The DMV 262 Form Explained

The DMV 262 is California's official form for reporting a vehicle accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles. You file it when you are involved in a traffic collision that results in injury, death, or property damage over a certain threshold — typically $750 or more. The form documents what happened, who was involved, and the damage or injuries that occurred.

California law requires you to report certain accidents to the DMV within 10 days of the collision, even if you also filed a police report. The 262 form is how you make that report. Filing it protects your driving record and ensures the state has an official record of the incident. If you do not file when required, the DMV can suspend your driver's license.

You do not need to file a 262 if the accident involved only minor property damage under the threshold, if no one was injured, and if all parties exchanged information at the scene. However, if you are unsure whether your accident meets the reporting requirement, filing the form is safer than guessing.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file a DMV 262 within 10 days of an accident that caused injury, death, or property damage of $750 or more.
  • The form reports the accident to California's Department of Motor Vehicles, separate from any police report you may have filed.
  • You can file the 262 online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
  • Failing to file a required 262 form can result in a driver's license suspension, even if you were not at fault for the accident.
  • The form asks for details about the vehicles, drivers, passengers, and the nature of the damage or injuries.

When You Must File a DMV 262

California requires a DMV 262 report if your accident meets any of these conditions: someone was injured or killed, property damage exceeded $750, or a vehicle had to be towed from the scene. The $750 threshold is the key number — if damage is below that and no one was hurt, you typically do not need to file.

The 10-day important date starts the day of the accident. If you miss this window, the DMV may suspend your license. This suspension can happen even if the accident was not your fault, so the important date applies to all drivers involved, regardless of who caused the collision.

If you were in a hit-and-run accident or the other driver left the scene, you still need to file the 262 within 10 days. Report what information you do have — your vehicle, the damage, any injuries, and any details you remember about the other vehicle or driver. The DMV will note that the other party did not remain at the scene.

How to Get the DMV 262 Form

The DMV 262 form is available on the California Department of Motor Vehicles website under their forms section. You can read and print it, or you can request a copy by mail. The form is also available at any DMV office if you prefer to pick one up in person.

The form itself is straightforward and asks for standard information: your name, driver's license number, vehicle details, the date and location of the accident, a description of what happened, and information about any injuries or property damage. If there were passengers or other vehicles involved, you will need their details as well.

You do not need to obtain a police report number before filing the 262, though having one is helpful. If police responded to the scene, you can include the report number on the form. If no police report was filed, you can still submit the 262 without it.

Completing the DMV 262 Form

Start by filling in your personal information at the top: full name, driver's license number, current address, and phone number. Then move to the vehicle section and enter your vehicle's make, model, year, license plate number, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can find the VIN on your registration or on the dashboard.

Next, describe the accident. Include the date, time, and exact location — street names and cross streets work best. Write a brief but clear account of what happened: which direction each vehicle was traveling, what action each driver took, and how the collision occurred. Be factual and avoid admitting fault or assigning blame; straightforward describe the sequence of events.

In the damage section, list all injuries and property damage. If anyone was injured, describe the injuries and whether they required medical treatment. For property damage, describe what was damaged on each vehicle and estimate the cost if you know it. If you do not know the exact amount, write "over $750" or your best estimate.

If other vehicles or people were involved, fill in their information in the spaces provided. Include the other driver's name, license number, vehicle details, and insurance information if you have it. If you do not have complete information about the other driver, write down whatever you do know.

Where to Submit Your DMV 262

You have three options for filing the 262: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online filing is the fastest route and gives you when ready confirmation that the form was received. You will need to create a DMV online account if you do not already have one.

If you mail the form, send it to the address listed on the form itself — this is typically the DMV's Sacramento office. Mail takes longer to process, so submit it as soon as possible to stay within the 10-day window. Keep a copy for your records and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Filing in person at a local DMV office is also an option, though it requires a trip and may involve waiting. The advantage is that you can ask questions if you are unsure how to complete a section, and you get when ready confirmation that the form was received.

What Happens After You File

Once the DMV receives your 262 form, they will review it and add the accident to your driving record. This record is separate from any police report and is used by insurance companies and the DMV to track your accident history. The accident will appear on your record for a set period, typically three to five years depending on the severity.

If you filed the form on time and provided accurate information, your license will not be suspended. However, if the DMV determines that you did not file within 10 days or that you failed to report a required accident, they can suspend your license. You would receive a notice of suspension by mail.

Your insurance company may also use the 262 report when processing a claim. If you filed a claim with your insurer, they will likely have access to the DMV report and may use it to determine fault and coverage. The report itself does not assign fault — it is straightforward a factual record of the accident.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is missing the 10-day important date. Mark the important date on your calendar when ready after an accident and file as soon as you have the necessary information. Do not wait to see if the other driver files or to hear from your insurance company — file within 10 days regardless.

Another mistake is leaving sections blank or writing "unknown" for information you could obtain. If you have the other driver's information, include it. If you do not have it at the time of filing, you can sometimes file an amended form later with updated details. However, it is better to gather information before you file the first time.

Do not admit fault or use language that suggests you caused the accident. Stick to factual descriptions of what happened. Phrases like "I was not paying attention" or "I should have seen the other car" can be used against you in insurance disputes or legal proceedings. Describe the facts: speeds, directions, traffic signals, and the sequence of events.

Finally, do not assume that because you filed a police report, you do not need to file the 262. These are two separate reports. A police report goes to law enforcement; the 262 goes to the DMV. Both may be required, and filing one does not satisfy the requirement to file the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I was not at fault for the accident?

You still must file the 262 within 10 days if the accident meets the reporting threshold. Fault does not determine whether you file — only whether the accident caused injury, death, or property damage over $750. Filing does not assign fault; it straightforward reports that the accident occurred.

Can I file the 262 form if I do not have the other driver's information?

Yes. File the form with whatever information you have. If it was a hit-and-run or you could not get the other driver's details, describe the other vehicle as best you can and note that the other driver did not remain at the scene. You can file an amended form later if you obtain additional information.

What happens if I miss the 10-day important date?

The DMV can suspend your driver's license if you fail to file a required 262 form within 10 days. If you missed the important date, contact the DMV when ready and file the form anyway. Explain the delay and provide documentation of the accident, such as a police report or medical records. The DMV may reinstate your license once the form is received.

Do I need to file a 262 if the accident was very minor?

Only if property damage exceeded $750 or someone was injured. If damage was minor and under the threshold, and no one was hurt, you do not need to file. However, if you are unsure whether damage meets the threshold, it is safer to file than to guess and risk a license suspension.

Can I file the 262 form online if I do not have a DMV account?

You will need to create a free DMV online account to file electronically. This takes a few minutes and requires your driver's license number and some personal information. If you prefer not to create an account, you can mail the form or file in person at a DMV office.