District of Columbia
District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act
D.C. Code sections 2-531 to 2-540
Transparency Score: 77/100
Response Timeline
15 business days for initial response (D.C. Code section 2-532). Agency may extend by an additional 10 business days with written notice and explanation of 'unusual circumstances.' Total maximum is 25 business days.
No residency requirement. Any person may request records from DC government agencies regardless of location or citizenship.
How to Submit a Request
Accepted Methods
Requests should be directed to the agency's FOIA officer. DC government provides a central FOIA portal. Written requests are recommended. Must reasonably describe the records sought.
Required Elements
- Description of records requested (reasonably specific)
- Requester name and contact information
Optional Elements
- Preferred format (paper vs electronic)
- Fee waiver request with justification
- Expedited processing request with justification
Fees
Reasonable fees may be charged. Non-commercial requesters receive the first 2 hours of search time free. Commercial requesters may be charged for search, review, and duplication. Agencies should provide advance fee estimates.
Fee Waivers
- Fees waived or reduced when disclosure is in the public interest and not primarily for commercial benefit
- First 2 hours of search time free for non-commercial requesters
- Reduced fees for media and educational institution requesters
DC provides fee waivers when disclosure is in the public interest and not primarily for commercial purposes. Non-commercial requesters automatically receive the first 2 hours of search free.
Exemptions
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Personnel and medical files, disclosure of which would constitute unwarranted invasion of privacy
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Trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person which is privileged or confidential
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Records compiled for law enforcement purposes that could interfere with proceedings or investigations
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Attorney-client privileged communications and attorney work product
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Inter-agency or intra-agency memoranda reflecting deliberative process
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Records relating to security measures and infrastructure protection
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Records relating to regulation of financial institutions
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Geological and geophysical information and data
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Information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute invasion of privacy
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Testing or examination materials used for licensing or employment purposes
DC FOIA exemptions closely mirror the federal FOIA exemptions. Agencies must justify withholding under specific exemptions. Discretionary exemptions allow but do not require withholding. The deliberative process privilege protects pre-decisional documents.
Appeal Process
1
Appeal to the Mayor's office or contact the DC Office of Open Government for mediation and advisory opinions
2
File civil action in DC Superior Court to compel disclosure
Requesters may appeal to the Mayor's office or seek assistance from the DC Office of Open Government. The Open Government Office can issue advisory opinions. If administrative remedies are unsatisfactory, requesters may file suit in DC Superior Court.
Request Templates
NFOIC District of Columbia Sample Request →
National Freedom of Information Coalition
RCFP Open Government Guide - District of Columbia →
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Records Retention
D.C. Law 6-19; D.C. Municipal Regulations Title 1, Chapter 15
The Office of Public Records issues General Records Schedules for common DC Government agency functions and reviews agency-specific retention schedules. The DC Archivist and Public Records Administrator approve all schedules.