FOIA Request Builder

This form generates a request letter under 5 ILCS 140 entirely in your browser — nothing you type is sent to a server or stored anywhere except your own device (if you choose to save your contact info). Review the letter before sending; this tool doesn't send anything for you.

Not legal advice. This generates a standard-form request based on common FOIA practice — it doesn't account for every situation. See the FAQ disclaimer.

Find a public body's FOIA officer in the FOIA Officer Directory.

For help choosing records and the right public body, read thepolice-records guide orschool-records guide before drafting your letter.

Public body

Public body name *

FOIA officer (if known)

FOIA officer email (optional)

Records requested

Topic (used in the subject line) *

Records requested — one item per line *

Date range — from

Date range — to

Format & fees

Request electronic format (5 ILCS 140/6(a)) — uncheck for paper/mailRequest a fee waiver (5 ILCS 140/6(c))

Public-interest justification *

This request IS for a commercial purpose (a public body may require you to say so — 5 ILCS 140/3.1(c))I am requesting as news media / a nonprofit, scientific, or academic organization (not a "commercial purpose" — 5 ILCS 140/2(c-10))

Your contact info

Your name *

Your email *

Mailing address (optional — needed if requesting paper delivery)

Phone (optional)

Remember my contact info on this device (stored only in your browser, never sent anywhere)

Research this request with an AI assistant

Make a prompt from the public body and records fields above. It asks an AI assistant to check the current Illinois FOIA, find relevant PAC decisions by topic, and show sources for every legal citation. It does not send anything to an AI service or include your contact fields.

Your record description may still contain sensitive details. Review and edit the prompt before pasting it into another service. Check its citations and final letter yourself.

Relevant topic (optional)

Generated letter

Review the letter, then send it. If the public body denies your request or doesn't respond, the Request for Review builder can help you appeal to the Public Access Counselor. The denial guide andno-response guide explain those paths.

Open in email

Denied or ignored?

The appeal builder will start with this public body and these records already filled in.

Denied or ignored? Start an appeal →