Creating a New Online (PAL) Account

1. Begin by clicking on the Register link on the upper-right corner of the main menu.
2. Fill in the Contact and Account Information fields and click Save to create your new account.

Note:

• Minimum information required includes First Name, Last Name, Address, Email Address, Default Category, User Name and Hint Question and Answer.
• Your User Name and a temporary password will be emailed to you. Please be sure to enter a valid email address while creating your account.
• Expect an email with the User Name and a temporary password within 24 hours. If you do not receive the aforementioned, then send an email to EOIR.FOIARequests@usdoj.gov for assistance.

Signing in with a New/Existing Online (PAL) Accounts

1. Select the Sign In link on the upper-right corner of the main menu.
2. Provide your User Name.
3. Provide your account’s Password.
4. Select the Sign In button to complete the login process.

Note: If you forgot your User Name or Password please select the Forgot User Name or Password? button, enter your Email Address, and click either Recover User Name or Reset Password depending on your issue.

Submitting a FOIA Request (Login Required)

1. After logging into the PAL, begin by clicking on the Submit Request on the top-middle of the sub-menu.
2. Under General Information, select the Action Office that best matches your type of request. Note: selecting the incorrect action office will change the fields that follow and could result in an improper request. Follow the table to make the correct selection.
3. After selecting the Action Office, wait a few seconds for the page to update. Then, select the one Request Type that appears in the drop-down menu. Do not select the Request Type before the Action Office.
4. Read instructions carefully to enter your information as precisely as possible in the rest of the form to ensure the most expeditious processing of your request.
5. After clicking the submit button, please wait for a verification message. A verification email will also be sent shortly after submission, letting you know that EOIR has received the request. The email will also provide you with your request number.

Checking FOIA Request Status

1. To check the status of the request, click Check Request Status in the sub-menu.
2. Note: If you are logged in to the PAL, you will see more information. However, you can still search for a request and view the general status without being logged in to the PAL.
3. Compare the request status to the status description in the table proceeding the Request Number list.
4. If logged into the PAL, click the Request Number to view a copy of the request as submitted and submit an update to the proof of Identity/Consent section, if necessary.