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: I'm looking for some FOIL info about how to file a request, please.

user: It is necessary that i use FOIL to search for DMV records?

assistant: Not necessarily. You could try to submit a form MV-15. That would be a Request for DMV Records.

user: I see. Is there any difference using one instead the other?

assistant: Certainly, there is. As many documents are available in that way, you'll have more possibilities to receive records sooner using MV-15 than filing a FOIL request.

user: So, you encourage me to always go for this MV-15 first?

assistant: Yes, definitely encourage you to do that. Most times, it will save you many troubles and will speed up your requests.

user: I'll take that in consideration, thanks. Anyway, if i decide to go with FOIL request, is there any fee i have to pay?

assistant: Indeed, there is. You'll be charged $10 fee in order to determine if your records are available, but be aware that you paying doesn't mean you'll receive any records at all. So, the fee is not refundable.

assistant: Are you going to request any copy of the documents?

user: No, i don't have any plans to do that.

user: Is there any condition about the document having personal information?

assistant: If happens to have some of that, you must also include a cpy of your driver license or other government ID card, in order to identify your permissible use for the record you requested.