Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to get a release and how much is it?

Vehicles are released to the register owner ONLY. You must provide a current state ID/DL. A tow release is $20 fee if you reside in the city of EC, if you reside out of the city then it's a $30 fee. (Money Order, Debit/Credit Card, NO CASH)

The City of East Chicago charges a fee for each report. We accept Money Orders, Company Checks, Credit or Debit Card. We do not accept cash.

INCIDENT REPORTS (EC resident-$10 fee/ Non-resident-$15)

ACCIDENT REPORTS (EC resident-$15 fee/ Non-resident-$25)

ARREST REPORTS (EC resident-$10 fee/ Non-resident-$15)

TOW RELEASE (EC resident-$20 fee/ Non-resident-$30)

We go by the address on your ID (NO EXCEPTIONS)

Background Checks are only local record checks (which means we only check for a record in the city of East Chicago, IN).

Background Checks are $25 fee if you reside in the city and $35 fee if you reside out of the city.

Accident reports take 5-7 business days to clear with the state and will be available for the public. You will need the case number or drivers information to retrieve a copy. A copy of the report is $15 for EC residents/$25 for non-resident. You can also go online to obtain a copy of the report www.buycrash.com

Vin checks are done on Tuesday's only 9am-3pm

The fee is (EC resident-$10 fee/ Non-resident-$20)

For Company trucks/trailers/semi's you gave to contact Traffic Sgt. Parks 219-391-8436 and make an appointment.

We do not check salvage title vehicles.

Contact our Gun Permit line 219-516-2200 and leave the necessary information its requesting. If you fail to leave the correct information you will not get a call back for an appointment.

Contact Service Division Lt. Alamo 219-516-2244

Call 219-516-2200

The phone call will go straight to a voice mail.

Please have the following information ready to leave on the voice mail & speak clearly:

• Your applications number (it should start with a 176 or 177 or 178)
• Your first & last name.
• A working phone number to reach you.

Once we receive your information you will be put on our gun permit list.

We will then contact you to arrange a date to pay your local fees.

Please note to the high demand for gun permits it may take a few weeks before we can contact you.

It is very important that you leave your application number so we can pull and check the status to get the expiring applications in ASAP.

If your application does expire, we will contact you and inform you how to update your application.