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How to Report?
How to Obtain a Car Accident Report in Ohio
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Ohio, obtaining the official crash report is an important part of filing insurance claims, preparing for legal action, or keeping accurate records. In Ohio, crash reports are completed by the investigating law enforcement agency and may be accessed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) or directly from the agency that filed the report.
This guide outlines who can request an Ohio crash report, how to obtain one, and what information is included.
Who Can Access a Crash Report in Ohio?
Crash reports in Ohio are public records and may be accessed by:
Drivers and passengers involved in the accident
Registered vehicle owners
Insurance providers and adjusters
Attorneys or legal representatives
Law enforcement and government agencies
Any member of the public (unless the report is restricted)
Reports involving fatalities, minors, or ongoing investigations may be redacted or have limited availability.
Which Agency Filed the Report?
Crash reports are completed by the law enforcement agency that responded to the scene. In Ohio, this may include:
Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) – for crashes on state highways and interstates
Municipal Police Departments – for crashes within city limits
County Sheriff’s Offices – for rural or unincorporated areas
Many of these agencies submit crash reports to the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) for centralized access.
Guide To Report
How to Obtain a Car Accident Report in Ohio
There are three official ways to request your Ohio car accident report:
1. Online via the Ohio Department of Public Safety
Most Ohio crash reports are available online through the ODPS Crash Retrieval System.
To request online:
Visit: https://ohtrafficdata.dps.ohio.gov
Search by:
Crash date
County or location
Last name of a party involved
Download the PDF report at no cost
Note: Only crash reports submitted electronically by the investigating agency are available online
2. From a Local Law Enforcement Agency
If your crash was handled by a local police or sheriff’s department:
Contact the agency’s records division
Submit a request in person, by mail, or via an online form (if available)
Provide:
Names of those involved
Date and location of the accident
Report number (if available)
Pay any applicable fees (usually $4–$10)
Some departments offer access through CrashDocs.org or LexisNexis
3. By Mail (if the agency allows)
If online or in-person options aren’t available:
Send a written request including crash details
Include your contact information and a check/money order (if required)
Mail it to the appropriate agency (not ODPS—ODPS only provides online access)
Always check with the department to confirm their mail-in process and fee structure.
4. Through Your Insurance Provider or Attorney
If you’ve filed a claim or retained legal representation, your crash report may have already been obtained. Check with your insurance company or attorney before requesting the report yourself.
What’s Included in an Ohio Crash Report?
A standard Ohio accident report will typically include:
Time, date, and exact location of the crash
Names, addresses, and contact info of involved drivers