The New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request forms are used to request access to public records from a variety of New York State government agencies. The FOIL request is a written request for specific records from any state or local government agency, or any of its subdivisions. It is the mechanism by which the public can exercise its right to access public records. The New York Freedom of Information Law request forms are available in two types: a generic FOIL request form, and a specific agency FOIL request form. The generic FOIL request form can be used to request access to any records maintained by any state or local government agency, or any of its subdivisions. The specific agency FOIL request form should be used when requesting records from a specific agency. Both forms require the requester to provide information such as the requester's name, address, and contact information; the type of records being requested; a description of the records; and how the requester wishes to receive the records. The requester must also state why access to the records is being sought.