New York Car Accident Reports

Get a Car Accident Report in the State of New York

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How to Report?

Car Accident in the State of New York

f you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in New York, securing a copy of the official police report is a crucial step for filing an insurance claim, preparing a legal case, or simply keeping accurate documentation. In New York, crash reports are completed by the investigating law enforcement agency and made available through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV) or the agency itself.

This guide explains how to request a crash report in New York, who can access it, and what information is included.

Who Can Access a Crash Report in New York?

New York accident reports are available to:

Drivers or passengers involved in the crash
Vehicle owners
Insurance companies handling related claims
Attorneys or legal representatives
Law enforcement agencies
Other interested individuals (some details may be redacted)

Reports involving minors or ongoing investigations may have limitations or restricted information.

What Agency Filed the Report?

The agency that responded to the scene is responsible for filing the accident report. This may include:

New York State Police (NYSP) – for crashes on highways and interstates
New York City Police Department (NYPD) – for accidents within the five boroughs
Local or Municipal Police Departments – for city- and town-level incidents
County Sheriff’s Offices – in rural or unincorporated areas

Guide To Report

How to Report Accident in New York

There are three official ways to request your New York car accident report:

1. Online via the New York DMV Crash Report System

The New York DMV provides a convenient way to access crash reports online for non-NYC areas.

To request a report:

Visit: https://dmv.ny.gov
Navigate to the “Crash (Accident) Reports” section
Use the DMV LENS System or the Crash Report Online Purchase System (CROPS)
Provide:
- Names of involved parties
- Crash date and location
- Report number (if known)
Pay the required fee ($7 search fee + $15 per report copy)

Reports are generally available within 7–10 business days.

2. For NYC Crashes (via NYPD)

If your accident occurred in New York City:

Visit: https://crashdocs.org or https://www.nyc.gov
Alternatively, visit the precinct where the crash was reported
Provide:
- Crash date and borough
- Names of drivers
- Report number (if known)

NYPD reports are free within the first 30 days, then may require a records request

3. Requesting by Mail (DMV Reports Only)

To request a report by mail:

Complete form MV-198C (Request for Copy of Accident Report)
Include:
- Crash details
- Names of involved individuals
- Fee payment (check/money order)
Mail to:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Accident Records Bureau
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228

4. From a Local Police Department

Outside NYC and state highways, local departments may keep their own reports. Contact their records division and follow their request process, including payment of any applicable fee.

5. Through Your Insurance Company or Attorney

Most insurance companies and attorneys will retrieve the report for you if you are involved in a claim or case. Check before filing your own request.

What’s Included in a New York Accident Report?

A typical New York crash report contains:

Names, addresses, and license details of involved drivers
Vehicle makes, models, VINs, and registration numbers
Insurance information for all parties
Date, time, and location of the crash
Weather and road conditions
Diagram and officer’s narrative of the incident
Injuries, fatalities, or EMS involvement
Citations or suspected violations
Witness statements (if available)

FAQS

About Report

Online (NY DMV): Within 7–10 business days
NYPD/Local PD: Often available in 5–7 business days
Serious crashes: May take longer depending on investigation status

You must request the report—it is not automatically mailed
DMV reports are available for up to 4 years from the crash date
Reports filed by NYPD must be requested separately from DMV
Ensure you know which agency filed your report to avoid delays

Don’t Waste time!

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Confused by New York’s multiple systems or agency-specific requirements? We’ve got you covered.

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