FBI Records: how to search, request and use them

Want clear info on FBI records without the legal jargon? This page explains what those files are, where to find them, and how reporters or the public can get access. You’ll learn quick search tips, what to expect from redactions, and smart ways to use the material in a story or background check.

What are FBI records and where to look

FBI records include investigative files, memos, photos, and reports created by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Many are public, some are partially redacted, and others stay closed for privacy or security reasons. The main public source is the FBI Vault (vault.fbi.gov), a searchable online archive of released files. Courts, libraries, and news outlets also host copies of high-profile documents.

If you’re outside the U.S., FBI records still matter: they can show ties in international investigations, background checks for foreign nationals, or evidence used in cross-border legal cases. Journalists use these files to verify events, timelines, and official statements.

How to get records: FOIA and practical tips

Want a file the Vault doesn’t have? File a FOIA request (Freedom of Information Act). FOIA lets anyone ask federal agencies for records. The FBI has an online FOIA portal where you submit a request, specify the records you want, and track progress. Be specific: include names, date ranges, places, and keywords. Broad requests cause delays and denials.

Expect redactions. Names of informants, ongoing investigation details, or national-security material are commonly removed. If the FBI denies or heavily redacts a record, you can appeal or ask a journalist or lawyer for help. Appeals sometimes reduce redactions or force a full release.

Search tips: try multiple spellings of names, include nicknames, add date filters, and use related keywords (agency names, operations, locations). For older records, check scanned PDF collections—search engines struggle with images, so use the Vault’s internal search when possible.

Practical uses: reporters verify claims, researchers trace timelines, employers or universities check backgrounds, and lawyers use records in court. But context matters: a pasted quote from an FBI memo can be misleading without the full file. Always read surrounding pages and check dates and authors.

Finally, watch for scams and misinformation. Copies traded on social media might be edited or out of context. Always compare to the official Vault release or the FOIA-produced file. If you’re unsure about interpreting a document, reach out to a journalist or legal expert.

Need help finding a specific FBI file? Try our site search or contact our newsroom — we can point you to Vault links and FOIA resources relevant to the article or topic you’re following.