(a) A person or entity seeking access to records available to the public under FOIL (FOIL requester) is to make such request, in writing:

(b) Requests for records are to be made in accordance with FOIL and reasonably describe the records sought, including applicable dates, titles, names, and other identifying information that will assist the department to locate the requested records.

(c) At the time a FOIL request is made, the FOIL requester may choose to receive copies of records or ask to inspect records in person. If the FOIL requester asks to inspect records, which are not excepted from disclosure under Public Officers Law section 87(2), the department shall contact the FOIL requester to schedule an appointment for the inspection of the records. Records shall be available for inspection from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on each regular working day at the Albany or New York City office of the department’s bureau or unit that is charged with maintaining, and possesses, the records requested.

(d) A FOIL requester that is denied access to the records of the department, or portions thereof, may submit a written appeal of the denial in accordance with Public Officers Law section 89(4)(a) or (5)(c), as applicable, to: Appeals Officer, New York State Department of Financial Services, Office of General Counsel, One State Street, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10004, or by sending an email to [email protected].