File a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request[1] 


What is FOIL? 
The NY State Freedom of Information Law provides access to state and local government records. See the Committee on Open Government [2] for more information. 

Do I need to use FOIL? 
Many DMV records are available using the Request for DMV Records PDF [3] MV-15. Check the MV-15 form carefully before you submit a FOIL request for DMV records. If you use the MV-15 , you will often receive records sooner than if you submitted a FOIL request. 

What DMV Records may I request under FOIL? 
You may request any DMV records under FOIL. However , certain records or parts of records can be withheld under Section 87 of the NY State Public Officers Law. When you request DMV records under FOIL , DMV will send you a letter within 5 business days after we receive your request. This letter will tell you your request was received .. In most cases , the records will be made available within 20 business days from the date of the acknowledgment letter. In some cases , it may take longer than 20 business days to produce records under FOIL. If the DMV cannot provide your records within 20 business days , we will tell you the date the records will be available. See the DMV Subject Matter List of Records [4]. 

How do I make a FOIL request? 


Step 1: Determine if you need to request under FOIL 
Read the Request for DMV Records PDF [3] MV-15 to determine if the records are available without a request under the FOIL. If the record you are requesting is available by using the MV-15 , doing so may allow you to receive your records more quickly than filing a FOIL request. 

Step 2: Make your request in writing 
If you decide that you are eligible to request the records under FOIL , you must make your FOIL request in writing. To make a request under FOIL do one of the following complete the Freedom of Information Law Request Form PDF [5] MV - FOIL write a letter that describes the records you seek. Make sure you include you

user: Hi, good afternoon. I want to file a FOIL request, but i wanted to know if there is any fee involved?

assistant: There is, indeed. By law, we're authorized to charge $10 fee for searching. You must know that fee is only to determine if the requested information is available. It doesn't guarantee a information delivering. Plus, search fee isn't refundable. 

assistant: Can you tell me if you also have requested copies for that information, in case being available?

user: No, i haven't.

user: Anyway, in case i get the notification on my records being available for me to inspect them, what should i do then?

assistant: Just come to the Customer Service Counter Room in 136 Swan Street, Building Empire State Plaza, on any day from Monday through Friday. The service will be open from 8.30 am to 3:45 pm, except for state holidays.

user: I submitted a phone number with my request. Can i expect to be contacted in that way?

assistant: Yes. The FOIL office surely will use that phone number to contact and notify you when your records are ready for you to be inspected. If you didn't submit a phone, then you'll be notified by mail.

user: Ok, then i'll have it with me all times. Eh, some time ago i submitted a request but it was eventually denied. Can i file an appeal for that denied request?

user: It was a partial denial, by the way.

assistant: You may appeal the denial, indeed. The procedure is simple. Just write to DMV within 30 days from the denial's date. Proper FOIL request number and description of what was denied must accompany your writing.