How To Use ChiTEXT

After texting "Chicago" to "311311", step 2 is to reply “A”, “B”, or “C” to “311311”.

OPTION A:    CONTACT INFORMATION 

ChiTEXT maintains a data repository of keywords associated with frequently requested information.   The following list indicates various departments, agencies, or utilities available to search through ChiTEXT.

1. Aldermanic Information / Offices
2. Aviation Information (Chicago)
3. Board of Elections
4. City Stickers / City Clerk
5. City of Chicago Services / Information
6. Cook County Services / Information
7. Community and Economic Development Association CEDA (Share the Warmth)
8. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
9. Electricity / Power (Com Ed)
10. Gas Service (Peoples Energy)
11. Federal Services / Information
12. Festival and Events (Chicago)
13. Public Health (Chicago)
14. Illinois Government
15. Landlord / Tenants Rights
16. Library Information
17. Park District Services / Information
18. Police Non Emergency - Information / Issues
19. Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)
20. Secretary of State Services / Information
21. Towed Vehicles
22. Vital Records

ChiTEXT provides contact information for the above commonly requested government agencies/utilities.  The user must  reply with the command keyword “CHICONTACT” and associated category (i.e.,  CHICONTACT marriage license).  After replying to 311311 as indicated, ChiTEXT will respond with the name of agency, phone number, and website address (i.e. Vital Records (312) 603-7790 http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/vitalrecords).

OPTION B:   LOCATION SEARCH

ChiTEXT provides the ward/alderman and police beat/district information based upon a provided street address.

The user must  reply with the command keyword “CHIWARD” plus street address. After replying to 311311 as indicated, ChiTEXT will respond with the street address provided, ward, alderman, ward office address, and telephone number.

Likewise, for location of police beat/district information, users will text “CHIPOLICE” plus street address.  

After replying to 311311 as indicated, ChiText will respond with the street address provided, police beat, police district, police station address, and telephone number. 

OPTION C:  TOWED/RELOCATED VEHICLES

ChiTEXT provides information regarding towed or relocated vehicles with the license plate number provided. The user must  reply with the command keyword “CHITOW” plus the license plate number.  After replying to 311311 as indicated, ChiTEXT will respond with the license plate number, date towed/relocated, location of vehicle, and invoice number.

• Text "STOP 311311" to cancel alerts.
  
• Message and data rates may apply.
• Text "HELP" to "311311" for SMS usage information or send email to: chicago@agent511.com.

ChiTEXT supports all major cell phone carriers.  (Please note: Message and data rates may apply.) The City of Chicago will expand this feature as necessary to help ensure our continued response and communication with users.