What Is a 609 Letter and How Does It Work?

A 609 letter serves as a consumer’s tool to address information on their credit report. Its general purpose is to request details about specific entries that appear on a credit file. It allows consumers to seek clarification or verification for items they believe may be inaccurate or unsubstantiated. This process connects directly to consumer rights regarding the accuracy of credit reporting.

Understanding the 609 Letter

A 609 letter is a formal written request sent to credit reporting agencies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Its aim is to prompt these bureaus to verify or remove certain information from a consumer’s credit report. The letter specifically references Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a federal law that grants consumers the right to access all information in their credit files and its sources.

While often called a “dispute letter,” a 609 letter does not directly initiate a dispute under FCRA Section 611, which governs the formal dispute process. Instead, its purpose is to compel credit bureaus to provide the documentation or evidence for an account or debt. If the credit bureaus cannot verify the accuracy of a specific item, they may be obligated to remove it from the report. This makes the 609 letter a starting point for uncovering unverified entries that could then become subjects of a formal dispute.

Preparing Your 609 Letter

Crafting an effective 609 letter requires careful preparation. Before writing, obtain a recent copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus to identify any potentially inaccurate items. This initial review helps pinpoint specific entries, such as incorrect account numbers, creditor names, dates, or amounts, that require verification.

Your letter must include personal identification information so the credit bureau can identify your file. This includes your full legal name, current mailing address, any previous addresses from the last two years, date of birth, and Social Security Number. Some bureaus may also request a credit report confirmation number.

State your intent to request information under Section 609 of the FCRA. For each item you are questioning, provide precise identification, such as the account name and account number. Request that the credit bureau provide documentation or evidence that substantiates the accuracy of the original creditor’s information.

Gathering supporting documentation is important to bolster your request. Common types of documents include copies of police reports for identity theft, payment confirmations, court documents, or account statements that contradict the credit report entry. Always send copies of these documents, not originals, as they will not be returned. Ensure the letter maintains a clear, concise, and professional tone.

Sending Your 609 Letter

Once your 609 letter is prepared, send it to each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Their mailing addresses for disputes are: Experian, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013; Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256; and TransUnion Consumer Solutions, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016-2000.

It is recommended to send your letter via certified mail with a return receipt requested. This provides proof that the letter was sent and received by the credit bureau, which can be important for tracking and follow-up. Remember to keep copies of your letter, all attachments, and the certified mail receipt for your records.

After Sending Your 609 Letter

Upon receiving your 609 letter, the credit bureau is required by the FCRA to investigate the disputed item within 30 days. This investigation period can extend to 45 days if you provide additional relevant information after the initial submission. During this time, the credit bureau will contact the data furnisher—the entity that originally reported the information—to verify its accuracy.

Once the investigation is complete, the disputed information may be verified as accurate and remain on your credit report. If the information is found to be inaccurate or cannot be verified by the data furnisher, the credit bureau must update or remove it from your report.

The credit bureau will notify you of the investigation results in writing. If changes were made to your credit report, they will provide an updated copy. Consumers should anticipate a timeline of approximately two to six weeks for resolution, accounting for mailing and investigation time.