What a DMV Report Is and When You Need One

A DMV report is a formal document you file with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to record an incident involving a vehicle. The most common reason to file one is after a traffic accident — the report creates an official record that the DMV keeps on file. Some states call this a crash report, accident report, or collision report. Other reasons to file include hit-and-run incidents, vehicle theft, or damage to your vehicle in a parking lot.

You do not always have to file a DMV report yourself. If police responded to the accident and wrote a police report, the police department usually sends that report to the DMV automatically. However, if no police officer was present, or if the damage was minor and police did not file a report, you may need to file one directly with the DMV. The requirement varies by state — some states require a report only if damage exceeds a certain dollar amount, while others require one for any accident.

Filing a DMV report protects you by creating an official record of what happened. It also protects your insurance company, because the report documents the incident and may help settle a claim. If you do not file when required and are later involved in a dispute, you could face fines or license suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • A DMV report documents a vehicle accident or incident and becomes part of your permanent DMV record.
  • Police departments typically send accident reports to the DMV automatically, so you may not need to file one yourself.
  • If police did not respond or did not file a report, you will need to contact your local DMV to find out whether you are required to file and how to do it.
  • The important date to file varies by state but is often between 10 and 30 days after the accident.
  • You will need the other driver's information, insurance details, and a description of what happened to complete the report.

When Police File a Report for You

If a police officer responded to the accident and filed a police report at the scene, that report is usually forwarded to the DMV within a few days to a few weeks. You do not need to file a separate DMV report in this case. The police report serves as the official record, and the DMV receives it through the normal law enforcement channels.

To confirm that a police report was filed, contact the police department that responded to the accident. Ask for the report number and the date it was filed. You can also ask the police department whether they send reports to the DMV automatically in your state, or whether you need to request that they do. Some departments require you to ask them to forward the report.

If you need a copy of the police report for your insurance claim, you can request it from the police department directly. There is usually a small fee for a copy. The police report will have a case number or report number that you can reference when you contact your insurance company.

How to File a DMV Report When Police Did Not Respond

If no police officer was present at the accident, or if the officer did not file a report, you will need to contact your local DMV to find out whether you are required to file one. The requirement depends on the dollar amount of damage and your state's laws. Some states require a report only if damage exceeds $500, $1,000, or another threshold. Other states require a report for any accident, regardless of damage.

Call your local DMV office and explain what happened. Tell them the date of the accident, the location, and approximately how much damage occurred. The DMV staff member can tell you whether you are required to file a report. If you are, they will explain what documents you need and how to submit them. Some DMVs allow you to file online, by mail, or in person.

If you are required to file, do so as soon as possible. Most states have a important date of 10 to 30 days after the accident. Filing late can result in fines or license suspension, even if the accident was not your fault. If you miss the important date, contact the DMV when ready and explain why. Some DMVs will accept a late report if you have a valid reason.

Documents and Information You Will Need

To file a DMV report, gather the following information before you contact the DMV or begin the filing process:

  • The date, time, and exact location of the accident
  • Your driver's license number and vehicle registration number
  • The other driver's name, address, phone number, and driver's license number
  • The other driver's vehicle make, model, year, and license plate number
  • The other driver's insurance company name and policy number
  • A description of what happened and how the accident occurred
  • The names and contact information of any witnesses
  • Photos of the damage to both vehicles, if you have them
  • The police report number, if a police officer filed a report

If the accident involved a hit-and-run or a parked vehicle, you may not have the other driver's information. In that case, provide as much detail as you can about the other vehicle — color, make, model, partial license plate number if you saw it, and the time and location where the damage occurred. If you have photos or video, include those as well.

How to Submit Your Report to the DMV

The method for filing varies by state. Some DMVs accept reports online through their website, others require you to mail a form, and some require you to file in person at a local office. Check your state's DMV website to find the correct form and the filing method they accept.

If you are filing by mail, print the form, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include copies of any supporting documents — photos, police report number, witness statements, or insurance information. Do not send original documents; send copies only. Keep a copy for your records and send the originals to your insurance company if they request them.

If you are filing online, the DMV website will guide you through each step. You will enter the information about the accident, the other driver, and any witnesses. Some online systems allow you to upload photos or documents. After you submit, the DMV will send you a confirmation number. Save this number for your records.

If you are filing in person, bring the completed form and any supporting documents to your local DMV office. The staff member will review your form, answer any questions, and process it on the spot. You will receive a receipt or confirmation that your report was filed.

What Happens After You File

After you file a DMV report, the DMV records the incident in your driving record. This record is available to insurance companies, law enforcement, and in some cases to the public. The report does not determine fault — it straightforward documents that an accident occurred and provides the details you reported.

Your insurance company will use the DMV report, along with the police report if one exists, to investigate your claim. They will contact the other driver and their insurance company to determine who was at fault. The DMV report is one piece of evidence they consider, but it is not the only factor.

If you are found to be at fault for the accident, the incident will remain on your driving record for a set period — usually three to five years, depending on your state. This can affect your insurance rates. If you are not at fault, the incident may still appear on your record, but it should not affect your rates as much.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing

Do not wait until the important date is almost here to file. If you miss the important date, you may face fines or license suspension. File as soon as you know you are required to do so.

Do not leave sections of the form blank. Fill out every field completely and accurately. If a field does not explore to your situation, write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank. Incomplete forms may be rejected, and you will have to resubmit.

Do not exaggerate or minimize the damage. Describe what happened as accurately as you can. If you are unsure about details, say so on the form. Do not guess at dollar amounts for damage; if you do not know, write "unknown" and let the insurance companies determine the actual cost.

Do not assume the police report was filed with the DMV. Contact the police department to confirm. If they did not file it, ask them to do so, or file your own DMV report to may support there is an official record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file a DMV report if the other driver's insurance will cover the damage?

Whether you are required to file depends on your state's law and the dollar amount of damage, not on whether insurance will cover it. Check with your local DMV to find out the requirement. Even if you are not required to file, filing one creates an official record that can help your insurance claim.

What if I do not have the other driver's insurance information?

Provide as much information as you can on the report — the driver's name, address, phone number, and vehicle details. If you do not have the insurance information, write "unknown" on the form. Your insurance company can contact the other driver to obtain their insurance details, or the DMV may be able to help locate them.

How long does it take for the DMV to process my report?

Processing time varies by state and by filing method. Online reports are often processed within a few days. Mail-in reports may take two to four weeks. In-person filings are usually processed when ready. Contact your local DMV if you need to know the status of your report.

Will filing a DMV report increase my insurance rates?

Filing a report does not automatically increase your rates. Your rates depend on whether you are found to be at fault for the accident. If you are not at fault, the report should not affect your rates. If you are at fault, your rates may increase, but this is determined by your insurance company, not by the DMV report itself.

Can I file a DMV report more than 30 days after the accident?

Most states have a important date of 10 to 30 days after the accident. Filing late may result in fines or license suspension. If you missed the important date, contact your local DMV when ready and explain the situation. Some DMVs will accept a late report if you have a valid reason for the delay.