Subsection (a)(2) of the FOIA requires that certain types of records -- final agency opinions and orders rendered in the adjudication of cases, specific policy statements, certain administrative staff manuals, and some records previously processed for disclosure under the Act -- be routinely made "available for public inspection and copying.” This was commonly referred to as the "Reading Room" provision.

In addition to the documents linked to below, most offices or bureaus within the Department of State maintain their own websites and post releases electronically, including reports, background notes, remarks and fact sheets. A list of the offices and bureaus within the Department is available at Bureaus and Offices List.

Department of State Regulations​

• 22 Code of Federal Regulations

• Bureau of Consular Affairs, Law and Policy

• Department of State Acquisitions Regulations

• Department of State Standardized Regulations

• International Traffic in Arms Regulations

Final Opinions and Administrative Rulings​

• Directorate of Defense Trade Controls​

• Foreign Service Grievance Board​

Policies and Procedures

• Foreign Affairs Manual and associated Handbooks​​

Historical Documents​

• Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS)​

• Digital FRUS​

• State Department Records at National Archives​

• Department of State website archives​

Other Links and Publications​

• Department of State Reports and Publications​​

• Digest of United States Practice in International Law​

• U.S. Embassies and Other Posts​

• Treaty Affairs​​

• Open Gov Initiative​

Last modified on: 02/24/2025