Submit a Privacy Act Request

How to Submit a Privacy Act Request

If you want to request records about yourself that are kept in a National Security Agency (NSA) system of records, you can submit a Privacy Act Request.

Before You Begin: Special Requests

If you are a civilian employee looking for specific standard forms, do not use the general process. Use these direct email links instead:

 

Step 1: Write and Sign Your Request

To be processed, your request must meet these three requirements:

  1. Be in writing with enough detail to help us find the records.
  2. Include your signature (digital signature, scanned signature, or physical ink signature). Note: A typed name in a script or cursive font is not accepted.
  3. Include a signed Identity Verification Statement. Copy and sign the exact text below depending on where you are:
If inside the United States:
“I declare (or certify, verify, or state) under the penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on [Date]. [Signature].”
If outside the United States:
“I declare (or certify, verify, or state) under the penalty of perjury, under the laws of the United States of America, that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on [Date]. [Signature].”
 

Step 2: Choose Your Submission Method

You can submit your completed request in one of three ways:

Method Instructions & Requirements Where to Send
Email
  • Fill out and attach NSA Form O1869.
  • Or copy the template below into your email body.
  • Must be digitally signed.
 privacy_act_request@nsa.gov
Mail
  • Print and sign your request or Form O1869.
  • Send via USPS or commercial delivery.
 National Security Agency
Attn: FOIA/PA Office
9800 Savage Road, Suite 6932
Ft. George G. Meade, MD 20755-6932
Fax
  • Limit your transmission to 20 pages.
  • Clearly mark “Attention: FOIA/PA Office”.
 Fax Number:
443-479-3612

Email Template (Copy and paste into your email body if not using Form O1869)

Full Name:
Address (Street, City, State, Zip, Country):
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
Social Security Number (SSN):
Description of the records you seek:

[Insert signed Identity Verification Statement here]
 

What to Expect Next

Processing Times

We process requests on a first-in, first-out basis. Because requests vary in size and complexity, we cannot provide an average turnaround time. Processing times depend on:

  • How difficult it is to find the records.
  • The volume and sensitivity of the records.
  • Whether we need to coordinate with other NSA offices or external government agencies.

Urgent Requests (Expedited Treatment)

We will speed up (expedite) your request only if you can demonstrate a compelling need. This means proving that a delay would:

  • Pose an imminent threat to someone’s life or safety.
  • Cause an imminent loss of substantial due process rights.

To apply for expedited processing, you must include a written justification and certify that your explanation is true and correct.

Your Right to Appeal

If we deny your request, cannot find the records, or deny your request for expedited processing, you have the right to file an administrative appeal.
Questions? Contact the FOIA/PA Office at (301) 688-6527.

 

Legal Authority & Privacy Act Statement (5 U.S.C. 552a)

This section provides the legal basis for gathering this information.

  • Authority: 5 U.S.C. Section 552a, as amended; 32 C.F.R. Ch. 1, Parts 310 and 322; DoD Regulation 5400.11-R; and NSA/CSS Policy Instruction 12-0001. DoD Blanket Routine Uses (Appendix C, 32 CFR Part 310) and specific uses in GNSA 28 apply. Executive Order 9397, as amended, authorizes requesting your SSN.
  • Purpose: To process your Privacy Act request.
  • Disclosure: Voluntary. However, failing to provide the requested information or your SSN may delay or prevent us from processing your request or conducting a thorough search.