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: Yeah, hi. I filed a FOIL request some days ago and would like to know how long i'll have to wait before be able to inspect the documents and where it will be?

assistant: It certainly takes a while. Yo must be patient, because is not custom that records are produced the same day  they are requested. The standard time frame is at least 20 business days after receiving written acknowledgement from the FOIL office.

assistant: Did you provided a phone number along your request?

user: No, i didn't do that.

user: My FOIL request has been rejected, can i file a appeal?

assistant: That rejection has been for a whole or only for a part of your request?

user: It was for a part on the information requested, yes.

assistant: You may indeed appeal the rejection then. You must proceed writing before 30 days from the date of denial for your FOIL request. It must contain a description of the contents which were rejected and have your appeal identified with the date of your record request.

user: Thank for the answer. Last question, please. what can i expect to happens when my requested records are ready to inspection?

assistant: When that happens, you just need to go to the Customer Service Counter Room, any day from Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 3:45 pm. There you'll be able to inspect the records you requested.