So you want to comment on a rule — also called a federal policy. Maybe you heard about it in the news, from a friend, on social media, or on a podcast. The rule affects your life or the world around you, and you have something to say.
That's exactly how this is supposed to work. Anyone can comment, and your voice truly matters. And don't worry — you don't need any special training to get started.
This guide will walk you through how to find the rule, submit your comment, and stay involved. We'll answer common questions along the way.
Quick note on language: You may hear rules called "proposed rules" or "draft rules." That just means they aren't final yet. On this page, we use the word rule to keep things simple. Unfamiliar with any of the terms on this page? Our plain-language Glossary explains them all.
How to submit your first comment
Find the rule.
The official place to find and comment on federal rules is regulations.gov.
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Go to regulations.gov.
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Search for the rule using keywords. You can also refine your search by:
- Agency (for example, DOJ for the Department of Justice, or HHS for Health and Human Services)
- The date the rule was published
- Type of document (for example, "proposed rule")
Refining your search helps make sure you've found the right rule.
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If you know the comment period is currently open, check the box that says "Only show documents open for comment."
You can also find and read rules on federalregister.gov, but you must go to regulations.gov to submit your comment.
Check when comments are due.
Every open rule has a deadline. Look for it on the rule's page on regulations.gov.
- Most rules have 30- or 60-day comment periods. Submit your comment before the deadline — late comments may not be considered.
- If you need more time: Submit a comment as soon as possible asking the agency to extend the deadline. Note that they may say no, so try to meet the original deadline if you can.
Learn about the rule.
Rules are often long and dense. You don't need to read every word.
To get a quick overview, try these approaches:
- Start with the rule's executive summary (usually near the top).
- Look for fact sheets or plain-language explainers from the agency or from advocacy groups.
- Use AI tools (like ChatGPT or Claude) to help summarize the rule — just double-check any important details, since AI can sometimes get things wrong.
- Read comments others have already submitted to get ideas. Find them in the "Comments" tab on the rule's page on regulations.gov.
Write your comment.
Your comment doesn't need to sound legal or technical. Even a short paragraph can make a difference.
- Focus on how the rule affects you and your community. Be specific. Tell the agency what you think should change and why it matters.
- You can submit anonymously. You do not have to include your name.
- You can use AI to help draft your comment — just review it carefully so it's accurate and says what you actually want to say.
For more tips on writing an effective comment, see: regulations.gov commenting guidance and the Writing Adverse Comments guide (PDF).
Submit your comment — you're almost done!
Head back to regulations.gov to submit your comment.
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Go to your rule on regulations.gov.
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Find and select the "Comment" button on the rule's page.
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Type your comment in the text box, or upload a document. Then submit.
Privacy reminder: You can comment anonymously. Do not include personal information like your date of birth, or confidential business information. Your comment may be publicly viewable.
Stay involved after you comment.
Your comment has been submitted — but the process isn't over yet.
After the comment period closes, the agency reviews all the comments and may change the rule. It then usually publishes a final rule that responds to the major themes raised in the comments. Sometimes the agency withdraws the rule entirely.
To stay up to date:
- Set a search alert for the rule on regulations.gov.
- Check federalregister.gov for updates.
- Follow news sources or podcasts — especially where you first heard about the rule.
Also check whether the agency extends the comment period or asks for additional public input.
More information on rulemaking and the regulatory process
If you want to learn more about how this all works, here are some helpful resources: