2026-22165·DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Electronic Payments for FOIA Requests

Final RuleFinal Rule

Published: Oct 30, 2026
Effective: Nov 30, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 68447
Docket: Docket No. DHS-2021-0020
Agencies: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, Office of the Secretary

Final rule.

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revised its rules for handling fees tied to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act requests. The update adds a new way for people and organizations to pay those fees: they can now make electronic payments directly through DHS’s FOIA processing system, using the federal payment portal pay.gov or any other method DHS specifies. This change is intended to speed up the payment process, reduce paperwork, and make it easier for requesters to complete their transactions. The rule is issued by DHS and applies to anyone who files a FOIA or Privacy Act request with the Department—including individuals, businesses, journalists, and nonprofit groups. It also affects DHS components that process these requests, as they must now accept and manage electronic payments in accordance with the new guidance. The final rule was published on October 30, 2026, and becomes effective on November 30, 2026. No public comment period is required for this final rule, so the Department will begin implementing the electronic‑payment option after the effective date, and requesters can start using pay.gov for their FOIA‑related fees at that time.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS or Department) is updating its regulations related to the payment of fees arising from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act of 1974 requests to add the option for requesters to submit electronic payments via the Department's FOIA processing system, which can be made using pay.gov, or as otherwise directed by DHS and its components.