I do Phase 1 Environmental Assessments on properties for work, and I occasionally have to FOIL documents from town clerk offices. A town in the Capital District is asking for a driver’s license or other government photo ID on their request form. Is this legal, or can I simply request FOIL access without sending them a copy of my ID?
We have never heard of any agency requesting identification in order to process a FOIL request.
People are allowed to make anonymous FOIL requests, as stated in the opinion below.
Committee on Open Government advisory opinion (PDF)
We hope this helps.
