How long does an Illinois FOIA request take?

Illinois public bodies must respond to FOIA requests within 5 business days of receipt. They may extend this by 5 additional business days for complex requests. If they deny your request, you can appeal to the Public Access Counselor at the Illinois Attorney General's office.

Can I get a police report through FOIA in Illinois?

Yes. Police reports are public records in Illinois and can be requested via FOIA. Some information may be redacted if it relates to an ongoing investigation, identifies a juvenile, or is otherwise exempt under 5 ILCS 140/7. Use our FOIA generator to create a request for any Illinois law enforcement agency.

Is there a fee for Illinois FOIA requests?

Illinois agencies may charge for the actual cost of copying records (typically $0.15 per page) but cannot charge for the first 50 pages. Electronic records must be provided free of charge. Agencies cannot charge for the time spent searching for records.

Illinois FOIA — 5 ILCS 140

Illinois FOIA Request Generator

Generate a legally correct, ready-to-send FOIA letter for any Illinois government agency in under 3 minutes.

Police reportsBody cam footage911 recordingsArrest recordsCourt files

What records are you requesting?

Which agency holds these records?

Don't see your agency?

Any Illinois government agency is subject to FOIA. Address your request to the "FOIA Officer" at the agency's main address. Illinois law requires a response within 5 business days.

Your rights under Illinois FOIA (5 ILCS 140)

Any person can request public records — no reason required

Agencies must respond within 5 business days

Fees limited to actual copying costs (not search time)

Denials must cite specific statutory exemptions

You can appeal to the IL Public Access Counselor for free

Willful violations can result in civil penalties

FREE TEMPLATESFree Download

Illinois FOIA Request Templates Bundle

10 Pre-Written Templates for Public Safety Records — 12 pages, PDF