Best Way to Send a Fax to the Federal Government

Sending a fax to the federal government can seem like a daunting task. Because the government is a collection of departments, bureaus and branches, it is important to know which area to contact before beginning. If you have questions about specific issues then contact the office that handles those items. For example, if you want to voice your opinion on an upcoming congressional vote, contact your local representative's office.

Locate Your Representative

Determine who your congressional representative is if you do not already know. Visit the USA.gov website and click on the link to contact elected officials, then click on the photo captioned "US Congress and White House."

Obtain Contact Information
Select either the US representative or Senator's website, open the link and enter your zip code into the "find your representative." The name of your representative and their website link is listed. Visit the website and obtain the general phone number--if the fax number is not also listed--for the representative's office, then call to get the fax number. 

Prepare Your Communication
Set up a cover sheet, which should include your full name and to whom the fax is directed. For example: Attention: the Honorable US Representative Joe Smith. The fax can be written in the form of a formal business communication with your address, recipient's address, the date and purpose of the letter, followed by the letter. Indent all paragraphs on the left side and space one line between each new paragraph.

Don't forget to include your full contact information. As you may receive a response by email, or even a piece of written correspondence. This is especially important if you are requesting help with a matter concerning a federal agency.

Send the Fax
Remember your representatives are there to assist you with your contact with the federal government. Their office is often the best place to start when you have questions or need to contact a federal agency.