It can also be helpful to mention the nature of your relationship with the agency (former employee, participant in an agency program, etc.), if any, and include the dates of your involvement.

You may want to state where you lived and/or were active. Some files will only be available from an agency's field office. In this case, you should ask the agency to check the relevant field office's records.

Write a separate letter requesting a field check. Some agencies do not systematically carry out field checks, even when asked. For the FBI headquarters, for example, separate letters must be written to each field office.

Remember to make requests for personal records under both the FOIA and the Privacy Act.