How to Get a Police Report in Chicago

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you are probably searching to “get police report” in order to support your insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Our experienced car accident attorneys have put together this useful guide for getting a traffic crash report in Chicago.

Order a Chicago Traffic Crash Report Online

You can order Chicago traffic crash reports from 2016 to present online at: home.chicagopolice.org/services/traffic-crash-reports/.

What Is a Chicago Police Report?

The first document created following a motor vehicle accident is a police report. It is a document written by the police officer investigating the accident. The purpose of the report is to document all relevant details of the accident. This may include the names of all drivers involved, addresses, and contact information of all drivers, witnesses, and witness statements. The police report includes points of contact on the vehicles, injuries suffered, weather conditions, and whether any tickets were issued.

Why Do I Need a Copy of the Police Report After a Car Accident?

The police report will be necessary evidence for your insurance claim or personal injury case. It contains information necessary to the insurance company and your lawyer that will be used to:

• Provide details of the scene of the accident, the people, and the vehicles involved
• Show evidence of fault
• Determine the value of the property damage
• Assess the severity of your injuries

What Do I Need to Get a Copy of the Police Report?

Make sure you have:

• the date of crash
• the other driver’s first and last name
• the intersection or location of where the crash happened

Alternatively, if you have an RD number—a report number given by the Chicago Police Department (CPD) when a report is made—you can provide that to the responsible agency.

How Long Before the Police Report Is Available?

It generally takes a few business days before the police report is officially completed and is available to the general public.

How Do I Request a Copy of the Police Report?

For accidents investigated by the Chicago Police Department, you can get a Chicago police report online (also called a traffic crash report), in person at a police station, or by mail:

• Online, visit home.chicagopolice.org/services/traffic-crash-reports/
• In person, visit Central Police Headquarters at 3510 S. Michigan, 1st Floor, Room 1043 in Chicago, Illinois. Service hours are Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• By mail, use the following address: Chicago Police Department, Attention Records Inquiry and Customer Service Section, Unit 163, 3510 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60653. If you request the police report by mail, you will need a self addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order made payable to the “Department of Revenue, City of Chicago.”

How Much Does It Cost to Order a Police Report in Chicago?

The cost of a police report will depend on which type of report you are ordering.

Online Traffic Crash Report Cost

The cost for an online traffic crash report is $6.

In Person or Mailed Requests

• .50 cents for each copy of a case report
• $5.00 for each copy of a Traffic Crash Report requested in person or by mail
• $20.00 for a report from an accident reconstruction officer or team after a car crash
• $16.00 for a rap sheet

What Should I Do If My Police Report Is Incorrect?

You should contact the police department that issued the report immediately. They will provide guidance on how to submit or to file a correction or dispute the information.

Can I Obtain a Police Report If I Was Not Involved in the Accident?

In most cases, police reports are public records and can be obtained by anyone looking for information to support a personal injury or property damage claim. Apart from traffic crash reports, reports containing sensitive information related to an investigation may have that information removed.

How Long Is a Police Report Kept on File?

Police reports are typically kept on file indefinitely, and Chicago crash reports from 2016 to present are available online. Older reports can be requested via mail or in person.

What If My Accident Happened Outside of Chicago?

If your accident occurred outside of the city limits, you will need to contact the Illinois police department that investigated the accident. Most departments have a records division that can assist with obtaining a copy of the accident report.