What is a Bivens complaint?

A Bivens complaint is a federal lawsuit against individual federal officers for constitutional violations. It allows you to sue FBI, DEA, ATF, Border Patrol, and other federal agents for violations of your Fourth, Fifth, or First Amendment rights.

Can I sue federal agents without a lawyer?

Yes. You have the right to file a Bivens action pro se (representing yourself) in federal district court. Our tool helps you generate the complaint document needed to file.

What federal agencies can I sue under Bivens?

You can sue individual officers from FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, TSA, U.S. Marshals, IRS, Secret Service, and other federal agencies for constitutional violations.

How much does it cost to file a Bivens complaint?

Federal court filing fees are $402, but you can request a fee waiver (In Forma Pauperis) if you cannot afford it. Our complaint generator is completely free.

Abused by Federal Agents? Generate Free Bivens Complaint Pro Se

Step 1: Court Selection

Federal District Court *

Where the violation occurred or where you reside

Case Number (if already filed)

Step 2: Your Information (Plaintiff)

Full Legal Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone Number

Email Address

Citizenship Status *

Step 3: Federal Officer Defendants

List all federal officers involved. Include names if known, or use "John/Jane Doe" with detailed descriptions.

Federal Agency *

Primary Officer Name

Use "John/Jane Doe" if name is unknown

Primary Officer Description

Additional Officers Involved

Step 4: Incident Details

Date of Incident *

Approximate Time

Location of Incident *

What Were You Doing Before the Incident? *

Be specific about your peaceful, lawful conduct

Describe the Federal Officers' Actions *

Include exact words spoken, physical actions, duration, witnesses present

Your Response/Conduct

Was There a Warrant?

Step 5: Constitutional Violations

Select all constitutional violations that occurred:

Fourth Amendment - Excessive Force
Unreasonable or disproportionate force used during arrest or detention

Fourth Amendment - Unreasonable Search
Search without warrant, consent, or valid exception

Fourth Amendment - Unreasonable Seizure
Arrest or detention without probable cause

Fifth Amendment - Due Process
Deprived of life, liberty, or property without proper procedures

Fifth Amendment - Equal Protection
Discriminated against based on race, ethnicity, religion, etc.

First Amendment - Retaliation
Punished for exercising free speech, religion, or assembly rights

Why Were the Officers' Actions Unlawful? *

Step 6: Injuries and Damages

Physical Injuries *

Medical Treatment Received

Medical Expenses (approximate)

Emotional/Psychological Harm *

Mental Health Treatment

Lost Wages/Income

Time missed from work due to incident, injuries, or court proceedings

Other Economic Losses

Permanent Effects

Step 7: Review & Generate

Review your information below. Use "Previous" to make changes.

Important Disclaimers

This is a template. You must review and customize it for your specific case.
Bivens actions have strict limitations. Many claims are now barred by recent Supreme Court decisions.
Qualified immunity often protects federal officers unless rights were "clearly established."
Statute of limitations varies by circuit (typically 2-3 years).
Strongly consider consulting a federal civil rights attorney.

Next Steps:
1. Download and carefully review the complaint
2. Attach evidence as exhibits
3. File with federal district court
4. Pay $402 filing fee or file fee waiver (IFP) application
5. Serve defendants according to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

Bivens Complaint Generator: Sue Federal Officers