Filing an ADA Complaint with the DOJ

The Department of Justice investigates complaints of ADA violations, including inaccessible websites. This guide walks you through the complaint process step by step.

No Cost to File

Filing a complaint with the DOJ is free. You do not need a lawyer to file a complaint, though you may consult one if you wish.

Before You File

Consider These Steps First:
  1. Contact the organization directly: Many accessibility issues can be resolved by contacting the organization's customer service or accessibility contact. Document your communication.
  2. Document the barriers: Take screenshots, note specific URLs, and record the date/time you encountered issues.
  3. Try alternative access: If offered, note whether alternative access methods (phone, in-person) were available.
  4. Keep records: Save all correspondence with the organization.
Important: There is no deadline for filing ADA complaints with the DOJ, but filing promptly while details are fresh is recommended.

Step-by-Step Filing Process

Step 1: Access the Online Portal

Visit the DOJ Civil Rights Division complaint portal at civilrights.justice.gov. The online form is the preferred method.

Step 2: Provide Your Information

You will need to provide:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Whether you are filing on your own behalf or for someone else
  • Your relationship to the person (if filing for someone else)
Step 3: Identify the Entity

Provide information about the organization you are complaining about:

  • Organization name
  • Address
  • Website URL (for web accessibility complaints)
  • Type of entity (business, government, etc.)
Step 4: Describe the Discrimination

Provide a detailed description of:

  • What accessibility barriers you encountered
  • When the discrimination occurred (dates)
  • Specific web pages or features that were inaccessible
  • What assistive technology you use
  • How the barriers affected you
Step 5: Attach Evidence

Upload supporting documents:

  • Screenshots of inaccessible pages
  • Correspondence with the organization
  • Screen reader output or error messages
  • Any other relevant documentation
Step 6: Submit and Save Confirmation

After submission, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this for your records. The DOJ will contact you about the status of your complaint.

Alternative Filing Methods

By Mail
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Disability Rights Section - NYA
Washington, D.C. 20530
By Phone

ADA Information Line:

1-800-514-0301 (Voice)

1-833-610-1264 (TTY)

M-W, F: 9:30am - 12pm and 3pm - 5:30pm ET
Th: 2:30pm - 5:30pm ET

What Happens After You File

DOJ Review Process:
  1. Acknowledgment: You will receive confirmation that your complaint was received.
  2. Review: DOJ staff reviews the complaint to determine if it falls within their jurisdiction.
  3. Possible outcomes:
    • Investigation opened
    • Referred to another agency (OCR, FCC, etc.)
    • Mediation referral
    • No action (if outside jurisdiction)
  4. Timeline: The DOJ receives many complaints. Investigation can take months to years depending on complexity and priorities.
Note: Filing a DOJ complaint does not prevent you from also filing a private lawsuit or complaint with other agencies.

Tips for Effective Complaints

Do
  • Be specific about barriers encountered
  • Include dates and URLs
  • Describe your disability and AT used
  • Attach screenshots and evidence
  • Note any prior contact with entity
  • Keep copies of everything
Don't
  • Make vague or general statements
  • Omit your contact information
  • Wait too long (memories fade)
  • Expect immediate resolution
  • File duplicate complaints
File Online

The fastest way to file is through the DOJ's online portal.

civilrights.justice.gov
ADA Hotline

Voice: 1-800-514-0301

TTY: 1-833-610-1264

Get help with questions about the ADA and filing complaints.

Other Agencies
WSC Reporting

You can also report inaccessible websites to WSC to help us track compliance issues.

Report to WSC