Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows any person the right to request access to Wage and Hour Division records, data or information. Like all federal agencies in the Executive Branch, WHD is required to disclose records requested in writing by any person. However, WHD may withhold information pursuant to nine exemptions and three exclusions contained in the statute.

Documents on Website / WHD FOIA Reading Room: The entire WHD website is considered our FOIA reading room. The WHD posts a great deal of information on our website for ease of public access. Therefore, before making a FOIA request you may want to review the links on this webpage. Just go to Links to Commonly Requested Documents/Data/Information located in the red box to the right. You may find that the information you are interested in is already posted. Additionally, you may check the DOL library , in the electronic Department of Labor FOIA Reading Room. We encourage the public to explore WHD and DOL’s websites or use our search engine to see if the information you seek is already available to the public via the web.

Making a FOIA Request: The Department of Labor and WHD does not require a special form in order to make a FOIA request. Your request must reasonably describe the records you seek. You do not have to give the record's name or title, but the more specific you are, the more likely it will be that the record you seek can be located. Requests must be in writing and be submitted by fax, courier service or postal mail. If using this method click on the WHD National Office FOIA Contact for the fax, courier service or postal mail information. You may also submit your request via email to foiarequest@dol.gov. Note, this is the only email address used for FOIA requests. If you use any other email address your request will not be considered properly received by the agency.

WHD National Office Fax, Courier, Postal Information: The WHD National Office, which is also the WHD FOIA Service Center, processes all requests for WHD documents. To obtain WHD documents you may contact the WHD National Office. If you believe that WHD does maintain the records you are seeking but you do not know the division which has the records, you may submit a written FOIA request to:

How to check the status of your WHD FOIA request:

You may use the FOIA tracking number to check the status of your request on the Department FOIA Public Portal at www.dol.gov/general/foia.

FOIA Status Phone Number: 202-693-1004
FOIA Email: Status Inquiries Only WHD-FOIA@dol.gov
Fax: 202-693-0637
Please include your name, contact information and the FOIA tracking number in your message.