# What is the Federal Register?

The **Federal Register** is the official daily journal of the federal government of the United
States. Published every weekday (except federal holidays) by the Office of the Federal Register
(National Archives and Records Administration) and printed by the Government Publishing Office, it
is the government's primary means of announcing changes to federal requirements, policies, and
guidance.

The Federal Register includes:

- **Presidential Documents:** Executive orders and proclamations
- **Rules:** Final regulations issued by federal agencies
- **Proposed Rules:** Draft regulations open for public comment
- **Notices:** Public announcements from federal agencies

Created in 1935, the Federal Register has been published continuously since March 16, 1936. Final
rules published in the Federal Register are codified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). See
[Understanding Legal Citations](/background/legal-citations) for how these fit together.

To read the original documents, visit [www.federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/).