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Credit Report Authorization (Consent) Form

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Updated December 15, 2025

A credit report authorization form is a document authorizing an individual or organization to perform a credit check on an individual. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that a third party obtain consent before viewing another person's credit history.[1]

Can be used for

  • Applying for credit;[2]
  • Business transactions (landlord-tenant);[3]
  • Child support enforcement;[4]
  • Court order (or grand jury subpoena);[5]
  • Employment;[6]
  • Eligibility for a Government license or benefit;[7]
  • Insurance (underwriting);[8]
  • Prescreened offers of credit or insurance;[9]
  • Review or collection of a credit account;[2] or
  • With written consent.[1]

How it Works

1. Provide a Reason for the Credit Check

person explaining purpose of credit report to applicant

The requesting party must:

  • Disclose their name;
  • The reason for collecting the credit report; and
  • Verify that the information obtained will not be used for any other purpose.[10]

2. Completing the Form

person filling out Credit Report Authorization Form on laptop

The consumer must include their personal information, signature, and the requesting party’s name.

  • Applicant’s details
    • Full name
    • Social security number (SSN)
    • Date of birth
    • Driver’s License No.
    • Current address
    • Previous address (last 3 years)
  • Requesting party’s name
  • Applicant’s signature
  • FCRA Disclosure Form (employment only[11]).

3. Obtaining a Real Signature

applicant providing e-signature using stylus and tablet

The document must be authorized in writing by the consumer.[12] This can also be done electronically.[13]

4. Run the Credit Report

person running credit check on laptop

A consumer’s credit can be run through any qualified provider.

5. Inform the Consumer

applicant receiving results of credit check over the phone

After the consumer report is generated and reviewed, the consumer must be informed whether it was approved or rejected.

If Rejected

Adverse Action Letter: The consumer must be notified that their rejection was due to information mentioned in a consumer report.[14]

Credit Reporting Agency: The credit agency’s name, address, and phone number must be provided.[15]

Copy of Credit Report: Notice that the consumer can obtain a copy of their credit report within 60 days[16] and their right to dispute.[17]

Sample

Download: PDF, MS Word, ODT

Video

 

Sources

  1. 15 U.S. Code § 1681b(a)(2)
  2. 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(a)(3)(A)
  3. 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(a)(3)(F)(I)
  4. 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(a)(4)
  5. 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(a)(1)
  6. 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(a)(3)(B)
  7. 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(a)(3)(D)
  8. 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(a)(3)(C)
  9. 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(c)(1)
  10. 15 U.S.C. § 1681e(a)
  11. 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(b)(2)(A)(i)
  12. 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(b)(2)(A)(ii)
  13. 15 U.S.C. § 7001(a)(1)
  14. 15 U.S. Code § 1681m(a)(1)
  15. 15 U.S. Code § 1681m(a)(3)(A)
  16. 15 U.S.C. § 1681m(a)(3)(B)
  17. 15 U.S.C. § 1681m(a)(3)(C)