What Documents Do I Need to Dispute Items Off My Credit Report?

Mistakes on your credit report can happen for a variety of reasons. While disputing accurate information on your report won't get it removed, you may be able to get an item removed or amended if there is a real mistake. Depending on what the error is, there are several types of documents you might need to effectively question it. By law a credit reporting agency must dispute an error on a credit report within 30 days of being notified.

Dispute Letter

One of the most important documents you need to dispute a mistaken item on your credit report is the dispute letter. This is the letter you send to the credit reporting agency that published the mistake. The letter should clearly describe the mistake so it can be identified and understood. The letter should explain why the item is mistaken and how the credit reporting agency can correct the information.

Supporting Documentation

You should include a copy of any document that supports your description of events. If the amount or date of a charge is incorrect, you might want to send a copy of the receipt or of your credit card statement. If the item is a bankruptcy, judgment or lien, you may need to provide a copy of the court documents that prove your side of the story. When providing documentation, always use copies, not originals. Keep originals for your records in case you need them later. Keep records of when you sent your dispute letter and what documents you included.

Notice to Information Provider

You will also want to inform the entity that reported the erroneous information to the credit reporting agency, if possible. This is more of a courtesy notice than a required step, but giving the information provider notice of your dispute can speed up the credit reporting agency's investigation into your dispute and may prevent it from reporting additional erroneous information to the same or other reporting agencies. Provide a copy of any documents you sent to the credit reporting agency and keep a record of all your correspondence with information providers.

Other Correspondence

If, after an investigation, the credit reporting agency determines that your dispute is valid and the item was indeed in error, it must remove or correct the error in your report. At your written request, you can direct the credit reporting agency to provide notification of the correction to any person who received a copy of your credit report containing the error. To do this, send a brief letter to the reporting agency requesting this additional action. You will also be entitled to receive an additional free copy of your credit report after the error is corrected.