Using the Freedom of Information Act for Genealogy Records

Genealogy Research Guides Subject Index

Birth, Marriage & Death Records

Cemeteries & Obituaries

Census Records

Free Genealogy Stuff

Historical Newspapers

Military Records

Naturalization Records

Passenger Lists & Records

People & Places

Main Page
Using the Freedom of Information Act to Obtain Genealogy Records

Some commonly requested records for genealogy purposes using the Federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) are Social Security SS-5 forms (the form filled out when applying for a Social Security Card); post-September, 1906 Naturalization Records from the INS (now called the USCIS); and World War Two-era Alien Registration Records (also from the INS).

Note that the Freedom of Information Act is a Federal Act and only applies to Federal agencies. It does not apply to local or state governmental agencies. You will find, however, that some local and state governments may have their own similar freedom of information or privacy acts.

Return to the Main Page - Genealogy Research Guides

Birth, Marriage & Death Records | Cemeteries & Obituaries | Census Records | Free Stuff | Historical Newspapers
Military Records | Naturalization Records | Passenger Lists - Immigration Records | People & Places