How to Write a 609 Letter to Dispute Credit Errors

A 609 letter is a tool consumers use to request information about items on their credit report or to challenge incorrect entries. It derives its name from Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a federal law designed to protect consumers from unfair credit reporting practices. This letter serves as a formal request for documentation or evidence that credit bureaus used to list an account or debt. Its primary purpose is to ensure the accuracy of information within a credit file, as mandated by the FCRA. If a credit bureau cannot verify the accuracy of a specific item by providing the required documentation, they must remove it from a consumer’s credit report.

Gathering Necessary Information

Before drafting a 609 letter, gather all relevant information and supporting documents. Consumers are entitled to a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. These reports can be obtained through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only website authorized by the federal government for this purpose. Review reports from all three bureaus, as information may vary.

Upon obtaining credit reports, examine each one to identify specific accounts or items for dispute. Note precise details for each entry, including the account number, creditor name, reported dates of delinquency, and any reported balances. The letter also requires personal identifying information to verify identity. This includes your full legal name, current address, any previous addresses from the past two years, your date of birth, and Social Security number.

Provide proof of identity and address to the credit bureaus. This typically involves submitting copies of documents such as a government-issued identification card, like a driver’s license, and a recent utility bill or bank statement. These supporting documents are sent along with the 609 letter but do not form part of its content. Send copies and retain all original documents for personal records.

Drafting Your 609 Letter

Drafting a 609 letter requires a clear, factual, and structured approach. Begin with a standard header including your full contact information and the current date. Below your information, include the specific credit bureau’s dispute department address. A professional salutation should precede the body of the letter.

A subject line like “Dispute of Account Information – Request for Validation” helps the bureau understand the letter’s purpose. In the opening paragraph, state your intent to dispute specific items under Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This section grants consumers the right to access all information in their credit file and its source.

For each disputed item, provide precise details from your credit report. This includes the account name, account number, and the exact reason for the dispute, such as “This account is inaccurate/unverified. Please provide original validation of this debt.” Emphasize that you are requesting original validation, not merely a printout. If the credit bureau cannot provide this validation, state that the item must be removed from your credit report. Maintain a concise, factual tone, avoiding emotional language or admissions of debt. Conclude with a professional closing, your typed name, and your physical signature.

Submitting Your Letter

Once the 609 letter and all necessary supporting documents are prepared, make copies of everything you intend to send: the completed 609 letter, your proof of identity, and your proof of address. Retain these copies for your records and for any potential follow-up.

Address the envelope to the specific credit bureau’s dispute department. While addresses can vary, they are typically found on the credit bureau’s official websites or on the credit report itself. Common addresses include Experian P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013; TransUnion Consumer Solutions P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016-2000; and Equifax Information Services LLC P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256.

Send the letter and accompanying documents via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested. This service provides proof of mailing and delivery, which can be invaluable if there are questions about whether the bureau received your correspondence.

Understanding the Response

After submitting a 609 letter, understand the expected response and timeline. Credit bureaus are required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to investigate disputes and respond within 30 days of receiving the letter. This period can extend to 45 days if additional information was provided after the initial dispute submission, or if the dispute was initiated after accessing a credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.

Consumers may receive several types of responses. One outcome is the validation of the debt, meaning the bureau confirmed the item’s accuracy and can provide documentation. Another possible response is the deletion of the item from the credit report if the bureau cannot verify its accuracy or if the information furnisher does not adequately respond. In some cases, an investigation may be initiated without immediate validation or deletion, indicating further review is underway.

Regardless of the outcome, retain all records related to the dispute process. This includes copies of letters sent, certified mail receipts, and any responses received from the credit bureaus.