All requests must be submitted in writing by online form, U.S. mail or email. Requests must be for access to existing records. TSA will not create records or answer questions in response to a FOIA or Privacy Act request.

Online Form
Submit a FOIA Request Form

Mail

Department of Homeland Security
Transportation Security Administration
6595 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 20598 - 6020

Email
FOIA@tsa.dhs.gov

1. Name;
2. Current address or email address;
3. Telephone number (Should the FOIA Branch need to contact you for additional information and if you would like to receive calls regarding the status of your request;
4. Specific information about the records sought;

• Helpful details also include: date, title or name, author, recipient, names of offices, agencies and organizations, subject matter of the record, case number, file designation, and reference number. For requests regarding airport checkpoint experiences, include the name/location of airport, date and time of travel, checkpoint lane and any other information that describes the experience.
• TSA cannot process a request for “all records” on an individual or for “all communications” between TSA and a third party. You should include a date limitation, a particular topic, and if asking for correspondence, the relevant parties’ names and offices or airports, if known. If a request does not provide sufficient descriptive information, we may not be able to identify the records sought. We may ask you for additional information (e.g., specific subject matter, topic, personnel, etc.) if we are unable to process your request. If we cannot contact you, or you do not respond within 30 calendar days to our requests for clarification, we will close your request.

5. Expedited Processing: Additional information can be found by accessing the following link: https://www.dhs.gov/foia-processing;
6. Delivery information for the responsive records, e.g., electronically or via mail; and
7. A statement regarding your willingness to pay fees, including any limitations.  Additional information can be found by accessing the following link See https://www.dhs.gov/foia-fee-structure-and-waivers.

You will receive notice within 1-3 business days of receipt. The notice will contain a tracking number for your request. Please make sure you have the tracking number available when contacting TSA.

Privacy Act Requests

You may submit a Privacy Act Request to review any records you believe that the Department has records on you.  If you are making a request for information about yourself, you must verify your identity and provide the following information to help identify and locate records:

1. Name;
2. Current address or email address;
3. Telephone number (Should the FOIA Branch need to contact you for additional information and if you would like to receive calls regarding the status of your request;
4. Date of birth;
5. Place of birth;
6. Citizenship;
7. Specific information about the records sought:

• Helpful details also include: date, title or name, author, recipient, names of offices, agencies and organizations, subject matter of the record, case number, file designation, and reference number. For requests regarding airport checkpoint experiences, include the name/location of airport, date and time of travel, checkpoint lane and any other information that describes the experience;
• TSA cannot process a request for “all records” on an individual or for “all communications” between TSA and a third party. You should include a date limitation, a particular topic, and if asking for correspondence, the relevant parties’ names and offices or airports, if known. If a request does not provide sufficient descriptive information, we may not be able to identify the records sought. We may ask you for additional information (e.g., specific subject matter, topic, personnel, etc.) if we are unable to process your request. If we cannot contact you, or you do not respond within 30 calendar days to our requests for clarification, we will close your request;

8. Expedited Processing: Additional information can be found by accessing the following link: https://www.dhs.gov/foia-processing;
9. Delivery information for the responsive records, e.g., electronically or via mail;
10. A statement regarding your willingness to pay fees, including any limitations.  Additional information can be found by accessing the following link See https://www.dhs.gov/foia-fee-structure-and-waivers;
11. You must sign your request and your signature must either be notarized or submitted by you under 28 U.S.C. 1746, a law that permits statements to be made under penalty of perjury as a substitute for notarization.
12. If you are making a request for records on behalf of an individual, in addition to the above, you must provide a statement from the individual verifying their identity.  You must also provide a statement from the individual certifying the agreement that records may be released to you.  You can provide the required information in writing as described above (1-11).

Processing Fees

Requesters are required to pay all applicable fees charged under Sec. 5.11 up to $25, unless you seek a waiver of fees. If fees exceed $25, we will notify you before we proceed with processing the request. When making a request, you may specify a willingness to pay a greater or lesser amount. If you are seeking a waiver of fees, you must provide a justification in accordance with the requirements of 6 CFR Part 5, Subpart A.

The information you are requesting may already be available in the electronic reading room; please browse the documents before submitting your request.