How to Get a Media Credential in Chicago

What the media credential is for

Under the municipal code, the Superintendent of Police can issue news media credentials that make the holder, when displaying the credential prominently and in plain view, eligible to gain access to areas reserved for the news media for the purpose of gathering and editing spot news or photographing news events in Chicago. (source: chicagopolice.org)

Who can get a media credential in Chicago

Full-time employees of a valid Chicago news major media outlet who work as a reporter, producer, camera operator, photographer or engineer. (source: chicagopolice.org)

Eligibility requirements

• Hold a valid Illinois driver's license or Illinois State ID.
• Be a full-time employee of a valid Chicago news major media outlet working as a reporter, producer, camera operator, photographer or engineer.
• Have the application submitted on your behalf by the outlet's editor, bureau chief, news director or station manager, with a signed letter on company letterhead explaining your role and contributions.

(source: chicagopolice.org)

How to apply

1. Read the City of Chicago Municipal Code for News Media Credentials (chapter 4-328). (source: chicagopolice.org)
2. Complete all fields of the News Media Credentials Application (PDF). (source: chicagopolice.org)
3. Your employer's editor, bureau chief, news director or station manager submits the application on your behalf, with a signed letter on company letterhead explaining your role and contributions to the outlet. (source: chicagopolice.org)
4. Include an official letter on agency letterhead from the editor, bureau chief, news director or station manager confirming your full-time, active status as a reporter, producer, camera operator, photographer or engineer. (source: chicagopolice.org)
5. By signing the application you certify that you have never been convicted of any weapons offense or sex offense and have no active criminal warrants on file. (source: chicagopolice.org)
6. Attend your scheduled appointment. First-time applicants are photographed. The appointment is automatically cancelled if the applicant fails to appear within 15 minutes of the scheduled appointment time. (source: chicagopolice.org)
7. If the application is approved, bring a valid photo ID to obtain the credential. (source: chicagopolice.org)

Apply on the official site: official media credential application. (source: chicagopolice.org)

Guidance from the issuing office: the Chicago Police Department (Communications & News Affairs). (source: chicagopolice.org)

Cost, timeline, and how long it lasts

• How long it lasts: The credential is valid for a period set by the Superintendent of Police, not to exceed two years from the date of issuance (MCC 4-328-050). (source: chicagopolice.org)

Picking up and wearing your media credential

• Pickup: If the application is approved, you need to bring a valid photo ID in order to obtain the credential. (source: chicagopolice.org)
• Display: The holder must display the credential prominently and in plain view on their person. (source: chicagopolice.org)

Contact the issuing office

• Email: mediacredentials@chicagopolice.org
• Phone: (312) 745-6110
• Chicago Police Department Communications & News Affairs, Attn: Media Credentials

(source: chicagopolice.org)

What the sources say, and where they differ

Official pages do not always agree with each other. Where we found a difference, we say which source this guide follows.