknowledgment letter or email shortly after the agency logs your request. If you submitted through an online portal, the number often appears on screen and in a confirmation message.

Keep the number somewhere safe along with the date you submitted and the office you sent it to. You will need all three if you ever call, email, or escalate.

How to use it to check status

• Look it up online. Many agencies offer a status-check tool tied to your tracking number; some federal requests submitted through a central portal can be tracked there.
• Contact the agency directly. Email or call the agency’s FOIA office or its designated FOIA Public Liaison, citing the tracking number and submission date.
• Ask what stage you are in. Common stages include received, assigned, searching, review/redaction, and closed.

Timeframes and expectations

The federal FOIA generally gives an agency 20 business days to respond, though complex requests, large volumes, or consultations with other agencies can extend that. A tracking number does not speed processing, but it makes every follow-up faster and clearer.

Note that state and local public-records laws vary widely. Some assign tracking numbers and set their own deadlines; others handle requests informally. Always check the specific law and process for the government you are dealing with.

If you get stuck

If you cannot reach anyone or believe your request has stalled, the agency’s FOIA Public Liaison can help, and you have rights to follow up using your tracking number as the anchor for the conversation.

For more background on requests and deadlines, see FOIA and public records.