How to cite a government website in APA
Generally, it is not necessary to cite a website in a reference entry in APA style. According to the APA guidelines, one can simply add the URL of the website as an in-text citation, e.g.:
The website USA gov (https://www.usa.gov/) claims to be an online guide to government information and services.
To cite a government website in a reference entry in APA style 7th edition include the following elements:
- Author(s) of government website: Give the last name and initials (e. g. Watson, J. D.) of up to 20 authors with the last name preceded by an ampersand (&). For 21 or more authors include the first 19 names followed by an ellipsis (…) and add the last author's name.
- Date of publication: Give the year, month and day in brackets followed by a full stop, e.g. (2019, June 13).
- Title of the webpage: Give the title of the specific webpage an italicize.
- Title of the website: Give the official title of the website.
- URL: Give the full URL of the web page including the protocol (http:// or https://).
Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of a government website in APA style 7th edition:
. (Date of publication). Title of the webpage. Title of the website. URL
APA reference list examples
Take a look at our reference list examples that demonstrate the APA style guidelines for a government website citation in action:
A website by a government agency
. (n.d.). Becoming a research volunteer: It's your decision. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/sites/default/files/ohrp/education/ brochures/3panelfinal.pdf
A website by a government agency
. (2018, Oct 19). Managing someone else's money: Guidebooks for financial caregivers. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/managing-someone-elses-money/
Note: When the author and website name are the same, omit the website name from the citation.
This citation style guide is based on the official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th edition).