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How to Cite a Government Document in Chicago (17th edition)

Learn how to cite government reports, legislation, and official documents in Chicago format (17th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Chicago Bibliography Format

Here is the standard Chicago format for citing a government document in your bibliography:

Country, Agency Name. Title of Document. Place: Publisher, Year.

Chicago In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(Agency Name 2024, 12)

Narrative

Agency Name (2024) states...

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your government document.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Chicago (17th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Chicago requirements.

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Cite a Government Document in Other Styles

Government Document in APAGovernment Document in MLAGovernment Document in HarvardGovernment Document in VancouverGovernment Document in IEEE

Cite Other Sources in Chicago

Website in ChicagoBook in ChicagoJournal Article in ChicagoYouTube Video in ChicagoPodcast in ChicagoNewspaper Article in ChicagoPDF in ChicagoInterview in ChicagoSocial Media Post in ChicagoDissertation or Thesis in ChicagoConference Paper in ChicagoLecture or PowerPoint in ChicagoImage or Photograph in Chicago

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