There are certain times when you are entitled to a copy of your report free, no matter where you live. In the event of an adverse decision related to your employment, the employer is required to give you a copy of your report. Otherwise, the free report should be requested from the CRA. You are entitled to a free credit report:

• If you have been denied credit (you must request a copy within 60 days).
• If you are unemployed and intend to apply for employment in the next 60 days.
• If you are on public welfare assistance.
• If you have reason to believe your file contains inaccurate information due to fraud.
• If an adverse decision related to your employment has been made based in whole or in part on information contained in the report.
• If your report has been revised based upon an investigation you request.

To get a copy of your report you will have to give the CRA certain information. The information you need to provide may vary slightly, depending on the CRA you contact.

• Full name (and if a Jr., Sr., or II)
• Social Security number
• Driver�s license information
• Current address and your address within the last five years
• Date of birth
• Signature
• Home telephone number
• Employer

For a copy of your report write, call, or connect online with:

You may also obtain a copy of your credit report from companies who contract with the CRAs to sell their products. Many of these products are available on the Internet. Some companies sell a merged version of all three reports. They also provide credit monitoring services that alert you to activity on your report, such as any new credit accounts, the placement of negative information, inquiries from creditors, and so on. To find such companies, use an Internet search engine and look for "credit reports" and "credit monitoring." Be careful to examine these companies and their offers carefully. You will be asked to disclose sensitive personal information in order to obtain your report. Do your homework before signing on the dotted line. And do not fall for the promises of "credit repair services" and "credit doctors" who advertise on television and on the Internet. The vast majority of such services are ineffective, even illegal. Additional information on credit repair services is provided below.

These questions and answers are provided for IowaMotors.com users' general information. Although we make every effort to insure accuracy in the information provided, we cannot make any guarantees as to this accuracy. We urge you to consult your lawyer, accountant or tax advisor for specific legal or tax advice.