How to get a car accident report in California
Every rule below is quoted from California law or a state agency, with a link. Checked September 17, 2026.
The short answer
California Highway Patrol collision reports are requested by creating an account and logging in to the CHP's Online Crash Report System. A driver must make a written report of a crash to the CHP or local police within 24 hours, unless it involves a common carrier vehicle, which follows a monthly reporting schedule instead.
Which agency has your report
The report comes from the agency whose officer came to the crash. On interstates and state highways that is usually the state police or highway patrol. On city streets it is the city police, and outside city limits it is often the county sheriff. Ask the officer for the report number before you leave the scene.
Requesting a state police crash report
California Highway Patrol collision reports are requested by creating an account and logging in to the CHP's Online Crash Report System.
“Log in to the Online Crash Report System”
Your reporting duties
When you must report to police
A driver must make a written report of a crash to the CHP or local police within 24 hours, unless it involves a common carrier vehicle, which follows a monthly reporting schedule instead.
“within 24 hours after the accident make or cause to be made a written report of the accident”
Whether you must file your own report
A driver must file a written accident report with the DMV within 10 days if the crash caused more than $1,000 in property damage, or any injury or death, using a DMV approved form (commonly called the SR-1).
“damage to the property of any one person in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or in bodily injury, or in the death of any person shall report the accident, within 10 days after the accident”
Sources on this page
Each one was opened and checked on September 17, 2026.
Know My Claim is not a law firm or a government agency, and this page is not legal advice. Laws change, so check the linked source before you rely on a deadline.