How to Cite a Report in Bluebook (21st Edition)

This guide explains how to format a report citation in Bluebook (21st Edition). Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a report in Bluebook (21st Edition):

Template

Institution, Title (Report No., Year).

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

See footnote 7 (superscript in text).

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

U.S. Gov't Accountability Off., Federal Student Loans: Actions Needed to Improve Oversight of Schools' Default Rates, GAO-18-163, at 12 (2018).

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the author or organisation
Write the full name of the organisation, abbreviating per Bluebook Table T6 (abbreviations for institutional authors).
2
Write the report title
In law review format, report titles appear in small capitals. Use title case.
3
Add the document number
Include the official report or publication number after the title.
4
Add the year
Place the year in parentheses. End with a period.
5
Include a URL if online
Add the URL followed by a 'last visited' parenthetical for online reports.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not abbreviating the organisation name per Bluebook tables.
Italicising the title (Bluebook uses small capitals for report titles in law review format).
Omitting the document or publication number.
Adding a URL without a 'last visited' parenthetical.
Placing the year outside the parentheses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I abbreviate government agency names in Bluebook?

Bluebook Table T6 provides abbreviations for common institutional authors and government entities. For example, 'National' abbreviates to 'Nat'l' and 'Department' abbreviates to 'Dep't'.

Does Bluebook require the report number?

Yes, if one is available. The document or publication number helps readers locate the specific report and is an important identifying element.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your report:

Author(s) or Organization
Year of publication
Title of report
Report number (if applicable)
Publisher or issuing organization
URL or DOI

Generate citations automatically with CiteDash

Stop formatting citations by hand. CiteDash automatically generates accurate Bluebook (21st Edition) citations for all your sources while you research and write.

Start Free Trial More Bluebook (21st Edition) Guides

Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the author or organisation

Write the full name of the organisation, abbreviating per Bluebook Table T6 (abbreviations for institutional authors).

Write the report title

In law review format, report titles appear in small capitals. Use title case.

Add the document number

Include the official report or publication number after the title.

Add the year

Place the year in parentheses. End with a period.

Include a URL if online

Add the URL followed by a 'last visited' parenthetical for online reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I abbreviate government agency names in Bluebook?

Bluebook Table T6 provides abbreviations for common institutional authors and government entities. For example, 'National' abbreviates to 'Nat'l' and 'Department' abbreviates to 'Dep't'.

Does Bluebook require the report number?

Yes, if one is available. The document or publication number helps readers locate the specific report and is an important identifying element.