Porter County Sheriff's Department

• How do I file a police report?

• How do I obtain a copy of a police or accident report?

• How do I obtain a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check for my vehicle?

How do I file a police report?

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. If not, and if you live within county limits, call (219) 477-3000. Advise the dispatcher that you wish to file a police report. After the dispatcher obtains the necessary information, a police officer will then be dispatched to your location. If you choose, you can also file the report at the sheriff's department, located at 2755 State Road 49, Valparaiso. Either way, you can file a report twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

How do I obtain a copy of a police or accident report?

You can obtain a copy of police report by either coming directly to the sheriff's department, located at 2755 State Road 49, Valparaiso or by requesting one via mail or www.buycrash.com

Our records department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

To speed up the process of obtaining a police report, please provide at least two of the following identifiers:

name of subjects involved;

date and time of incident;

location of incident; and

type of incident.

PLEASE NOTE REGARDING ACCIDENT REPORTS: Accident reports are not always available until three working days after a report is filed. Accident reports cost Five dollars ($5) cash or money order.

PLEASE NOTE REGARDING REQUESTING REPORTS VIA MAIL: Your request must have two of the identifiers as noted above. If you are requesting an accident report, please enclose a check for Five dollars ($5) made payable to "Porter County." and a return address.

How do I obtain a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check for my vehicle?
or a Hull Identification Number (HIN) check for my boat?

The most common reasons the BMV requires a identification number check on you vehicle include: (1.) you purchased a vehicle with an out-of-state title; (2.) you moved to Indiana from out-of-state; (3.) you purchased a trailer without a VIN number; (4.) you built a new trailer; and/or (5.) you have an error on your title.

VIN/HIN  checks are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling (219) 477-3000. Normal VIN/HIN check hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Holidays excluded if coming on station.

You must have the proper paperwork for the vehicle, including the title.

There is a five dollar ($5) fee for a VIN/HIN check, which the officer will collect at the time he or she completes the inspection. A receipt will be issued.