Filing an Appeal

Any person denied access to Board records requested pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) may file a written appeal with the Board, as follows:

  • You may file a FOIA appeal electronically; in writing to the Office of the Secretary, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 2001 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20551; or by facsimile to the Office of the Secretary at (202) 872-7565. The appeal must prominently display the phrase FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT APPEAL on the first page.
  • The appeal must be filed within 90 working days of the date on which the denial was issued or the date on which documents in partial response to the request were transmitted to the requester, whichever is later.
  • The Board may consider an untimely appeal if it is accompanied by a written request for leave to file an untimely appeal; and the Board determines, in its discretion and for good and substantial cause shown, that the appeal should be considered.
  • The Board will make a determination regarding any appeal within 20 working days of actual receipt of the appeal by the Office of the Secretary, and the determination letter will notify the appealing party of the right to seek judicial review.
  • The Board may reconsider a denial while an appeal is pending, if intervening circumstances or additional facts not known at the time of the denial come to the attention of the Board.
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Last Update: February 14, 2024