How to Get a Police Report in Chicago

If you have been involved in a traffic accident, you are probably searching “how to get a 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 guide with valuable information 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 the present online at: chicagopolice.org/traffic-crash-reports.

The first document created after a car accident is the police report. This report is written by the police officer investigating the crash and includes all the key details. It typically lists the names, addresses, and contact information of the drivers involved, as well as witness details and statements. The report also notes vehicle damage, any injuries, 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 the crash
• The other driver’s first and last name
• The intersection or location of where the crash happened

If you have an RD number—a report number issued by the Chicago Police Department (CPD) when filing a report—you can give it 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 https://www.chicagopolice.org/traffic-crash-reports/.

In Person

Visit Central Police Headquarters in person at 3510 S. Michigan Ave., 1st Floor, Room 1043, Chicago, Illinois. Service hours are Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

By Mail

Send your request to:

• Chicago Police Department
• Attention: Records Inquiry and Customer Service Section, Unit 163
• 3510 S. Michigan Ave.
• Chicago, Illinois 60653
• Make sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a check or money order made out to “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 $6.00.

In-Person or Mailed Requests

• $0.50 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 the 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 happened outside the city, contact the Illinois police department that handled the investigation. Most departments have a records division that can help you get a copy of the accident report.