What you can and cannot do online after a crash
Most states do not let you file an official accident report through the DMV website. Instead, you file the report with the police department or highway patrol that responded to the crash — and many of those agencies now accept reports online if the accident was minor and nobody was injured.
The DMV itself handles what comes after: if you need to report the accident to your insurance company, request a copy of the police report, or check whether the crash affected your driving record, some of those tasks can be done through your state's DMV portal. But the initial accident report goes to law enforcement, not the DMV.
This matters because insurance companies and lenders often ask for the official police report number, and you cannot get that number until the report is filed with the agency that took it.
Key Takeaways
- File the accident report with the police department or highway patrol that responded, not with the DMV — many now accept online reports for minor crashes with no injuries.
- You will need the other driver's information, your insurance details, and photos of the damage to file online through most police departments.
- After the police report is filed, you can often view it or request a copy through your state's DMV website or the police department's own portal.
- If someone was injured or the crash was serious, you must file the report in person or by phone with the police — online filing is not available for those cases.
- Keep the police report number for your insurance claim and your records; the DMV will note the crash on your driving record once the report is processed.
Where to file the accident report online
Start by identifying which law enforcement agency responded to your crash. If it happened on a city street or in a town, contact the local police department. If it was on a state highway or interstate, contact the state highway patrol or state police. If you are unsure, call the non-emergency line for your city or county and ask which agency took the report.
Once you know the agency, visit their website and look for "accident report," "crash report," or "online reporting." Many police departments now have a dedicated portal or form. Some use third-party services like CrashReport.com or similar platforms that partner with local agencies. The form will ask for the date, time, and location of the crash, vehicle information for both drivers, insurance details, and often photos of the damage.
Not all agencies offer online filing yet. If the police department's website does not have an online option, you can file by phone at their non-emergency number or in person at the station. Having the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, vehicle make and model, license plate, and insurance company information ready will speed up the process regardless of how you file.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details before you begin the online form. You will need your own driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate, and insurance policy number. You will also need the same information for the other driver — their name, address, phone number, driver's license number, vehicle VIN, license plate, and insurance company and policy number.
If there were witnesses, write down their names and phone numbers. Take photos of all vehicle damage, the accident scene, traffic signs or signals, and road conditions if possible. If a police officer came to the scene, they will have given you a case or report number — have that ready too.
If you do not have all the other driver's information because they left the scene, report that to the police when you file. If you were hit by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run, the police report will document that, and your insurance company will use it to process your claim under your uninsured motorist coverage.
When you cannot file online
Online accident reporting is only for minor crashes with no injuries. If anyone was hurt — even if they seemed fine at the time — you must file the report in person or by phone with the police. The same applies if there was significant damage, if a vehicle had to be towed, or if the crash happened in a school zone or construction zone.
If you hit a parked car or property and the owner was not present, you still need to file a report, usually within a set time frame (often 24 hours). Some states require you to leave a note on the parked car with your information, and then file the report with police. Check your state's rules or call the police non-emergency line to confirm what you need to do.
Hit-and-run crashes — where the other driver left the scene — must also be reported to police in person or by phone, not online. Bring any photos, witness information, and details about the other vehicle if you have them.
How to access your accident report through the DMV
Once the police report is filed and processed, you can often view it or request a copy through your state's DMV website. Log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth, then look for "driving record," "accident history," or "report requests." Some states let you view the report when ready; others take a few business days to process it.
You can also request a copy directly from the police department that filed the report. Call their records or administrative division and ask for a copy of the accident report. There is usually a small fee, and they may mail it to you or let you pick it up in person. Some departments now email copies or let you read them through their online portal.
Your insurance company will also request the police report number and details. Provide them with the report number and the police department's contact information so they can pull it themselves if needed.
How the accident report affects your driving record
Once the police report is processed, the crash will appear on your driving record through the DMV. Whether it affects your insurance rates, your license status, or your ability to renew your registration depends on who was at fault, whether there were violations, and your state's rules.
If you were found at fault, your insurance rates may increase. If you received a traffic citation at the scene (for speeding, running a red light, etc.), that violation will also be on your record and will affect your rates. If the other driver was at fault, the crash may still appear on your record, but it should not count against you for insurance purposes — tell your insurance company that you were not at fault.
You can check your driving record anytime through your state's DMV website. If there is an error on the report — wrong date, wrong vehicle, wrong driver — contact the police department that filed it and ask them to file a correction.
Scams and safety alerts
Do not pay anyone to file an accident report for you. Filing a report with police is free. If a website or service charges you to file an accident report or to access your police report, it is a scam.
Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the DMV or police asking you to "verify" your accident information or click a link. The DMV and police do not contact people this way. If you receive a suspicious message, delete it and go directly to your state's official DMV website by typing the URL into your browser yourself.
If the other driver's insurance company contacts you, you can speak with them, but you are not required to give a recorded statement. You can ask them to contact your insurance company instead. Do not sign anything or agree to a settlement without consulting your own insurance company first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an accident report to show up on my DMV record?
It usually takes three to ten business days after the police report is filed, though it varies by state. You can check your driving record through your state's DMV website to see when it appears. If it has been more than two weeks and the report is not showing, contact the police department that filed it to confirm the report was submitted.
Can I file an accident report online if the other driver does not have insurance?
Yes, you can still file online through the police department's portal. When you fill out the form, note that the other driver was uninsured. The police report will document this, and your insurance company will use it to process your claim under your uninsured motorist coverage if you have it.
What if I do not know which police department to contact?
Call your city or county non-emergency police line and tell them where the accident happened. They will tell you which agency has jurisdiction and may transfer you or provide you with the correct phone number and website. You can also search online for "[your city] police accident report" to find the right department.
Do I need to file an accident report if the damage is very minor?
It depends on your state's rules and your insurance company's requirements. Some states require a report for any crash, even minor ones. Check your state's DMV website or call the police non-emergency line to confirm. Your insurance company may also require a police report to process a claim, even for small damage.
Can I get a copy of the other driver's accident report?
Police reports are generally public records, so you can request a copy from the police department that filed it. You will need the report number or the date and location of the crash. There is usually a small fee. You can also ask your insurance company to obtain it for you as part of handling your claim.