What a DMV Police Report Is and Where to Request It

A DMV police report is a document the Department of Motor Vehicles issues when law enforcement requests your driving record or vehicle history for an investigation or court case. You do not request this report yourself — police or a court asks the DMV to produce it. However, if you need a copy of a police report that involves a vehicle or traffic incident, you will need to contact the police department that wrote the report, not the DMV.

The confusion often arises because traffic stops and vehicle-related incidents create two separate documents: a police report filed by the officer, and a DMV driving record that tracks violations and accidents. The DMV maintains the driving record. The police department maintains the incident report. If you were in a crash or received a ticket, the police report comes from the police; your DMV record comes from the DMV.

If you are trying to obtain a document related to a traffic stop, accident, or citation, you need to know which agency holds what you are looking for before you contact either one.

Key Takeaways

  • Police reports about traffic incidents are filed with the police department, not the DMV, and you request them from the police agency that responded to the incident.
  • Your DMV driving record shows violations, accidents, and license status but is separate from the police incident report.
  • To get a police report, contact the police department's records bureau or non-emergency line and provide the date, location, and names involved in the incident.
  • Some police departments allow online requests for reports; others require you to visit in person or mail a written request with a fee.
  • Processing times vary by department but typically range from a few days to several weeks depending on the report's age and complexity.

How to Request a Police Report from the Police Department

Start by identifying which police agency responded to the incident. If it happened on a state highway, contact the state police or highway patrol. If it was in a city or town, contact that municipality's police department. If it was on private property, the property owner may have called a specific agency. The non-emergency police line can tell you which department has the report.

Call the police department's records bureau or administrative office and provide the date of the incident, the location, the names of people involved, and the type of incident (traffic stop, accident, etc.). Ask whether they have a report on file and what their process is for obtaining a copy. Many departments now allow online requests through their website; others require a written request by mail or in-person visit to the records window.

Be prepared to pay a fee. Police departments typically charge between $5 and $25 per report, though some provide the first copy free if you are directly involved in the incident. Ask about the fee and accepted payment methods when you make your request. Processing times range from same-day to several weeks, depending on how old the report is and how busy the records bureau is.

When You Actually Need Your DMV Driving Record Instead

If you need proof of your driving history — for insurance purposes, a court case, or employment — you want your DMV driving record, not a police report. Your driving record shows all violations, accidents, and license suspensions on your account. You can request this directly from your state's DMV through their website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Driving records are faster to obtain than police reports because they are maintained in a central database. Most states allow you to print a copy online within minutes. If you request by mail, allow one to two weeks. The fee is typically $5 to $15. You will need to provide your driver's license number or full name and date of birth.

If a court or insurance company asked you for a "police report," clarify whether they actually need the incident report from police or your driving record from the DMV. Many times they want the driving record because it is the official record of violations and accidents tied to your license.

Requesting a Report When You Are Not Directly Involved

If you are requesting a police report but were not directly involved in the incident — for example, you are a witness, an attorney, or a family member — you may face additional restrictions. Some police departments release reports only to people named in the report or their legal representatives. Others have public records laws that allow broader access.

When you contact the records bureau, explain your relationship to the incident and why you need the report. If you are an attorney or acting on behalf of someone involved, have documentation ready. If you are a witness or member of the public, ask what the department's policy is on releasing reports. Some departments require a formal public records request under your state's Freedom of Information Act or equivalent law.

Public records requests are often slower than requests from people directly involved, sometimes taking 30 days or more. The department may also redact certain information, such as social security numbers or addresses, before releasing the report to you.

What Information You Will Need to Provide

Gather these details before you contact the police department or DMV:

  • The date and time of the incident (or approximate date if you are unsure)
  • The location or address where the incident occurred
  • The names of all people involved, if known
  • The type of incident (traffic stop, accident, citation, etc.)
  • Your driver's license number (if requesting your own driving record)
  • The police report number, if you already have it

The more specific you can be, the faster the records bureau can locate the report. If you have a report number from a previous contact with police, provide that — it will speed up the search significantly. If you only have a vague date or location, the search may take longer or the department may not be able to find the report.

Online and In-Person Request Options

Many police departments now offer online portals where you can request reports. Visit the police department's website and look for "Records Request," "Police Reports," or "Public Records." Some departments use third-party services that allow you to upload your request and track its status. Online requests often cost slightly more than in-person requests but are faster and more convenient.

If online options are not available, you can visit the police department's records window in person during business hours. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait. Some departments process requests when ready if the report is recent and straightforward; others ask you to return in a few days. Bring cash or a check, as not all departments accept cards.

Mailed requests require a written letter with all the incident details, your contact information, and payment. Mail it to the police department's records bureau address (found on their website). Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the report mailed back to you. Allow two to four weeks for processing when you mail a request.

Common Reasons the Police Department Cannot Find Your Report

If the police department tells you they have no record of a report, it may be because the incident was never formally reported, the report was filed under different details than you remember, or the report is archived and takes longer to retrieve. Ask the records bureau to search by multiple details: try different date ranges, nearby locations, or variations on names.

If you received a citation or ticket, the report may be filed under the citation number rather than the date. If you were in an accident, the report may be filed under the other driver's name or the insurance claim number. If the incident happened more than five to ten years ago, some departments archive old reports and may charge a higher fee or take longer to retrieve them.

If the department still cannot locate the report after a thorough search, ask whether the incident was ever formally reported to police. Sometimes people call police but the officer does not file a written report, or the report is filed as a different type of incident than you expected. In that case, you may need to file a new report or obtain documentation from another source, such as insurance or medical records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a DMV police report the same as a police incident report?

No. A police incident report is filed by the officer who responded to the incident and is held by the police department. A DMV driving record shows your violations and accidents and is held by the DMV. They are two separate documents from two separate agencies.

Can I get a police report online?

Many police departments offer online request portals on their websites. Some allow you to read reports when ready; others require you to submit a request and wait for processing. Check your local police department's website to see what options they offer.

How much does a police report cost?

Fees typically range from $5 to $25 per report, though some departments provide free copies to people directly involved in the incident. Ask the records bureau about their fee schedule and whether you may have access to for a free or reduced-cost copy.

How long does it take to get a police report?

Processing times vary. Online requests may be ready within hours or days. In-person requests can sometimes be processed when ready. Mailed requests typically take two to four weeks. Public records requests from people not directly involved may take 30 days or longer.

What if I do not know which police department has the report?

Call the non-emergency police line for the city or area where the incident occurred and explain what happened. They can tell you which agency responded and how to contact that department's records bureau. If it happened on a highway, contact your state police or highway patrol.